2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with distinctive features like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, all accentuated by a Midnight Black exterior. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was less visually striking, sporting Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was characterized by oversized headlights and taillights, with an abundance of chrome that failed to add character to its basic two-box shape. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design elements, offering high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, creating a retro yet plush interior experience.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced a bold and chrome-heavy aesthetic, particularly in the Denali trim. The front end was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, giving the vehicle a commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and dark Redwood Metallic paint further enhanced its premium look. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim offered a unique front styling with a dark grille and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with optional second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, including the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers of luxury with contrasting colors, unique stitching, and natural wood details.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra, was remarkably quiet during acceleration, contributing to a refined driving experience. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA rating of 14 mpg in combined driving. The Land Cruiser's eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided robust off-road capabilities. Features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, and Crawl Control ensured the SUV's legendary off-road prowess. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth and refined ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight required some effort when maneuvering.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, both featuring cylinder-deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, was also available, offering excellent fuel economy and a 648-mile range 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 trim featured a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, offered an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while dated in appearance, offered a luxurious experience with plush, perforated leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The SUV's tall seating position provided a commanding view, and the four-zone automatic climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The second-row bench seat was roomy and heated, while the third-row seat, though accommodating adults, lacked leg support for longer trips. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 41.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded up against the sides. The maximum cargo capacity was 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings with increased third-row legroom, now measuring 34.9 inches, thanks to 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 easy access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The pushbutton transmission controls, located near the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but offered a modern touch to the interior.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. The system lacked modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was limited to basic commands. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated, offering DVD playback and HDMI connections but no streaming capabilities. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality, though it fell short of high-end audio systems in other SUVs.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch head-up display, providing essential information and safety alerts. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system, though the sound quality was not as rich as expected. The rear-seat media system offered dual 12.6-inch touchscreens compatible with various media formats, though an adapter was needed for phone or tablet connections.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety further. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Yukon.