2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, blending traditional elements with modern touches. While maintaining its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, stood out as the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and unique options such as wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced a bold, chrome-heavy design, especially evident in the Denali trim with its vast, multi-dimensional grille and 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim featured unique front styling with a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, including the Teak/Light Shale color combo, while the AT4 featured a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents. The power-sliding center console and power-retractable assist steps added convenience and a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base FWD T5, which was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon came with rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and handling, especially for third-row passengers. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride comfort and off-road capability.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal console storage. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2022 GMC Yukon improved third-row legroom by over 10 inches, offering 34.9 inches of legroom. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available. The power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats added convenience. The power-sliding center console revealed additional storage space and a hidden drawer for valuables. The Denali trim featured power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. The pushbutton transmission controls were located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, requiring some acclimation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the amount of text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were not USB-C.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless phone charging, and an available WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim had a Bose 14-speaker audio system, which was adequate but not exceptional. The rear-seat media system featured dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered standard safety features such as lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. GMC Pro Safety Plus added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The NHTSA gave the Yukon a four-star overall rating, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.