2021 GMC Yukon vs 2020 Volvo XC90
Overview | |
MSRP$48,350 | MSRP$51,000 |
Listings157 | Listings203 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2020 Volvo XC90 Reviews SummaryThe XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match. | |
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. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 250 hp I4 | Engine5.3L 355 hp V8 |
DrivetrainFWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity9 |
Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway20 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 250 hp I4 | Engine Name5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm |
Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway20 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity9 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.8 cu ft | Cargo Space25.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4375 lbs | Curb Weight5490 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height76.5 in |
Length195.0 in | Length210.0 in |
Width84.3 in | Width81.0 in |
Wheelbase117.5 in | Wheelbase120.9 in |
Maximum Payload1210 lbs | Maximum Payload1792 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity4000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity8400 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $48,350 | $51,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match. | 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 | 2.0L 250 hp I4 | 5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Drivetrain | FWD | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 9 |
Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 20 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 250 hp I4 | 5.3L 355 hp V8 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm |
Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 20 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 9 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.8 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4375 lbs | 5490 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 76.5 in |
Length | 195.0 in | 210.0 in |
Width | 84.3 in | 81.0 in |
Wheelbase | 117.5 in | 120.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1210 lbs | 1792 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 4000 lbs | 8400 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | |
Look and feel
CarGurus experts rate the look and feel of the 2020 Volvo XC90 as a perfect 10 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon follows closely with a 9 out of 10. The Volvo XC90 stands as a testament to modern Volvo design, embodying an elegance and sophistication that challenges the traditional expectations of SUV aesthetics. It melds a distinguished exterior with refined interior choices, including optional wool seats and an array of high-quality materials. The inclusion of "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and a sleek, minimalist interior design highlight Volvo's attention to detail and commitment to both luxury and functionality.
The GMC Yukon, redesigned for 2021, embodies a blend of ruggedness and refinement. Its exterior design, marked by a large grille and upscale detailing, especially in the Denali trim, positions it firmly in the premium segment. The interior, while spacious and featuring a unique dashboard design for the Denali, leverages high-quality materials and advanced technology to offer a luxurious experience. However, it's the blend of GMC's professional-grade ethos with premium-grade luxury that defines the Yukon's appeal, especially evident in its off-road capable AT4 version.
Performance
Performance ratings from CarGurus reveal a 7 out of 10 for the Volvo XC90 and a slightly lower 6 out of 10 for the GMC Yukon. The XC90's engine lineup includes turbocharged options and a plug-in hybrid variant, prioritizing efficiency and environmental consciousness over brute power. Despite this, the T6 and T8 models provide ample power, with the latter offering an impressive 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. However, its performance is tempered by the vehicle's weight and a somewhat disconnected driving experience, especially in terms of steering and suspension feedback.
The GMC Yukon, particularly in its Denali trim with a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, prioritizes power and capability, delivering robust acceleration and towing prowess. Despite its size, the Yukon handles well, thanks to its new suspension system and advanced four-wheel-drive technology. However, its performance is hampered by lower fuel economy ratings and a less refined ride quality when equipped with larger wheels. Both SUVs offer unique driving experiences tailored to their brand identities, with Volvo focusing on safety and efficiency and GMC on power and rugged luxury.
Form and function
In the domain of practicality, the Volvo XC90 and GMC Yukon cater to distinct priorities, with their designs reflecting a balance between daily usability and luxury comfort. The 2020 Volvo XC90 cleverly maximizes its interior to deliver up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded. This adaptability is further highlighted by Volvo's unique features like an integrated booster cushion, enhancing the SUV's family-friendly appeal. The seating is versatile, providing substantial comfort and support in both the first and second rows, although the third row is notably snug, designed predominantly for younger passengers.
Transitioning to the 2021 GMC Yukon, the SUV showcases improvements over its predecessor in both passenger and cargo space, attributed to its new independent rear suspension. This engineering leap allows the Yukon to offer a substantial cargo capacity, with 25.5 cubic feet available behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and an impressive maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with both rows folded down. In its extended Denali XL form, these figures grow to 41.5 cubic feet, 93.8 cubic feet, and 144.7 cubic feet, respectively. Such expansiveness not only makes the Yukon a leader in its class for cargo but also significantly enhances third-row passenger comfort, offering a space that adults can find genuinely accommodating.
Both vehicles adeptly address the needs of their target demographics, with the Volvo XC90 focusing on delivering a refined, safety-conscious family vehicle and the GMC Yukon emphasizing its capability and vast interior space to accommodate larger families and more substantial cargo needs.
Technology
Technology scores diverge slightly, with the XC90 earning an 8 out of 10 and the Yukon a 9 out of 10. Volvo's Sensus system is praised for its swift response and organization, despite some minor usability grievances. The system integrates advanced features and safety settings within a touchscreen interface, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to both convenience and safety.
Conversely, the GMC Yukon shines with its modern infotainment offerings, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen with comprehensive connectivity options and optional rear-seat entertainment systems. While the system is intuitive and feature-rich, some aspects, such as audio quality, could see improvement. However, the Yukon's technology package, particularly with the Denali's enhancements, represents GMC's focus on delivering a connected and entertaining driving experience.
Safety
Volvo's reputation for safety is well-earned, with the XC90 receiving top marks from safety organizations and a perfect 10 from CarGurus. It features a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, underscoring Volvo's historical commitment to passenger protection. The GMC Yukon also scores highly with a 9 out of 10, equipped with a wide range of advanced driving assistance systems.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volvo XC90 is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Volvo XC90 emerges as the more highly recommended vehicle, offering a superior blend of design, safety, and value, if not as much space.
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
- You need exceptional cargo space and passenger comfort, especially in the third row.
- You prefer a powerful V8 engine and the capability for off-road and towing activities.
- You appreciate a rugged yet luxurious design with the latest in-car technology.
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Choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 if:
- You prioritize top-notch safety features and ratings.
- You seek a luxury SUV with a stylish, minimalist design and efficient powertrains.
- You value a well-rounded package of technology, comfort, and environmental consciousness.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volvo XC90 is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Volvo XC90 emerges as the more highly recommended vehicle, offering a superior blend of design, safety, and value, if not as much space.
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
Shop Now- You need exceptional cargo space and passenger comfort, especially in the third row.
- You prefer a powerful V8 engine and the capability for off-road and towing activities.
- You appreciate a rugged yet luxurious design with the latest in-car technology.
203 results
Choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize top-notch safety features and ratings.
- You seek a luxury SUV with a stylish, minimalist design and efficient powertrains.
- You value a well-rounded package of technology, comfort, and environmental consciousness.
157 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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