2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Toyota Highlander
Overview | |
MSRP$51,000 | MSRP$35,085 |
Listings1430 | Listings1358 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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. | |
2021 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryToyota hardly needs any help selling three-row Highlanders. It already sits close to the top of the sales charts for its segment, and few vehicles carry the name recognition as the Highlander, which enters into its 20th year of production. But the three-row marketplace is a competitive one, and even after a 2020 redesign, Toyota would be foolish to rest on its laurels. As such, the Highlander enters this year with additional safety-feature technology listed as standard equipment. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine5.3L 355 hp V8 | Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity9 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City15 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name5.3L 355 hp V8 | Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City15 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity9 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space25.5 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight5490 lbs | Curb Weight4145 lbs |
Height76.5 in | Height68.1 in |
Length210.0 in | Length194.9 in |
Width81.0 in | Width76.0 in |
Wheelbase120.9 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload1792 lbs | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity8400 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $51,000 | $35,085 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | 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. | Toyota hardly needs any help selling three-row Highlanders. It already sits close to the top of the sales charts for its segment, and few vehicles carry the name recognition as the Highlander, which enters into its 20th year of production. But the three-row marketplace is a competitive one, and even after a 2020 redesign, Toyota would be foolish to rest on its laurels. As such, the Highlander enters this year with additional safety-feature technology listed as standard equipment. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 5.3L 355 hp V8 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 9 | 8 |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 15 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 5.3L 355 hp V8 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 15 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 9 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 25.5 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 5490 lbs | 4145 lbs |
Height | 76.5 in | 68.1 in |
Length | 210.0 in | 194.9 in |
Width | 81.0 in | 76.0 in |
Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1792 lbs | 1685 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 8400 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | |















CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Yukon is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Highlander scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2021 GMC Yukon for its premium feel and impressive performance.
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
- You prioritize a premium and rugged design in your SUV.
- You desire powerful engine options for robust acceleration.
- You need improved passenger and cargo space for added comfort and convenience.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
- You prefer a practical and adaptable interior design.
- Safety features are a top priority for you.
- You are looking for a good balance between fuel efficiency, comfort, and value in a three-row crossover.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Yukon is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Highlander scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2021 GMC Yukon for its premium feel and impressive performance.
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a premium and rugged design in your SUV.
- You desire powerful engine options for robust acceleration.
- You need improved passenger and cargo space for added comfort and convenience.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You prefer a practical and adaptable interior design.
- Safety features are a top priority for you.
- You are looking for a good balance between fuel efficiency, comfort, and value in a three-row crossover.

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.






































