2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 GMC Yukon had a rugged yet refined aesthetic, aligning with GMC’s “professional grade” and “premium grade” positioning. This truck-based full-size SUV, redesigned for 2021, came in standard- and extended-length body styles with trim levels including SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Priced from $50,700, the Yukon AT4 was tailored for off-road adventures with its improved approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, the Denali trim, known for its upscale features, was the most popular choice, with an as-tested price of $83,720. The Yukon Denali stood out with its exclusive design elements. Dressed in Midnight Blue paint and rolling on 22-inch wheels, it showcased intricate grillework, vent-style fender badges, chrome lower body trim, and appealing rear styling. The Denali’s dashboard design was exclusive, featuring real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique stitching and piping. The Ultimate Package added a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the cabin’s luxurious feel. Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum, which greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport, had a luxurious appeal at the top of its lineup, which included the XL STX, XLT, Limited, and King Ranch. Starting at $50,595, the Platinum trim was priced at $74,375, with the extended-length Expedition MAX costing an additional $2,000. Our test vehicle, with Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, an electronic limited-slip differential, and second-row captain’s chairs, totaled $80,510. The Expedition Platinum featured power-deploying running boards and a sophisticated chrome grille, massive 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and brightwork detailing. Despite its inability to accommodate all our luggage behind the third-row seat, the extended-length MAX version would have resolved this issue. The Expedition’s leather-lined cabin, spacious seating, and shared parts with the F-150 pickup truck contributed to its luxurious feel, though hard plastic surfaces reminded us of its origins.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engines: a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the Denali, and an upcoming 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder. Our Yukon Denali’s 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It provided robust acceleration and a V8 burble, though fuel economy was a weak point, averaging 14.4 mpg with 4WD and 16.2 mpg with 2WD on our testing loops. The Yukon’s new independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension with Magnetic Ride Control improved ride quality and handling. However, the 22-inch wheels and 275/50 tires detracted from the smoothness. The Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case, Traction Select driving modes, and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced cornering performance and traction. The Yukon Denali’s towing capacity was 8,300-8,400 pounds, though lower than previous models and competitors like the Ford Expedition. The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm, or 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft in the Platinum trim. Its towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. Acceleration was impressive, and the 10-speed automatic transmission, along with responsive steering and brakes, ensured smooth performance. The Expedition’s adaptive damping suspension, combined with a four-wheel independent suspension, provided a stable ride despite the Platinum’s 22-inch wheels transmitting road shock. An FX4 Off-Road Package was available for the XLT and Limited trims, enhancing off-road capabilities with a two-speed transfer case, electronic limited-slip rear differential, off-road shocks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Our Platinum trim averaged 17.1 mpg on our evaluation loop, aligning with its EPA rating.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from an independent rear suspension, increasing passenger and cargo space. Front-seat room remained similar, with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power sliding console in the Denali. However, long drives revealed the front seats' lack of support, and the upper door panel edges were uncomfortable for elbows. Second-row seats were now sliding and collapsible, improving comfort and cargo capacity. Third-row passengers enjoyed better thigh support and easier access. Cargo volume behind the third-row seat was 25.5 cubic feet (41.5 in the Denali XL), expanding to 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded (93.8 for Denali XL) and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet (144.7 Denali XL). The 2021 Ford Expedition, while limited in its regular length, excelled in comfort and utility. The Expedition MAX variant offered more cargo space, expanding from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX provided 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 121.5 cubic feet overall. Passengers benefited from wide seats and ample space, with only the front seats offering a massage function. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage for small items was plentiful. However, the high liftover height of the cargo floor could be a drawback when loading heavy items.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali offered a comprehensive infotainment package. Standard features included a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and over-the-air updates. Upgrades included wireless device charging, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays. While the rear-seat entertainment system had some connectivity issues, it was generally well-received. Additional technology included a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles. These features, combined with front and rear parking sensors and a high-definition reversing camera, enhanced the Yukon’s maneuverability. The 2021 Ford Expedition’s Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Amazon Alexa compatibility was also included, with enhanced voice recognition for 2021. Our test vehicle’s 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and wireless charging added to the tech appeal. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered DVD playback, gaming system inputs, mobile device streaming, and Slingbox compatibility. Despite Sync 3’s age, it continued to provide essential modern features.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver technology, a rear-seat reminder system, and OnStar services provided additional safety. SLT trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. On our drive, the adaptive cruise and lane assistance technologies operated smoothly and effectively, contributing to a safe and comfortable driving experience. The 2021 Ford Expedition, with a minimum curb weight of 5,368 pounds, had a safety advantage. While the IIHS had not crash-tested the Expedition, the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash-test rating. However, the RWD model’s rollover-resistance rating was three stars, with the 4WD model earning four stars. Ford Co-Pilot360, standard on all Expeditions, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.