GMC Yukon vs Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of models, from the basic to more luxurious trims, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded in 2021 to include the rugged Timberline and opulent King Ranch trims, and in 2022, the ST-Line was introduced, adding a sporty aesthetic to the popular XLT trim. Our King Ranch test vehicle, equipped with 4WD, extra-cost Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, came to a total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $59,880, including the destination charge.

Despite the distinct King Ranch emblems, 20-inch 10-spoke shiny wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, visually differentiating the King Ranch from other Explorer models was a bit challenging. Nonetheless, the Explorer was an appealing SUV with its long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapered greenhouse, creating a taut and athletic appearance. The blacked-out roof pillars enhanced the familiar “floating roof” effect, making it visually unique.

Inside, the King Ranch was adorned with exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding on the seats and center armrest pad. The interior came in only one color combination, so anyone desiring an alternative could opt for the Platinum trim. Though the cabin showcased a mix of both quality and questionable materials, it mostly felt worthy of its near $60,000 price tag, despite occasional reminders of the Explorer’s base trim.

The 2022 GMC Yukon sported a distinguished and bold look accented by an abundant use of chrome. Even the base SLE model had enough shiny elements to give it a premium look. By the time one reached the Denali trim, chrome dominated, with an extensive multi-dimensional grille resembling an industrial-sized cheese grater, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights. The large 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels on our test vehicle, part of the optional Ultimate package, popped against the dark Redwood Metallic paint.

The Denali model commanded presence with its unique look, whereas the off-road-focused AT4 featured a distinctive dark grille, a skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon boasted a well-crafted, spacious cabin, with the Denali offering specially designed interiors not available on other trims. Our test vehicle featured the Teak/Light Shale color combination, with contrasting light and dark colors, unique stitching, and natural wood details, providing a premium feel. The AT4 trim sported a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details, adding an exclusive flair.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrain options. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims were equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD as an option. This engine could tow up to 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving.

An efficient hybrid drivetrain was optional for the Limited trim and could reduce the price of the Platinum trim by $1,400. Based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, it generated a combined 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, towing up to 5,000 pounds and delivering up to 27 mpg combined. It came with RWD or 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

For those prioritizing acceleration and maximum towing capacity, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine towed up to 5,600 pounds and achieved up to 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The twin-turbo V6 delivered plenty of power and satisfying acceleration, though the hybrid powertrain offered the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability, lacking in the King Ranch trim.

The Explorer rode more like a traditional SUV than a crossover, maintaining robustness over bumps and off-road terrain, with the King Ranch navigating moderately challenging trails despite having just 7.9 inches of ground clearance. For daily driving, the Explorer felt athletic and proved engaging to drive.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including an economical diesel option. Most trims, except the Denali, came with a 5.3-liter V8 generating 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Denali and optional AT4 had a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines featured direct injection and cylinder-deactivation technology.

New to the lineup was a 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, available on all trims except the AT4 due to packaging. It produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and allowing up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard RWD and optional 4WD (standard on AT4).

The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package, which included Hitch Guidance, an in-vehicle trailering app, and trailer side blind-spot warning. Our test Denali, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds. While the exhaust note had a satisfying growl, it didn't match the sonorous tone of the Infiniti QX80's V8.

As part of its redesign, the Yukon featured an independent rear suspension, improving passenger and cargo space, handling, and ride quality. Though there was some bouncing over uneven pavement, the ride was generally smooth and quiet, especially with the optional air ride adaptive suspension, which also helped in off-roading by raising ground clearance by two inches.

For families, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort, especially with the second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger capacity. Our King Ranch test vehicle was fully equipped, featuring triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The massage function on the front seats further added to the comfort. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children, as access was difficult and adult passengers found it cramped and uncomfortable.

Practical storage inside the Explorer fell short, with several missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. Still, thoughtful touches like built-in cupholders in the rear seats and a shallow tray between the captain’s chairs added convenience. Our King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon had significantly improved third-row space following its redesign, offering 34.9 inches of legroom. Cargo space also increased, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and a move to an independent rear suspension contributed to this improvement.

Second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats made access to the third row easier. Our test Yukon had power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats. An impressive feature was the power-sliding center console, revealing additional storage space and a hidden drawer for valuables.

The power-retractable, illuminated assist steps on our Denali Ultimate Package added convenience and a touch of excitement, though they could be troublesome in wet conditions.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two Sync 3 infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen well integrated into the dashboard, and a 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen appearing as an afterthought. Our test vehicle featured a full suite of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services with remote engine start, WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. It also included a wireless smartphone charging pad, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system.

However, the older Sync 3 system showed its age, with voice recognition shortcomings, difficulty in finding specific locations, and limitations in using spoken commands for various functions. The 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0 were useful features, though the rear-seat entertainment system and next-generation Sync 4 were missed.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a well-rounded technology package, with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions, controlled via the steering wheel. Our Denali test vehicle featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, providing a vast array of information, including off-road inclinometer details.

A 10.2-inch touchscreen atop the center stack came with Google Built-In, providing access to various Google services and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also included wireless phone charging, a trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional WiFi hotspot.

Our test vehicle had a Bose 14-speaker audio system, though it fell short of typical Bose quality. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats, enhancing rear passenger entertainment.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) across all trims. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn't published complete ratings for 2022, though earlier models earned five-star ratings across most categories, with four stars for rollover resistance.

Standard on all Explorers, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features in the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions for added safety.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. GMC Pro Safety Plus, available on SLE and standard on higher trims, added lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist.

Our test Yukon included a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility. In NHTSA tests, the Yukon received an overall rating of four out of five stars, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS hadn't tested the current-generation Yukon yet.