GMC Yukon vs Lexus TX

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome lover's dream, with even the base SLE model featuring enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance. As one moved up the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, gave the vehicle a unique and commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels contrasted beautifully with the dark Redwood Metallic paint, while the AT4 trim offered a distinct look with its dark grille and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim offered exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the elegant Teak/Light Shale color combo. The AT4 trim had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents, adding to its unique appeal.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims, offered a modern and sleek design. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint. The large grille retained some of the older spindle shape but was complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear featured LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler. Inside, the TX offered a choice of interior colors, with the PHEV adding a dark brown Peppercorn option. Ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles, while innovative, seemed unnecessary. The TX provided a spacious third row with a recline function, and the second row featured captain's chairs with a removable center console. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were a mix of screen-based and physical dials.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower. The Denali trim came standard with the 6.2-liter engine, while a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine was available on other trims, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for better off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension provided a smoother ride and increased ground clearance for off-roading.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, with a charge mode to use the gasoline engine for charging the battery. The TX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps well. The all-wheel drive system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's brakes were firm and linear, making it a comfortable choice for long road trips.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a redesign increasing third-row legroom to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row expanded to 25.5 cubic feet, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options made accessing the third row easier. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps aided entry and exit. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced traditional gear shifters, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports for each seat. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats lacked thigh support, but the heating function was excellent. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured 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 included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali's Bose 14-speaker audio system was adequate but lacked the richness expected from Bose. The rear-seat media system offered dual 12.6-inch touchscreens compatible with various media formats.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues were noted. The TX offered a clear backup camera with a bird's-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. The vehicle featured seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including 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 Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist was a feature often turned off due to its random activation. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test.