GMC Yukon vs Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This version featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, and the interior boasted a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The Ascent Onyx Edition's styling gave the SUV a sporty appearance, but the interior's metallic trim and dashboard design set an appropriate mood.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon showcased a premium look with an abundance of chrome, especially on the Denali trim. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, giving it a commanding presence. The 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and dark Redwood Metallic paint added to its striking appearance. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim had unique front styling with a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight and available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle sporting the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg combined, though our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement, creating an unsettled sensation when engaged.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension, providing better handling and a smoother ride. However, our test vehicle exhibited some bouncing over rutted pavement under acceleration, though it delivered a smooth, quiet ride on most surfaces.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though third-row comfort was limited for taller adults. The Ascent Onyx Edition included water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened to nearly a 90-degree angle. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third-row seat, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered ample first- and second-row passenger space, with significant improvements in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. Our test Yukon featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats. The Denali trim included a power-sliding center console with additional storage space and a hidden storage drawer. The power-retractable, illuminated assist steps made it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with available Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim included a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class. The standard infotainment system had a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, the system's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and available blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Yukon received an overall rating of four out of five stars 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 current-generation Yukon as of this writing.