2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 GMC Yukon
Overview | |
MSRP$32,765 | MSRP$51,000 |
Listings535 | Listings229 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2020 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryFor nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money. | |
2021 GMC Yukon Reviews SummaryWith the redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon, several good things happen. First, GMC improves passenger space and cargo space by stretching the wheelbase and switching to an independent rear suspension design. Second, those same changes, coupled with a new adaptive air suspension option, enhance the full-size SUV’s ride and handling. Third, payload ratings rise by as much as 100 pounds. Fourth, the Yukon gets a significant technology upgrade. But at the same time, the new Yukon takes a couple of steps backward. Tow ratings can’t match the outgoing Yukon, and in some cases, fuel economy numbers worsen rather than improve. Still, all things considered, the new 2021 Yukon represents advancement. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity9 |
Horsepower | Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway20 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Torque | Torque383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway20 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity9 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space25.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight5490 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height76.5 in |
Length198.8 in | Length210.0 in |
Width89.3 in | Width81.0 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase120.9 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1792 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity8400 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,765 | $51,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money. | With the redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon, several good things happen. First, GMC improves passenger space and cargo space by stretching the wheelbase and switching to an independent rear suspension design. Second, those same changes, coupled with a new adaptive air suspension option, enhance the full-size SUV’s ride and handling. Third, payload ratings rise by as much as 100 pounds. Fourth, the Yukon gets a significant technology upgrade. But at the same time, the new Yukon takes a couple of steps backward. Tow ratings can’t match the outgoing Yukon, and in some cases, fuel economy numbers worsen rather than improve. Still, all things considered, the new 2021 Yukon represents advancement. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Drive Train | RWD | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 9 |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 20 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 20 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 9 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 5490 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 76.5 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 210.0 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 81.0 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 120.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1792 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | 8400 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | |
Look and feel
The 2020 Ford Explorer boasts a handsome design with refined body panels and a prominent grille, scoring higher in look and feel. However, the interior of the Explorer falls short in terms of material quality and luxury compared to its competitors. On the other hand, the 2021 GMC Yukon balances ruggedness with refinement, offering a premium-grade SUV with impressive styling. The Yukon excels in both exterior and interior design, making it a standout in the full-size SUV segment.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Ford Explorer at 8 out of 10 for performance and the 2021 GMC Yukon at 6 out of 10. The Ford Explorer impresses with its available engines, particularly the twin-turbo V6 delivering 400 horsepower and smooth power delivery. The GMC Yukon, on the other hand, offers three engine options, with the Denali featuring a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine. While the Explorer excels in handling and performance, the Yukon focuses on offering a refined driving experience with capable powertrains.
Form and function
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2020 Ford Explorer provides ample space with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. On the other hand, the 2021 GMC Yukon sees significant gains in passenger and cargo space with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Yukon's improved cargo volume and passenger comfort make it a practical choice for families and hauling gear.
Technology
The 2020 Ford Explorer is rated 7 out of 10 for technology, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 9 out of 10. The Explorer offers a user-friendly infotainment system with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi. However, the Yukon takes the lead with advanced technology including a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity options, and a rear-seat media system. The Yukon's tech features, like the head-up display and surround-view cameras, enhance the driving experience with convenience and safety.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Ford Explorer at 8 out of 10 for safety and the 2021 GMC Yukon at 9 out of 10. The Ford Explorer comes equipped with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keep assist. In comparison, the GMC Yukon offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Yukon's safety features provide added peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford Explorer is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 GMC Yukon is the preferred choice due to its superior look and feel, advanced technology, enhanced safety features, and improved cargo capacity. The Yukon offers a well-rounded package for those seeking a premium full-size SUV.
Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:
- You prioritize a stylish exterior design and nimble performance in a mid-size SUV.
- You are looking for ample cargo space and user-friendly technology features.
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option for a three-row SUV.
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Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
- You seek a full-size SUV with a balance of ruggedness and refinement, appealing to a premium-grade market segment.
- You value advanced technology features, enhanced safety systems, and improved passenger and cargo space.
- You are willing to invest in a versatile and capable vehicle with a luxurious interior and impressive towing capacity.
229 results
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford Explorer is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 GMC Yukon is the preferred choice due to its superior look and feel, advanced technology, enhanced safety features, and improved cargo capacity. The Yukon offers a well-rounded package for those seeking a premium full-size SUV.
Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a stylish exterior design and nimble performance in a mid-size SUV.
- You are looking for ample cargo space and user-friendly technology features.
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option for a three-row SUV.
535 results
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
Shop Now- You seek a full-size SUV with a balance of ruggedness and refinement, appealing to a premium-grade market segment.
- You value advanced technology features, enhanced safety systems, and improved passenger and cargo space.
- You are willing to invest in a versatile and capable vehicle with a luxurious interior and impressive towing capacity.
229 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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