2022 GMC Yukon Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Three-row SUVs have all but replaced minivans in the hearts of many drivers. One thing is certain about the 2022 GMC Yukon - it is a big vehicle. While this leads to many perks, it can also cause some issues for the SUV. If you have been exploring your options when it comes to vehicles with seating for up to eight, you might be wondering if the 2022 Yukon is worth pursuing. To help you decide, here are some of the pros and cons that you should be aware of.

What's New for 2022?

GMC completely redesigned the Yukon for 2021, meaning there was not much left to do for this model year. Still, the vehicle did gain Google-based controls for its infotainment system. The more powerful V8 engine that was once exclusive to the Denali trim level is also now available for the AT4, making this off-road-oriented trim level even more appealing.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 GMC Yukon – The Pros

1. All the Cargo Space You Could Need

The interior of the 2022 Yukon is huge. There are 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space to work with if drivers need all three rows of seats up. Folding down just the third row will mean having 72.6 cubic feet while folding down both of the back rows will mean getting access to the full 122.9 cubic feet. Starting with the SLT model, the 2022 Yukon comes with a hands-free liftgate that will make loading this SUV even easier.

2. Spacious Seating in All Three Rows

Another advantage of the Yukon's size is the amount of space it gives passengers. Many large SUVs are only comfortable for adults in the first and second rows, but the Yukon has plenty of room in its third row as well. Both the headroom and the legroom are generous. This SUV can easily transport eight adults for a long period of time without them feeling cramped. Some models can only seat seven, however, due to second-row captain's chairs.

3. Climate Control System Gets the Job Done

One struggle that many large SUVs share involves the climate control system. It can be difficult to get the hot or cold air to the entire cabin, which often leaves passengers in the back rows uncomfortable. All models of the Yukon are equipped with tri-zone automatic climate control, and it is quite impressive how well the system moves air around the interior.

4. Powerful Engine Options

A 5.3L V8 engine comes standard for the SLE, SLT, and AT4 models of the Yukon. It creates 355-horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, which moves even this large SUV around with no trouble. Available for the AT4 and standard for the Denali is a 6.2L V8, which allows the Yukon to pump out 420-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. If you are a diesel fan, the SLE, SLT, and Denali can be equipped with a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel that makes 277-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

5. Available with an Adaptive Air Ride Suspension

The four-corner air ride adaptive suspension that is available helps the Yukon glide smoothly over nearly all of the bumps in the road. It enhances ride comfort, and it can also increase the ground clearance up to 2-inches when the situation calls for it. This feature is only available for the top trim level as part of the Denali Ultimate package, which also includes a rear-seat entertainment system and power-retractable side steps.

6. Easy-to-Use Cutting-Edge Tech

A 10.2-inch touchscreen is at the center of the Yukon's intuitive infotainment system. Now that they have added Google-based voice-control services, this system is even more useful in day-to-day life. All four trim levels are equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and six conveniently spread-out USB ports. Both HD and satellite radio are also included. Stereo systems range from the standard six-speaker setup to a sophisticated 14-speaker setup from Bose.

7. Available with Extended Wheelbase

It is hard to imagine the Yukon not being big enough, but if that is the case, there is also the Yukon XL to consider. For an extra $2,700, you can get an SUV that is approximately 1.3-feet longer. This translates to an amazing 41.5 cubic feet behind the third-row, 93.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 144.7 cubic feet behind the first row. There is also a little extra legroom for passengers to stretch out in the Yukon XL.

8. AT4 Trim Level Offers Some Off-Road Capability

The AT4 trim level of the 2022 Yukon is for those adventurous drivers out there. With an approach angle of nearly 32 degrees, this model can get places that the others simply cannot. It also comes standard with features like red tow hooks and all-terrain tires for helping handle life off the beaten path. The AT4 is also available with an active response 4WD system to make it even more capable.

9. Available 15-inch Head-Up Display

The head-up display is a feature that is growing in popularity with drivers. It allows you to see the important info you need right in your line of sight, eliminating the need to take your eyes off the road. The 2022 Yukon is available with a beautiful 15-inch color head-up display that can tell you the speed limit, the speed you are driving, and information about your audio. It can also inform you if the forward collision alert or lane departure warning features are activated.

10. Comfortable and Quiet Interior

Passengers will love going for rides inside the Yukon. Even without the available air suspension, this vehicle does an admirable job of isolating the cabin from bumps in the road. It also prevents most road and wind noise from getting in, something that helps give the Yukon an upscale feel. If you opt for the Denali trim level, you will find an interior that rivals many luxury SUVs.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 GMC Yukon – The Cons

1. Hard to Handle

Of course, there has to be a downside to the considerable size of the Yukon. You are going to want to measure the height and width of your garage before bringing this SUV home. It may also be hard to find parking spots and even make it around the corner on a busy city street. Obviously, this is even more true if you have opted for the Yukon XL with its extended wheelbase.

2. Thirsty Fuel Consumption with V8 Engines

On top of the maneuverability issue, large SUVs have problems with fuel economy. This is true of the 2022 Yukon. It is estimated to get 15mpg in the city and 20mpg on the highway if you stick with rear-wheel drive and the 5.3L V8 engine. This may be close to average, but upgrading to the larger V8 will mean going down to just 14mpg in the city. If drivers really want a Yukon but need better fuel economy, the diesel will have them seeing 21mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway.

3. High Starting Price

With a starting price well over $50,000, the 2022 Yukon is far from cheap. The AT4 will cost you around $68,295, and going all of the way up to the Denali will mean shelling out at least $71,000. There are rivals of the Yukon with considerably lower starting prices.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 GMC Yukon vs. 2022 Ford Expedition

The Expedition is very similar to the Yukon in significant ways. They are both large and truck-based, for example. Both are also quite large and thirsty. The Expedition has particularly impressive towing numbers and a slightly lower starting price. On the other hand, the Yukon comes standard with more safety features. The right choice will depend on what is more important for your daily driving needs.

2022 GMC Yukon vs. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Yukon and the Tahoe are identical in many ways. They have the exact same powertrain lineup and many of the same standard features. They were both also completely redesigned in 2021. Many people may find they prefer the Tahoe. While its interior is not quite as luxurious, it is considerably more affordable than the Yukon. Since the two SUVs are so alike, why not save a little money if you can live without an ultra-upscale cabin?

Conclusion

The 2022 GMC Yukon is a great choice for families that need space, comfort, and convenience, assuming they do not mind paying its high price. Future models would benefit from a more fuel-efficient standard engine. Not much can be done about the maneuverability, however, without reducing the size that the Yukon is known for. GMC should also consider either lowering its starting price or throwing in a few more standard features to make the Yukon feel like a better deal than it currently does.