2021 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that balanced ruggedness with refinement, positioning itself between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup. It was available in various trims, including the new AT4 designed for off-road adventures and the upscale Denali, which featured exclusive dashboard designs, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels. The Denali's exterior was marked by intricate grillework, chrome lower body trim, and appealing rear styling, making it more upscale than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart. However, the Denali's premium features came at a higher price, raising questions about the value of some upgrades.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was a sportier and more svelte electric vehicle, visually reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a low and wide stance, with voluptuous curves for both style and stability. The EV6's design included a highback tail with a lip spoiler, squinting headlights, and a wedgy profile with an angled roofline. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. The EV6's industrial design elements, such as recessed lights and a hidden rear charge port, added to its futuristic appeal, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. Most trims came with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine, while the Denali featured a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also available for all trims except the AT4. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8 provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system enhanced cornering performance and traction, making the Yukon capable in various driving conditions. However, its towing capacity was lower than some competitors, and the ride quality could be harsh with the 22-inch wheels.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, the most powerful model available at launch, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick torque delivery and excellent handling, even in challenging conditions. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 capable of accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower due to network limitations.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats were heated and ventilated, but some found them hard during long drives. The second-row seats could slide and collapse, enhancing comfort and cargo room, while the third-row seats offered better thigh support and adult-friendly space. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 122.9 cubic feet of space in the standard Yukon and 144.7 cubic feet in the Denali XL, rivaling minivans.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted cargo capacity. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the EV6 included an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali came equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points, enhancing maneuverability and safety.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV6 included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging capabilities, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. The remote parking system allowed for external control of the vehicle, adding to its technological appeal. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 GMC Yukon featured numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, making the Yukon safer and more comfortable to drive.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added automatic rear braking, 360-degree cameras, and evasive steering assist. The EV6's Highway Driving Assist system included lane-change capabilities, although its performance was inconsistent. Despite the lack of crash-test ratings, the EV6's safety tech was impressive.