2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement. Positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac, the Yukon aimed to deliver a premium experience without the plushness of a Buick. The redesigned 2021 model, available in various trims including the off-road-focused AT4 and the upscale Denali, was priced from an MSRP of $58,548. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, offering a sophisticated cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more upscale appearance compared to its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart, thanks to its intricate grillework and chrome accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it drew mixed reviews due to its Audi-esque grille. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhanced the Navigator's tech appeal. The Navigator's interior comfort was further elevated with 30-way power-adjustable front seats and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system. The Navigator's spaciousness and comfort, especially in the third row, remained a strong selling point, making it a formidable competitor in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration, though it was not the most fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's fuel consumption averaged 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The SUV's ride quality was improved with an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, though the 22-inch wheels could make pavement irregularities more noticeable. The Yukon Denali's towing capacity was 3,629 kilograms, slightly less than its predecessor and competitors like the Ford Expedition.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, produced 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, featuring Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the SUV averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing. The Navigator's performance was further enhanced by its four-wheel drive system and substantial ground clearance, making it capable in various driving conditions.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, lacked a massage function and could feel hard over long drives. The second-row seats offered improved comfort and cargo room, with a power release function for easier access to the third row. The third-row seat provided better thigh support and adult-friendly accommodations. Cargo volume was impressive, with the Yukon Denali offering up to 3,480 litres of space with seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and available with a massage function. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, featured an upgraded entertainment system. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive, thanks to the Navigator's independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with the Navigator offering up to 2,925 litres of volume with seats collapsed, and even more in the long-wheelbase Navigator L.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, equipped with the Ultimate Package, featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, though it was criticized for its flat sound quality. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, offered entertainment options, though streaming content required some setup. Additional tech features included a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The system's voice recognition was improved, though not flawless. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also offered an optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering a sensational sound experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS systems operated smoothly, providing a subtle yet effective driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The Navigator's safety features were designed to enhance driving convenience and safety, though the technology's limitations required driver vigilance.