2022 GMC Yukon vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a vehicle that embraced chrome with gusto, giving it a premium appearance even at the base SLE model. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome accents became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater, yet it worked to provide the Yukon with a unique and commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, especially against the dark Redwood Metallic paint, added to its striking look. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with the Teak/Light Shale color combo standing out for its premium look.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation of design that could polarize opinions. Its grille, spanning the entire width of the front end, had a flat, faceless look that divided opinions. The Telluride's personality shifted with color and trim level, with body-colored vertical strakes at each edge that could appear jarring in lighter shades but harmonious in darker ones. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique faceted and angular fender sculpting, while the rear view adopted a different style with rounded corners and vertical taillights reminiscent of a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on the buttons was difficult to read.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, affectionately known as the "Baby Duramax," was also available, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This diesel engine provided excellent fuel economy, allowing the Yukon to travel up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for better off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid model added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with the transition between electric and gas power being undetectable. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided a comfortable ride despite its lifted off-road suspension, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed and controllable on winding roads, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, but brake response was immediate in panic stops.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers, with significant improvements in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The redesign included a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length, along with an independent rear suspension for more usable space. 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, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The Hybrid SX Prestige test vehicle featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, though they took a long time to slide and tilt forward for third-row access. The middle-row seats had a lot of seat travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, with a maximum of 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, providing driving speed, speed limit, audio information, and safety aids. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The system was easy to use, though there were delays in response and the climate control screen was difficult to use while driving. The Telluride SX trim and above featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, delivering powerful bass and clear tones.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had operational issues at night, and the blind-spot cameras were more distracting than helpful. The highway driving assist was particularly helpful on longer trips.