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2022 GMC Yukon Review | AT4 and Denali make the strongest case

The total redesign of GM’s full-size SUVs for the last model year transformed every brandÂ’s version for the better, as the switch to an independent rear suspension resulted in the exact improvements weÂ’ve been wanting in terms of ride, handling, interior space and cargo capacity. Now in their second year of this generation, the 2022 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL continue to take advantage of these fantastic changes. Just as always, the GMC versions borrow heavily from their sister SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. The main differences lie in the exterior styling, and to a lesser extent, the interior. ThereÂ’s also the matter of price, as the Yukon is positioned in a slightly more premium space than the Chevy version of this truck. Most notable in this regard is the popular, top-of-the-line Denali, which has for the first time has an interior design that's different than other Yukons and every Tahoe. Despite this premium positioning, the Yukon is not prohibitively expensive, and it reasonably competes with other full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer. Which of the GM SUVs you choose is based almost entirely on looks and price, as the available feature set, engine lineup — we suggest the money-saving diesel — and drive options are nearly the same between them. ItÂ’s hard to go wrong, though, because just like last year, GMÂ’s full-size SUVs are our current leaders in the clubhouse as the ones to get. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? The most notable change for 2022 is a totally new infotainment system powered by Android Automotive. It brings new software and Google Maps as a native navigation system. Another tech enhancement is GMC swapping in its 12-inch digital instrument cluster (and making it standard) for the analog gauge cluster from last year. Lastly, the AT4 trim is now available with 6.2-liter V8 option. Note that GMC increased pricing for the Yukon mid-way through the 2022 model year. You may see differing prices online as a result, but those on this page are accurate as of May 31, 2022.  What are the Yukon interior and in-car technology like? The YukonÂ’s interior is an odd one, as there are two entirely different interior designs available depending on which trim you choose.

Meet Alex Archer, the engineer behind GM's power-sliding center console

In 2009, a GM manager complained to a 59-year-old GM technician about the hassle of retrieving items from a pickup truck bed after driving shifted the cargo. In two days, the tech had come up with the ideas that, ten years later, would debut as the MultiPro tailgate. The engineering teams kept the tailgate secret in part by hiding mock-ups in a locked storage closet in GM's Vehicle Engineering Center in Warren Michigan for two years. A piece in the Detroit Free Press reveals that another storage closet in Warren would play the same role in a different cloak-and-dagger operation, this time for the power-sliding center console in GM's new full-sized SUVs. During a meeting in early 2017, bosses gave the job of the console's creation to 24-year-old design release engineer Alex Archer, just two years out of Stanford University with a degree in engineering and product design.  This time, the catalyst for the feature was an internal GM think tank called co:lab, where employees suggest ideas. Execs gave Archer the task because "They needed someone willing to ask a lot of questions," her 36-month mandate to produce a six-way console that could be a standard cubby or a gaping maw able to swallow four gallon jugs or hide a secret compartment. Clearly, she succeeded. It took Archer and the team nine months to devise a prototype, another six months to get the green light for production. As with the tailgate, the team working on the console grew to include designers, production engineers, and suppliers. Archer, now 26, shepherded the process, and her name is on the patent. "It took a ton of people, I'm just somebody who stuck with it the whole time," she said. GM like her work well enough to produce the "Day in the Life" segment above, five months before the world would hear about the console. Archer's path to engineering was as unlikely as getting the job for the console. She had entered Stanford with plans to be a doctor. But an innovation class during her freshman year, and a sophomore summer spent helping her grandfather rebuild a 1937 MG engine recharted her course. Her grandfather told her, "You know, you could be an engineer for a car company." Consumer reaction to Archer's work won't be far off, the SUVs slated to hit dealerships soon. Meanwhile, she's busy on something that could be just as intense as the console: Restoring a 1955 Packard Clipper in her garage. Head to Freep to check out the story of Archer and the console. Related Video:

Best Large SUVs of 2024

When it comes down to large SUVs, there's more to consider than price and just how large it is. First, it comes down to what's underneath the skin. Some are built on a truck-like body-on-frame chassis — this would be the traditional, literal definition of an "SUV." Others use car-like, unibody construction, which would make them a crossover. What really matters, though, is how you use them. For most American families, a large three-row crossover is going to be your best bet. They have loads of passenger and cargo space, and deliver superior fuel economy, handling and ride quality than those big traditional SUVs. They're cheaper, too. On the other hand, those traditional large SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition are better-suited for more heavy-duty tasks like towing. Most now have bigger third rows than big crossovers, while extended-length versions like the Chevy Suburban have way more cargo capacity behind their third rows than everything but an airport shuttle. As for luxury large SUVs, they fall into those same two categories as well, with American choices mostly being truck-based. The pros and cons of choosing one over another are similar. Below, you will find our list of the best large SUVs broken down into three categories: large family crossover, large traditional SUV and large luxury SUVs, which comprise both construction types.  Best Large Family Crossovers  |  Best Large Traditional SUVs  |  Best Large Luxury SUVs Best Large Family Crossovers 2024 Honda Pilot Why it stands out: Exceptional storage and cargo space; unique second-row functionality; refined ride; versatile and capable TrailSport; advanced AWDCould be better: Subpar acceleration with lackadaisical transmission and engine response; so-so driver assistance tech Read our full 2024 Honda Pilot Review The Honda Pilot was completely redesigned for 2023. It maintains its predecessor's family-friendly packaging and overall focus, but it has injected a welcome sense of style (especially in the TrailSport pictured above) that makes it stand out much better from the big crossover crowd. The Pilot's restrained adornment and classic proportions are refreshing compared to the increasingly busy Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent. Let's talk about practicality, though, which is ultimately the Pilot's best attribute.