GMC Yukon vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

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 ascended 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, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater, yet it worked to give the vehicle a unique look and commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in its third generation. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, with a frameless grille and a curved wing bar connecting the headlights, creating a Cheshire cat-like smile. The black plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish. The Limited Hybrid trim included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, creating an airy atmosphere.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 featured a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for better control on challenging terrain. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-horsepower traction motor, producing a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system used two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, with a driveshaft for power delivery, provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The X-Mode traction management system offered dirt/snow and deep snow/mud settings, with hill-descent control for downhill stability. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and body lean was reduced compared to older models.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, with its three-row seating, offered improved third-row legroom of 34.9 inches, up from 24.8 inches, thanks to a redesign that included a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. 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. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced traditional gear shifters, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model had 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for a range of up to 597 miles. Rear-seat legroom was 36.7 inches, more than the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging, two cupholders, and deep door pockets.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, a 15-inch head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. The infotainment system offered a range of connectivity options, though the Bose audio quality was not as rich as expected.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map did not display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The 2025 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though IIHS ratings were lower due to crash test results.