GMC Yukon vs Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a bold statement in chrome, especially evident in the Denali trim, which featured a front almost entirely constructed of the shiny material. This design choice gave the Yukon a distinctive and commanding presence, with its oversized chrome grille and signature C-shaped headlights. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels contrasted beautifully with the dark Redwood Metallic paint, adding to its premium 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 boasted unique interior designs, such as the Teak/Light Shale color combo, which added layers of texture and a premium feel. The AT4 trim, with its off-road orientation, featured a Jet Black interior with exclusive Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details, providing a custom look.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its chrome-laden competitors. The base model offered a refined look without the gaudy grille seen in some rivals. However, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and massive wheels. Inside, the GLS 450's interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one piece of glass, providing a sleek and modern look. While the GLS 450's interior was high quality, it was perhaps too subdued for those seeking more opulence. The AMG and Maybach models offered additional luxuries, such as reclining rear seats and performance-oriented interiors, catering to different tastes within the luxury SUV segment.

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 producing 420 horsepower, both featuring direct injection and cylinder-deactivation technology. 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, 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, 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 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This system added 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in short bursts, enhancing performance. The GLS 450's engine was smooth and powerful, with the electric assist seamlessly integrated. The GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic models featured a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, with the AMG version producing up to 603 horsepower. All GLS models came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS 450's air suspension offered adjustable ride height but exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with significant improvements in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also grew to 25.5 cubic feet. The redesign included a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension, resulting in a lower floor and more usable space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, adding convenience. Power-retractable assist steps made entry and exit easier, though they could be challenging to keep clean in wet conditions. The pushbutton transmission controls required some acclimation but offered a modern touch.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the bench seat offering adjustable legroom. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading, and power-folding seats and a power tailgate added convenience. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted, such as grab handles with no clear purpose and undersized sun visors.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. A 15-inch head-up display was standard on the Denali, offering driving speed, safety aids, and off-road information. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Denali's Bose 14-speaker audio system was adequate but lacked the richness expected from Bose. The rear-seat media system featured dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, compatible with various media formats, though adapters were needed for some devices.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition being the most effective. The touchpad controller was overly sensitive, making it difficult to use. The graphics were visually appealing, but the navigation system had issues, such as suggesting inefficient routes. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature found in the S-Class.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Pro Safety Plus added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the Yukon at the time of writing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The GLS had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.