Ford Expedition vs GMC Yukon, an Edmunds big SUV comparison

Power and fuel economy

The Expedition has a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 in two versions. The standard-output V6 produces 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version pumps out 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg combined with standard rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg combined with optional four-wheel drive.

The Yukon’s engine choices are an interesting contrast. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, while the 6.2-liter V8 standard on top trim levels has a more competitive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. Fuel economy is up to 17 mpg combined for the 5.3-liter V8; the 6.2-liter gets 16 mpg combined.

At the Edmunds test track, an Expedition with the high-output V6 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. That’s a second quicker than the Yukon with its bigger V8. The Yukon does have an efficiency ace up its sleeve, however. You can get an optional turbodiesel six-cylinder that makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft and gets up to an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.

Advantage: Tie

Space and towing

Third-row space is exceptional in both, especially for tall teens or adults. On paper, though, the Expedition has a slight advantage with its 36.5 inches of third-row legroom compared to the Yukon’s 34.9 inches.

Their respective specs also indicate the Yukon has more cargo space. However, in Edmunds’ testing, Ford’s full-size SUV could hold more pieces of luggage behind its third row seat. Specifically, the cargo area is wider back there.

For really big gear hauling, the Expedition can tow a maximum of 9,600 pounds. The Yukon maxes out at 8,400 pounds.

Advantage: Ford Expedition

Comfort

Both of these SUVs are well-suited for big families. There are subtle differences, however. The Expedition’s greatest strength is undoubtedly space. There’s ample room for passengers in every seat, and the seats are comfortable, especially for the driver and front passenger. We like them better than the Yukon’s front seats for comfort on long drives. We’ve also found that the Expedition has less wind and road noise on the highway than the Yukon.

Most SUVs based on trucks are subject to undue vibrations and reverberations throughout the cabin, but the Expedition keeps those to a minimum. It also has a smooth ride over bumps and ruts. The Yukon offers an optional adaptive air suspension that can adjust the SUV’s ride height and automatically soften the shock absorbers to help smooth out the ride even further, but overall we’ve found the Expedition more relaxing and comfortable to drive.

Advantage: Ford Expedition

Technology

The GMC Yukon has a distinctive 16.8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that features a Google-based operating system. The Google integration provides the familiarity of Google Maps and other Google features, such as the voice-based Assistant app. There is an 11-inch digital instrument panel as well with customizable layouts and information. This is a very good tech package that Edmunds rates highly for its functionality and feature content.

That said, we rate the Expedition’s system even higher. It consists of a 13.2-inch touchscreen interface that works in concert with an enormous 24-inch ultra-wide dash-top screen that acts as a combination instrument panel and customizable secondary display for the touchscreen. These screens are bright and easy to read and don’t feel like tech for tech’s sake — they actually improve functionality.

Both SUVs offer hands-free highway driving assist technology: GMC’s is called Super Cruise and Ford’s is called BlueCruise. Both are effective and reliable, and if either enjoys the slightest advantage, it’s the GMC thanks to its light-up steering wheel that makes it perfectly obvious when the system is operating or needs your attention.

Advantage: Ford Expedition

Edmunds says

While the Yukon is luxurious, comfortable and packed with impressive technology features, the Ford Expedition quite simply outdoes it in most respects. It also boasts multiple high-end trim levels that easily hold their own against the top trims of the Yukon for luxury appeal.

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. James Riswick is a contributor at Edmunds.