2022 GMC Yukon vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome lover's dream. Even the base SLE model had enough shiny elements to give it a premium look. As you moved up the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome became even more prominent, especially with the front grille that resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater. This design choice gave the Yukon a unique and commanding presence, particularly with the 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels that stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim also had its own distinct look, featuring a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks.

Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium feel. The AT4 trim had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details, giving it a custom look. All three rows were comfortable, even for taller passengers, and the Denali's heated and cooled front seats added to the luxury.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim arrived with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and it featured subtle yet sporty design elements like chicane-design LED running lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The panoramic sunroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes added to the vehicle's upscale feel.

Inside, the MDX Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the body design had some angles that made it look like it had a massive dent, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made some controls hard to find. The electronic transmission switchgear was also confusing, even for those familiar with it.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, 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 came with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, 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, except on the AT4, which came with 4WD only.

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 independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, especially for third-row passengers. However, the ride could be bouncy over rutted pavement, although the optional air ride adaptive suspension helped smooth out most surfaces and improved off-road capability by raising the vehicle's ground clearance.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode that increased ground clearance. However, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation.

The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating of 19 mpg. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but guzzled fuel. The Electro-Servo brake system and Continental self-sealing performance all-season tires didn't inspire confidence, and the vehicle's dynamic components didn't work in concert, making it hard to trust the MDX Type S when driving with enthusiasm.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered ample space for passengers and cargo, thanks to a redesign that increased third-row legroom by more than 10 inches and cargo space behind the third row 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 power-sliding center console revealed additional storage space, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps made getting in and out easier. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, adding to the modern feel.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, but the seats didn't hold you in place as well as expected. The second-row seat could be adjusted for more legroom, but the third row was best suited for children. The cabin's design prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a touchpad interface that took up valuable space. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali trim featured a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. However, the Bose audio system's sound quality was underwhelming.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, but the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive. Instead, it used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive and took up valuable space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display and a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality with uncompressed music files.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA but hadn't been tested by the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead exit sign.