2022 GMC Yukon Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2021's redesign of the GMC Yukon served us with a bounty of new technology, a stylish facelift, and a freshly available diesel engine option. You can seat up to nine passengers inside of the spacious Yukon and, if you need it, fold down the third row of seats for plenty of cargo space. And, with how it is based on a truck design, you can bet that the 2022 GMC Yukon has some superb towing capabilities for its segment.

Not too many changes have been made to the 2022 line-up, but you can now opt for the 6.2-liter V8 engine on the mid-tier on AT4 trim level. Also, the vehicle's Google-centered voice controls for the infotainment system have been tweaked for more advanced performance. The optional packages also have a few minor changes from 2022, but that is about the extent of the changes.

Since the Yukon is a large vehicle, it drives like one. It has some rather unimpressive handling capabilities and can feel like you're trying to steer a boat rather than a four-wheeled vehicle. On city streets and in busy, tight parking lots, the Yukon feels quite ponderous and sluggish. You will also need to rely on the rear-view camera and blind spot monitoring system for getting a good glimpse around the Yukon.

Overall, the 2022 GMC Yukon is a competent vehicle in many ways, but in some, it might fall short. It does have four trim levels to choose from, ranging from the entry-level SLE to the ever-popular line-topping Denali. Which Yukon is the trim level for you? Which one packs in the most value for this well-loved line-up? Let's take a look and see what each of the four Yukon trim levels has to offer before we offer you our final verdict.

Compare the SLE vs SLT Trims. What is the difference?

The 2022 GMC Yukon kicks off with the base SLE trim level, which is followed up by the SLT. Both are powered by a standard 5.3-L V8 engine that produces a power output of 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. However, on both trims, you can opt to equip a turbocharged 3.0-Lsix-cylinder diesel engine. This engine option trades horsepower for torque, as a diesel is wont to do. It gets 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. No matter which engine you go for, there will be a 10-speed automatic transmission paired up with it. Rear-wheel drive is standard issue on both trims (and on the Denali), but all-wheel drive is optional (and is standard on the off-road oriented AT4).

In terms of other mechanical specs, these two trim levels are pretty similar. The SLE and SLT both come with a 220-amp alternator (a 250-amp alternator is optional), 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS), automatic emergency braking, automatic stop/start with a disable button, electronic precision shift, a monitor for the engine air filter, an external auxiliary transmission oil cooler, an external engine oil cooler, a heavy-duty 800 cold-cranking amps battery, hill start assist, and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential.

The Premium Smooth Ride suspension that comes standard is designed to enhance the ride comfort for passengers in each row of the cabin. You get a front coil-over-shock suspension and rear multi-link with coil springs suspension. There is a single exhaust outlet, but you can opt for different polishes on it. Power steering, an electronic stability control system that includes traction control, trailering equipment, and trailer sway control are all included on these trims.

Options for both include sensors for trailer tire pressure and temperature, a polished exhaust tip, an integrated trailer brake controller, a heavy-duty 900 cold-cranking amps battery, a radiator with enhanced cooling, state-specific emissions overrides, the Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System, and a black exhaust tip.

The SLE and SLT are somewhat different in terms of exterior design. What do they share in common? They each come with acoustic laminated glass, black assist steps, body-colored power side mirrors with a heating function, bright roof-mounted side rails, deep-tinted glass, IntelliBeam, LED headlights, LED fog lights, and LED taillights. You also get windshield wipers that can sense rain and upper active aero shutters.

You can select the optional ProGrade Trailering system in order to get Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, a trailer brake controller, the Smart Trailer Integration Indicator, and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (which you can get on every trim above the SLE). An optional Max Trailering Package adds a 2-speed active transfer case to the 4WD models, the enhanced cooling radiator, and the ProGrade Trailering System content. You can opt for a power panoramic sunroof on the SLT.

Now, here's where the SLE and SLT are most distinguished from one another - the interior. While the SLE has a super comfy 10-way power adjustable driver seat, the SLT adds one in for the front passenger - and, yes, this includes power-operated 2-way lumbar support. 12-way power adjustable front seats are optional on the SLT. On the SLE, you can opt for a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat. Assist handles are standard, and the SLT gains bright sill plates and chrome door handles with a body-colored strip. Carpeted floor covering, carpeted floor mats, dual illuminated front vanity mirrors, an electrical theft-deterrent system, and a front center console. Hitch Guidance is standard, but on the SLT, you can opt for Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. Keyless open, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, manually folding second row 60/40 split-bench seats, power windows and door locks, a rear window defogger, and remote start are included as well.

Heated and ventilated front seats get added to the SLT, and you can opt for heated second-row outboard seats. An interior rearview auto-dimming mirror comes on the SLT. Tri-zone automatic climate control will help keep you feeling just right inside of the cabin. A universal HomeLink garage door remote gets added to the SLT.

Technology is downright extensive. Both trim levels have a 10.2-inch diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System with built-in Google capabilities. This interface is AM/FM/SiriusXM (with a trial subscription to start) radio capable and comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for all your smartphone syncing needs. Voice recognition is also part of the package deal. In addition to that, there is a dual screen for the 12-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center. A 6-speaker sound system is included with the SLE, but the SLT upgrades you to the Bose 9-speaker audio system with its crisp sound quality. There is Wi-Fi hot-spot capability included, and the SLT adds wireless charging.

The center stack is home to a 12-volt power outlet. There are 120-volt power outlets found on the back of the center console and in the cargo area. There are two USB ports (one type-A and one type-C) located in the lower bin of instrument panel. More connectivity ports can be found in the rear. There are two USB ports on the rear of the center console (both of which are type C and charge only). You can opt for Rear Seat Media to get charge and data ports back there. Also, there are two ports in the third row (both of which are type C and charge only).

Safety features are rather robust here as well. There is a feature called Buckle to Drive that encourages proper seatbelt use by stopping the Yukon from being shifted out of Park until the driver's seatbelt is securely fastened. Cruise control is standard issue. You also get a follow distance indicator, a forward collision alert with frontal pedestrian braking, parking assist for the front and rear, and Connected Access capabilities. The SLT adds the GMC Pro Safety Plus, which contains a lane change warning with side blind zone assist, a lane departure warning with the lane keep assist system, and rear cross traffic alert. It is optional for the SLE. OnStar and GMC Connected Services are standard issue, as are a rear seat reminder, the teen driver feature, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Options include the Cargo Convenience Package, a collapsible cargo area organizer, a console-mounted safe, Dark Walnut/Slate seating (cloth on the SLE and perforated leather on the SLT), Enhanced Trailering Technology Package, Floor Liner Package, a front window shade, the Illumination Package (for the SLT), a power-operated tilting and telescoping steering column (for the SLT), power-release second row bucket seats or a 60/40 split-folding bench seat (for the SLT), a center console that is power sliding (for the SLT), and a vertical cargo net.

Compare the SLT vs AT4 Trims. What is the difference?

It should be pretty obvious that the Yukon gives you a lot of options for customizing. With the AT4, you get a trim level that is more geared toward off-roading than the other three. As already mentioned, 4WD is standard instead of RWD. An adaptive air suspension gets added as an option if you want it. Pressure and stiffness get automatically adjusted for optimized ride comfort by this 4-corner suspension, which replaces the standard coil spring suspension. It also serves you with auto load leveling. Since 4WD is standard, the Autotrac 2-speed transfer case comes equipped. The heavy-duty air filter, hill ascent control, magnetic ride control, a performance front skid plate, and red recovery hooks all get included in this trim level.

You can opt for a dual exhaust outlet or the electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD), which utilizes the vehicle's sensors and the driver's inputs to determine the optimal amount of engagement for specific driving conditions. It also enhances the Yukon's torque split between the rear wheels, which optimizes the SUV's stability and max traction. An engine block heater can be added, as can front 6-Piston Brembo brakes with rear calipers that are color-matched.

The AT4's exterior bears some unique elements. It rides atop large 20-inch 6-spoke machined aluminum wheels with accents done in an athletic Carbon Grey Metallic tone. You do have an option for 20-inch Multi-spoke Gloss Black wheels instead. You get black roof-mounted side rails, door handles done in the selected body color, driver-side auto-dimming power outside mirrors that are heated and body-colored, a high approach angle on the front fascia,

The AT4 gives you a few optional packages worth considering. The AT4Premium Package tacks on the contents of the Technology Package as well as the power-operated panoramic sunroof, the entertainment system for the rear seats, and some power-retractable assist steps that are outfitted with helpful perimeter lighting. The "Plus" version of this package adds the Max Trailering Package content and the Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD content. The Technology Package includes a
head-up display, the HD Surround Vision camera system, and rear pedestrian alert.

While you get a lot of the same tech and safety features as you do on the SLT, a few more things get tacked onto the AT4. You get three years of GMC Connected Services on the house, heated second-row outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, memory settings, a power-operated 60/40 split-folding bench seat for the third row, a power tilting and telescoping steering column, and power-operated release on the second row bench seat (which is a 60/40-split folding seat)

Compare the AT4 vs Denali Trims. What is the difference?

The Denali is usually GMC's most popular trim level. This sought-after line-topper includes some stellar upgrades and really borders on luxury status. Mechanically, it stands out due to its 6.2-L V8 engine, which boats 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The dual exhaust outlets are standard.

On the outside, you get a few noteworthy differences. The Denali sits on 20-inch 6-spoke multi-dimensional wheels finished off in a polished aluminum. A bunch of wheel options open up, all in a 22-inch size. Opting for the Advanced Security Package gets you door lock and latch shields, an inclination sensor, a vehicle interior movement sensor, a self-powered horn, and some glass break sensors found in the rear quarter glass and liftgate window. The Advanced Technology Package includes all of that plus adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, and a rear camera mirror with a built-in washer. A black illuminated front GMC emblem can be tacked on. You also get satin chrome bodyside moldings.

The interior includes more high-tech gadgetry, including the 15-inch diagonal multicolored head-up display. A Bose 14-speaker premium audio system comes standard, HD surround vision, and second-row bucket seats are standard. You also get rear pedestrian alert.

There are plenty of interior packages to choose from, such as the Denali Black, Premium, and Ultimate packages. Seating options vary, including choices like perforated leather done in jet black or light shale.

Final Thoughts

While many people will opt for the line-topping Denali, the truth is, it doesn't offer the best overall deal. The SLT does. Why the SLT? Well, it has niceties like the leather upholstery and quite a few tech upgrades over the SLE without the tremendous price tag you incur on the Denali. The Denali just does not offer enough to really justify the cost.

Overall, the 2022 GMC Yukon is a decent third-row SUV that offers a lot of space. And there are about a million ways you can customize yours. Despite some performance flaws, the Yukon is likely to continue being a strong seller for the GMC line.