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AUTO
REVIEW

The 2022 GMC Yukon is an updated version of one of GM’s full- So, the Yukon is noticeably better than it was on school runs, and
size SUVs, and it’s very good. incrementally improved on the open road.
For the record, all of GM’s updated full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Two V8 engines are offered: a 355HP 5.3L and a 420HP 6.2L. For
Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade/Es- Diesel enthusiasts like me, GMC also offers a 3.0L Turbo-Diesel in-
calade ESV, are very good, and all have been selling strongly since they line-six that pumps out 460 lbs-ft of torque. All models come with a
were launched in 2020. 10-speed automatic transmission operated by a push-button panel on
In addition to the usual changes you’d expect when a vehicle is up- the dashboard, and all can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
dated — refreshed styling, nicer interiors and more efficient power- Fuel economy is a bummer, as you’d expect. The 5.3L V8 gets you
trains — the big news with this generation of GM’s full-size SUVs is 16 MPG City/20 MPG Highway, the 6.2L V8 drops that to 14/19
that the “smaller” versions are now larger. One persistent complaint and the Diesel makes everyone feel less guilty at 21/27.
about the Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade was that, for full-size vehicles, For the record, the 5.3L V8 isn’t as comfortable lugging the big
they didn’t provide all that much second- or third-row seating space. Yukon around as the 6.2L. One of my business partners has owned
That’s been remedied with the addition of five inches to the wheel- Yukons with both engines, and he told me, “I’d never get the 5.3
base, which has resulted in much more rear passenger space. In fact, again.” As noted above, I’d choose the Diesel.
things are so much better in that regard that I would imagine many All Yukon models come with a large infotainment display with
buyers who would have ordinarily purchased longer wheelbase models GMC's latest user interface, which is nice to look at and easy to use.
like the Suburban will get the shorter versions instead and be pleased. The base SLE, mid-range SLT, and off-road AT4 models all feature a
Another major enhancement for the big GM SUVs is a new inde- display that sits in the center of the dashboard and looks good, but the
pendent rear suspension. Not only does that improve ride quality, but Denali's is embedded in the dashboard and surrounded by chrome for
it also allows for a lower floor, which further expands storage space. a more upscale look.
And it improves the third-row seats as well. In previous generations Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a WiFi hotspot are
of the Yukon, the third-row seats were just okay. Now the “way back” all standard; navigation and Bose audio are optional.
in the standard wheelbase Yukon is a comfortable place to be, even for I don’t have space to go into all of the options and packages, but the
6’2” me. Instead of feeling like my knees were right in front of my face, Yukon starts at just over $52,000 and goes up from there. The top shelf
in the new third-row seat I felt pretty much like I was sitting in the Denali costs about $17,000 more and is popular with BCMS mem-
previous generation Yukon’s second-row seat, which is a significant bers for a reason. It’s a very nice truck.
upgrade from before. GM has done an excellent job updating their full-size SUVs, and
The exterior design of the new Yukon is evolutionary, not revolu- the 2022 GMC Yukon is proof. If you need the space and can afford
tionary, so you’ll be forgiven for not noticing the new versions as they the fuel, you’ll love it.
drive by you on Bandera Road. Given the Yukon’s popularity, it’s not Note for readers: A trauma surgeon friend and I have launched an
surprising that GM took the, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” approach to automotive podcast that may interest you. It’s called, “Cars on Call,”
the styling. and it features discussions about a myriad of automotive subjects from
Nevertheless, there are changes. The grille is bigger than it was, and two physicians’ perspective. It’s available on Apple, Spotify and other
the headlight housings are more stylized. And the rear lights are simi- platforms, and I hope you give it a listen.
larly sculpted, switching from rectangular shapes to something kind of
oblong and more dramatic. Also, there’s a Range Rover-ish tapering of As always, call Phil Hornbeak, the Auto Program Manager at
the rear end of the SUV that wasn’t there before. Maybe it’s “slimming”? BCMS (210-301-4367), for your best deal on any new car or truck
Driving the new Yukon is similar to driving previous versions, but brand. Phil can also connect you to preferred financing and lease rates.
better. The ride and handling − if that’s the right noun when we’re
talking about a 6000 lb SUV − are obviously improved thanks almost Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
entirely to the independent rear suspension. And the Yukon’s best-in- who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed
class highway manners, which enable the gobbling up of interstate here in the US Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews
miles, remain unchallenged. for San Antonio Medicine since 1995.

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