GMC Yukon vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

In terms of visual appeal, the 2022 GMC Yukon offered a bold and striking presence, especially appealing to those who favored chrome accents. Even the base SLE model was adorned with enough shiny elements to give it a premium look. Climbing up to the Denali trim level, the extensive use of chrome became even more evident. The Denali's front, almost entirely constructed of chrome, was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional grille resembling an industrial-sized cheese grater. This unique design, along with the commanding presence bolstered by the C-shaped headlights and 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, accentuated the vehicle's luxurious vibes.

Inside, the Yukon's spacious cabin was tastefully crafted, offering plenty of room with standard seating for eight (with an option to increase it to nine in the SLE). The higher trims like Denali and AT4 came with heated and cooled front seats and unique interior designs. Specifically, the Denali's Teak/Light Shale color combination provided a contrasting and sophisticated look, with natural wood details adding layers to its premium feel. The AT4's Jet Black interior sported exclusive Brandy accents and embroidered AT4 emblems on the seats, heightening the custom experience.

On the flip side, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a design rooted deeply in Jeep’s tradition while presenting a modern twist. Although similar to the previous year’s Grand Cherokee L, the new two-row version brought its own charm. The Grand Cherokee's signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and styling influences from the 1963 Wagoneer gave it a blend of heritage and modernity. Jeep also offered various trims, like the simple and affordable Laredo, the off-road-specific Trailhawk, and the luxurious Summit Reserve, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the '21 Grand Cherokee L with a focus on quality. While the base Laredo trim provided a sense of underlying substance even with its cloth seats, the Summit Reserve indulged passengers with premium leather, a McIntosh high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Some trims offered a black roof option, and more exterior paint colors were anticipated. Overall, the Grand Cherokee delivered a well-rounded, refined interior experience.

Performance-wise, the 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, emphasizing power and versatility. Standard on all trims except the Denali was a 5.3-liter V8 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Denali and available AT4 trim featured a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine, outputting 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines utilized direct injection and cylinder-deactivation technology for fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, new to the Yukon lineup, became available on all trims except the AT4. This "Baby Duramax" engine produced 277 horsepower and a whopping 460 pound-feet of torque, ideal for those prioritizing fuel economy and long-range travel, as it could cover up to 648 miles on a single tank. All engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering choices between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The off-road AT4 was exclusively 4WD, featuring unique front styling for a better approach angle and a front skid plate for off-road protection.

On the other hand, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, excluding any turbocharged four-cylinder options but introducing a plug-in hybrid variant later in the year. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. Meanwhile, a 5.7-liter V8, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

The Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess was underscored by three different 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each catering to varying off-road requirements. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, was embedded with Quadra-Drive II, electronic locking rear differential, and Quadra-Lift air suspension, ensuring superior off-road capabilities.

Despite the Trailhawk's off-road adjustments, such as a firmer suspension and tire whir on pavement, the V6 engine remained a sensible choice for most buyers, given its balance of weight, efficiency, and performance. The V8, although thrilling in sound and power, came at a higher cost and lower fuel economy.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in providing spacious interior accommodations, especially with the focus on enhancing third-row passenger comfort. The redesign resulted in a significant improvement in third-row legroom, from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches, making it much more comfortable for adults. Additionally, cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet, courtesy of a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length. The move to an independent rear suspension further contributed to the increased usable space.

The Yukon's second-row seats folded flat with ease, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available to simplify access to the third row. The test model featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats, coupled with a convenient power-sliding center console, enhancing storage accessibility.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, although smaller than its three-row counterpart, provided a comfortable experience for driver and front passenger across all trims. The redesign aimed at improving visibility, which was notably beneficial during off-roading adventures. The available panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. However, rear-seat space remained tight, especially for taller passengers; thus, the three-row Grand Cherokee L was better suited for carrying larger groups or more cargo.

Comparatively, the Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats and expanded to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, it did fall short compared to the Yukon's third-row layout. The Grand Cherokee L version provided an additional inch of second-row legroom and a larger cargo capacity, catering to those prioritizing more space.

Technology in the 2022 GMC Yukon began with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center in front of the primary gauges, offering access to phone, audio, and navigation functions controlled via the steering wheel. The Denali test model came equipped with a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, providing critical information such as speed, alerts, and even an inclinometer for off-road stats.

The centerpiece of the Yukon's technology was a 10.2-inch touchscreen sitting atop the center stack. Standard infotainment included Google Built-In features, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and wireless phone charging. The 14-speaker Bose audio system, while adequate, did not entirely meet high expectations for sound richness. The rear-seat media system featured dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens compatible with multiple media formats.

Contrarily, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee came packed with contemporary technology, setting a high bar in the segment. The next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system boasted a significant edge in responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, upgradable to a 10.1-inch screen in higher trims, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM 360L. Available upgrades included navigation and HD Radio.

Jeep also offered impressive features like a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens for entertainment. A standout was the "front passenger interactive display," enabling the front passenger to assist with navigation or entertainment, adding a new dimension to the driving experience.

Safety in the 2022 GMC Yukon was anchored by GMC's Pro Safety suite, standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alerts, blind-spot warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts. The test Yukon featured a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror, aiding driver awareness. The NHTSA awarded the Yukon an overall rating of four out of five stars, with differing scores across crash tests.

Similarly, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee emphasized safety through a robust package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Jeep incorporated substantial use of aluminum and high-strength steel in the structure, with only 27% mild-grade steel remaining. The Grand Cherokee included features like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Jeep's forward-looking approach promised a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist, allowing for semi-autonomous driving under specific conditions.