GMC Yukon vs Lexus RX

The 2022 GMC Yukon showcased an affinity for chrome, which was abundantly featured even in the base SLE model, lending it a premium aesthetic. By the time customers reached the higher Denali trim, it was clear that the abundance of chrome, including a front dominated by an industrial-sized cheese grater-like grille, was intentional. This grille was flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, enhancing the Yukon's commanding presence. Our Denali test vehicle featured 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, which contrasted vividly against its dark Redwood Metallic paint.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a sleeker, more modern design. Though it had grown in width and wheelbase, it maintained the same overall length as its predecessor. The reduction in rear overhang, softer design lines, and floating roof effect made it appear smaller and more streamlined, both in photos and in person. The spindle-style grille was better integrated into the vehicle's design, complemented by an elevated hood and upswept body lines that resembled the Lexus IS sedan. At the rear, the RX featured a light-blade taillight design and a sporty bumper.

Inside the Yukon, the spacious cabin featured a mix of seating options ranging from cloth seats in the SLE to perforated leather in higher trims. Notably, the Denali trim offered exclusive upholstery designs, which included a Teak/Light Shale interior that added a luxurious touch with contrasting colors and natural wood details. The AT4 trim featured a rugged Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum. The availability of second-row captain's chairs in certain trims provided flexibility in passenger capacity and ease of access to the third row.

In comparison, the interior of the 2023 Lexus RX emphasized modernity and sophistication. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather, exclusive seat designs with ten-way power adjustment, and a heated and ventilated front seat package. Its Peppercorn interior, with suede accents and black open-pore wood trim, added to the refined atmosphere. For those preferring a sportier vibe, the RX 350 F Sport Handling offered Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats with Dark Graphite trim and Rioja Red NuLuxe as an option.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in offering varied engine choices. The base 5.3-liter V8 engine produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, affectionately called the "Baby Duramax," offered 277 hp and a robust 460 pound-feet of torque, with the added benefit of delivering exceptional fuel economy. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although this engine offered less horsepower compared to the outgoing V6, it provided greater torque and better high-altitude performance. However, it was criticized for not being as smooth and refined as the V6. The RX 350 Advanced variant, equipped with all-wheel drive and adaptive damping suspension, delivered a solid and confident performance. The RX 350 F Sport Handling, particularly in Sport mode, felt more sure-footed and eliminated most of the unwanted bouncing and rolling experienced in the Luxury trim.

Fuel economy was also a point of comparison. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 24 mpg in combined driving, although our tests showed slightly lower figures of 21.8 mpg. In contrast, GMC emphasized the diesel Yukon's potential to travel up to 648 miles on a single tank, reflecting its focus on fuel efficiency in its diesel variant.

The 2022 GMC Yukon's redesign significantly improved its interior space, particularly in the third row, which saw an increase in legroom from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. This improvement did not come at the expense of cargo space, which also saw an increase to 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The additional room was a result of a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch, six inches of additional length, and a switch to independent rear suspension. Power fold-and-tumble second-row seats and power-folding third-row seats added to the Yukon's practicality.

Conversely, the 2023 Lexus RX offered a comfortable cabin with several storage areas. However, its cargo space remained a concern. With the second row in position, the RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of storage, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This volume, although an improvement over its predecessor, remained less generous compared to the Yukon. The RX did offer comfortable and adjustable front seats, with the optional semi-aniline leather in the Luxury model adding a touch of sophistication. Rear seat comfort was also commendable, although taller passengers might find headroom somewhat constraining.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted an array of technological features. The driver-focused 12-inch reconfigurable information center offered access to essential functions such as phone, audio, and navigation. The 15-inch head-up display, standard on the Denali, was the largest in its class and included information on speed, lane-departure warning, and an off-road inclinometer. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system was equipped with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. Although the rear-seat media system's dual 12.6-inch screens and various connectivity options enriched the entertainment experience, the audio quality of the Bose system did not meet expectations.

Similarly, the 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services plans. The Drive Connect plan offered three years of Intelligent Assistant and Destination Assist services. Despite its advanced voice recognition technology, occasional inaccuracies in navigation directions were noted. The Mark Levinson 21-speaker premium sound system required adjustment for optimal sound quality. Furthermore, the RX provided digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and options for a digital rearview mirror and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2022 GMC Yukon was equipped with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The GMC Pro Safety Plus package added features such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror further enhanced safety. The Yukon earned an overall safety rating of four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with specific ratings in front, side crash protection, and rollover resistance.

In parallel, the 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced three semi-autonomous driving technologies: Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. However, issues were noted with the adaptive cruise controls' unmarked buttons and the curve-speed reduction technology, which could be counterintuitive for drivers.