2022 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 GMC Yukon aimed to stand out with its extensive use of chrome, especially evident in the base SLE model, which showcased a generous spread of shiny details. This approach was clearly intentional by the time you reached the Denali trim, which was nearly all chrome, fronted by a vast, multi-dimensional grille reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater. This dominant chrome facade, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, gave the Denali a unique, commanding presence befitting a full-size luxury SUV. The test vehicle's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, complemented the deep Redwood Metallic paint.

Alternatively, the off-road-oriented AT4 trim sported a unique front with a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks.

Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, expandable to nine in the SLE with an optional front bench seat. The SLT and AT4 trims offered second-row captain’s chairs as an option, minimizing seating to seven but easing access to the third row, which was standard on the Denali. Fabric seats were standard on the SLE, while other trims featured perforated leather. Both the AT4 and Denali came with heated and cooled front seats. The Denali featured exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the elegant Teak/Light Shale color combination, enhanced by unique stitching and natural wood details.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator exhibited more restrained but luxurious styling updates. The SUV debuted new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a redesigned front end featuring a larger grille that, however, seemed less commanding than the previous iteration. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design ethos, enhanced by Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment theme, reflecting the colors of a twilight sky.

The Navigator’s Black Label variant, tested with the new Central Park theme, featured a green interior with second-row captain’s chairs equipped with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The total sticker price for the model reached $106,530, reflecting its premium features and design.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided a choice of three engines. Standard for most trims was a 5.3-liter V8 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Denali, and optionally the AT4, came with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The newest addition was the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, which offered 277 horsepower but an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque. This diesel engine boasted an excellent fuel economy, allowing the Yukon to travel up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD optional (except the AT4 which was only available with 4WD).

For off-road conditions, a two-speed transfer case was standard or optional depending on the trim, with the AT4 featuring a nearly 32-degree approach angle and a front skid plate. The Yukon's towing capacity maxed out at 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter V8 and appropriate trailering package. The test Denali model, with its 6.2-liter V8, offered an 8,200-pound tow rating, providing robust power.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator maintained its use of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a strong 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Matching with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered RWD or 4WD, achieving a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, contingent on wheelbase and drivetrain configurations. New for 2022 was an evolved adaptive-damping suspension called Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for bumps and potholes ahead for a smooth ride.

On Arizona roads, the Navigator’s adaptive suspension and heavy 22-inch wheels handled imperfections seamlessly. The vehicle's new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal response, addressing past concerns. The drive from Scottsdale to Payson, with fresh snow and significant elevation, showcased the Navigator's twin-turbo V6's effortless power and the efficient 4WD system.

Fuel economy rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and during the test drive, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg, demonstrating solid efficiency for its class.

The 2022 GMC Yukon focused on rectifying past criticisms of its third-row seating by significantly increasing legroom from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches, making it more comfortable for all passengers. This expansion didn’t compromise cargo space, which behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet from the previous 15.3 cubic feet. The gains came from a wheelbase stretch and additional vehicle length, coupled with the move to independent rear suspension, which also contributed to a lower floor for more usable space.

The second-row seats folded flat and were optionally power fold-and-tumble, adding convenience. The power fold-flat third-row seats in the test Yukon were appreciated. A novel feature in the Denali was the power-sliding center console that revealed extra storage and a hidden drawer for valuables.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer its plush 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The prominent upgrade was the second-row captain’s chairs, which now featured heating, ventilation, and massage, paired with an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system.

Rear passengers in the Navigator enjoyed comfortable and supportive seating. The Navigator’s third row was particularly accommodating, benefitting from generous legroom thanks to the independent rear suspension.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Navigator provided 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for the Navigator L). When folded down, it offered 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 in the L model), and with second-row seats stowed, the maximum cargo volume reached 103.3 cubic feet (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation controls via the steering wheel. The Denali model included a massive 15-inch multi-color head-up display, giving essential information at a glance, including an off-road inclinometer.

The central 10.2-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with Google Built-In services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple connected services. The Denali’s Bose 14-speaker audio system, however, fell short of our high expectations, offering adequate but not exceptional sound quality.

Moreover, the rear-seat media system in the Denali featured dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens compatible with various media formats, although requiring adapters for some devices.

Conversely, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator's significant tech update was the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a substantial 13.2-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller display. The interface supported dual data panels and was supplemented by physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate control.

Sync 4 featured enhanced voice recognition and supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although the system had occasional hiccups with specific commands, the overall user experience was improved. The vehicle offered a rear-seat entertainment system fortified with Amazon Fire TV, providing easy access to major streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system in the test vehicle delivered an exceptional audio experience.

Every 2022 GMC Yukon included the GMC Pro Safety suite, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and other driver aids. GMC Pro Safety Plus added lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist.

The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror in the Yukon added to the safety measures, enhancing visibility and alerting the driver to potential hazards. The NHTSA awarded the Yukon an overall rating of four out of five stars, with high marks in side crash protection but slightly lower scores in frontal crash and rollover resistance tests.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems like Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and Active Park Assist 2.0, along with the debut of ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology. The standard surround-view camera system added to the safety features.

While Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection aimed to prevent unsafe movements and guide the vehicle away from non-paved areas, Active Park Assist 2.0 managed parking tasks autonomously. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, although it required continuous driver attention.