GMC Yukon vs Ford Escape

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking presence on the road, especially for those who appreciated a generous application of chrome. Even the base SLE model exuded a premium aura, but it was the Denali trim that truly embraced the shiny aesthetic, with a front end almost entirely constructed of chrome. The Denali's oversized grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, was flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, giving the SUV a commanding presence. The test vehicle's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint, adding to the Yukon's bold look. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo, which added layers of texture and a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape adopted a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a more traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. The ST-Line Elite trim we tested sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked appealing but felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat allowed for easy customization. The interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy, but the overall design was functional and durable.

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 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, known as the "Baby Duramax," was also available, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with impressive fuel economy. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, although some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension provided a smoother ride and increased ground clearance for off-roading.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The latter was available exclusively with AWD and provided better acceleration and passing power. The Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, making it comfortable on rough roads, but it lacked the precision of a performance crossover. The brakes were predictable and linear, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in interior space, with a redesign that increased third-row legroom by over 10 inches, making it more comfortable for passengers. Cargo space behind the third row also grew to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options made access to the third row easier. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, adding convenience. Power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package, aiding entry and exit. The pushbutton transmission controls required some adjustment but became intuitive with use.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The front-door armrests were well-positioned, and the head-up display was easy to adjust. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space compared to segment leaders, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for rear passengers.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch head-up display on the Denali trim. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bose 14-speaker audio system was adequate, and the rear-seat media system included dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. The Denali Ultimate Package added further tech features, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured Sync 4 technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen improved the cabin's look and offered easy navigation between applications. Sync 4 was intuitive, though slightly slow to respond. The volume knob's placement was inconvenient, but the system's overall functionality was impressive.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with varying scores in individual tests. IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.