2022 GMC Yukon Denali

2022 GMC Yukon Overview

The 2022 GMC Yukon, a full-size SUV renowned for its commanding presence and robust capabilities, continues to offer a compelling blend of luxury, utility, and performance for families and adventurers alike. Building upon its recent redesign, the 2022 model year refines the Yukon's already impressive package with thoughtful additions and continued excellence in key areas.

Highlights

• Engine Options: The 2022 Yukon offers three distinct powertrain choices to suit various needs and preferences:

  • 5.3L V8: The standard engine, delivering ample power and respectable fuel economy for everyday driving and light towing.
  • 6.2L V8: A more potent option, providing exhilarating acceleration and enhanced towing capability, ideal for those who frequently tow or demand more performance.
  • 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel: This powerhouse offers exceptional torque and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender for long-distance cruising and maximizing range, especially when towing.

• Safety Features: GMC prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems standard and available across the lineup:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps mitigate or avoid frontal collisions by automatically applying the brakes if a potential impact is detected.
  • Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of an impending frontal collision, allowing for timely reactions.
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if unintended lane departure is detected and alerts the driver.
  • IntelliBeam® Auto High Beams: Automatically adjusts headlights between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic, improving nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers.
  • HD Surround Vision: Provides a bird's-eye view of the area around the vehicle, greatly assisting with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.

• Trim Level Summary: The 2022 Yukon is offered in several distinct trims, each with its own unique personality and feature set:

  • SLE: The well-equipped base model, offering a solid foundation of features for everyday practicality.
  • Elevation: Adds stylish exterior accents and upgraded wheel designs for a more refined look.
  • SLT: Elevates the comfort and convenience with premium interior materials, additional tech features, and enhanced seating options.
  • AT4: The off-road focused trim, boasting unique styling cues, enhanced suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires for tackling challenging trails.
  • Denali: The pinnacle of Yukon luxury, featuring a more powerful V8 engine as standard, a premium interior with exclusive materials, advanced technology, and a refined driving experience.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Spacious Interior: The 2022 Yukon boasts a cavernous cabin with generous passenger space in all three rows and significant cargo volume, making it an excellent choice for large families or those who frequently haul gear.
  • Independent Rear Suspension: This significant upgrade from previous generations provides a more comfortable ride and improved handling dynamics compared to traditional solid rear axles.
  • Available ProGrade™ Trailering System: For those who tow, this suite of technologies simplifies towing with features like hitch guidance, trailer sway control, and a trailer brake controller.
  • Impressive Infotainment System: The user-friendly infotainment system, often featuring a large touchscreen, offers seamless smartphone integration and a host of connectivity options.

What to Expect

Owning a 2022 GMC Yukon typically means enjoying a comfortable and commanding driving experience. The spacious cabin is designed for long journeys, with comfortable seating and ample amenities. Daily driving is generally smooth and refined, especially with the available diesel or larger V8 engines.

Maintenance: As a large, body-on-frame SUV, expect typical maintenance costs associated with larger vehicles. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks will be essential. GMC's robust engineering generally leads to good reliability, but like any vehicle, adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule will be key to long-term durability.

Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2022 Yukon will likely be higher than for smaller sedans or SUVs due to its size, engine power, and higher replacement cost. Factors such as your driving record, location, and chosen trim level will significantly impact your insurance rates.

Potential Considerations

• Fuel Economy: While the diesel engine offers excellent efficiency for its class, the V8 gasoline engines, especially the 6.2L, will consume more fuel, particularly in city driving. This is a common characteristic of large, powerful SUVs.
• Maneuverability: Its substantial size, while beneficial for interior space, can make maneuvering in tight urban environments or parking lots a bit more challenging, even with the assistance of parking aids.
• Third-Row Space: While improved over previous generations, the third row, particularly in the standard wheelbase Yukon, may be more suitable for children or occasional adult use on shorter trips, rather than regular adult occupancy for extended periods. The longer wheelbase Yukon XL (now Yukon XL) significantly enhances third-row and cargo space.

Overall Summary

The 2022 GMC Yukon stands out as a highly capable and luxurious full-size SUV, offering a compelling package for a wide range of buyers. With its potent engine options, extensive safety features, and a refined interior, it excels as a family hauler and a capable companion for towing and adventure. While its size and fuel consumption are typical considerations for its segment, the Yukon's overall comfort, versatility, and premium appointments make it a strong contender in the competitive full-size SUV market.