GMC Yukon XL vs Ford Explorer
Overview | |
Years produced2000-Present | Years produced1991-Present |
MSRP$51,015 | MSRP$40,050 |
Listings9565 | Listings9953 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryWith options quickly disappearing in the near-luxury large SUV segment, the GMC Yukon XL seems to deliver with a duo of powerful engines, a wealth of seating and storage, and 8,000 pounds of towing capacity. But manufacturing oversights and some competent competition mean you should strongly consider alternatives before making your decision. Before you discount the Yukon entirely, take a look at improvements that have been added to the 2016: a faster processor for its IntelliLink system, Apple CarPlay, and added safety features like lane-keep assist and auto high beams, plus SLT trims and above are now fitted with a hands-free power rear liftgate. | |
Reviews SummaryThanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine5.3L 355 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity9 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City16 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name5.3L 355 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City16 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity9 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space39.3 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight5536 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height74.4 in | Height69.6 in |
Length224.3 in | Length198.7 in |
Width80.5 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase130.0 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1633 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity8300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity6300 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2000-Present | 1991-Present |
MSRP | $51,015 | $40,050 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.7 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | With options quickly disappearing in the near-luxury large SUV segment, the GMC Yukon XL seems to deliver with a duo of powerful engines, a wealth of seating and storage, and 8,000 pounds of towing capacity. But manufacturing oversights and some competent competition mean you should strongly consider alternatives before making your decision. Before you discount the Yukon entirely, take a look at improvements that have been added to the 2016: a faster processor for its IntelliLink system, Apple CarPlay, and added safety features like lane-keep assist and auto high beams, plus SLT trims and above are now fitted with a hands-free power rear liftgate. | Thanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 5.3L 355 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 9 | 7 |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 16 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 5.3L 355 hp V8 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 16 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 9 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 39.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 5536 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 74.4 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 224.3 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 80.5 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 130.0 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1633 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 8300 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 6300 lbs | 5000 lbs |

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