2022 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking presence on the road, especially for those with a penchant for chrome. Even the base SLE model boasted enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome accents became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The multi-dimensional grille, reminiscent of an industrial-sized cheese grater, gave the Denali a unique and commanding presence. The Yukon Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint, adding to its allure. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin, with standard seating for eight and the option for second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven but enhancing third-row access. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo, which added layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a seamless blend of elegance and Jeep's signature ruggedness. The L model, introduced first, made the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Its design was unmistakably Jeep, with a seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Grand Cherokee L exuded luxury, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The interior layout was reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a tactile quality that justified its price. The spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, even in the third row, and the optional lighter tan leather added a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, new to the lineup, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for better off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension enhanced the ride, especially on highways, and provided additional ground clearance for off-roading.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, with engine noise permeating the cabin under acceleration. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more satisfying performance. A 4xe plug-in hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, though it was not tested. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various terrains. The vehicle's towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, with its three-row seating, offered improved third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches, thanks to a redesign that included a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, adding convenience. Power-retractable, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package, aiding entry and exit. The pushbutton transmission controls, located near the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but offered a modern touch.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, with a damped click for a premium feel. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were found lacking in airflow. The rotary shifter and wireless phone charging added convenience, though some interface lag was noted.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, offering access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. A 15-inch multi-color head-up display, standard on the Denali, provided driving speed, safety aids, and off-road information. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system, though the sound quality was not as rich as expected. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. New for 2022, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch rear-seat touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV were introduced. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, though lower trims had less impressive audio systems.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. A Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, 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.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control, along with the driver aids mentioned earlier.