GMC Yukon vs GMC Acadia

2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon
$51,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 GMC Acadia
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 GMC Yukon
$51,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$51,000

MSRP

$29,800

Listings

9433

Listings

9384

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Spacious third row

  • Powerful engine

  • Plenty of cargo space

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Uncomfortable seats

  • Interior materials feel cheap

Pros

  • Spacious third row

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

Reviews 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.

Reviews Summary

Long story short, as a friend of mine likes to say, GMC screwed up. This is just my opinion, of course, but when GMC redesigned the Acadia for the 2017 model year, the SUV shrank in size and switched to a softer look in order to plug a huge hole in the Buick-GMC SUV lineup.

Fast-forward to 2020, and GMC may have decided this move was a bad idea. As part of a refresh, the new Acadia adopts bolder styling and adds a new AT4 trim level with greater off-roading capability. Additional changes include the availability of a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and new and updated technology.

These revisions do help the Acadia to better stand out in what is now an ocean of midsize SUVs, from Hyundai to Kia and Honda to Toyota, and everything in between, but it’s up to GMC to make people aware of this fundamentally good, but oh-so-vanilla SUV. And the company must also address the Acadia’s questionable value.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

5.3L 355 hp V8

Engine

2.5L 193 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

9

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

20

MPG Highway

27
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon
$51,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Yukon
$51,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$51,000
$29,800
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.5

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Spacious third row

  • Powerful engine

  • Plenty of cargo space

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Uncomfortable seats

  • Interior materials feel cheap

Pros

  • Spacious third row

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

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.

Long story short, as a friend of mine likes to say, GMC screwed up. This is just my opinion, of course, but when GMC redesigned the Acadia for the 2017 model year, the SUV shrank in size and switched to a softer look in order to plug a huge hole in the Buick-GMC SUV lineup.

Fast-forward to 2020, and GMC may have decided this move was a bad idea. As part of a refresh, the new Acadia adopts bolder styling and adds a new AT4 trim level with greater off-roading capability. Additional changes include the availability of a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and new and updated technology.

These revisions do help the Acadia to better stand out in what is now an ocean of midsize SUVs, from Hyundai to Kia and Honda to Toyota, and everything in between, but it’s up to GMC to make people aware of this fundamentally good, but oh-so-vanilla SUV. And the company must also address the Acadia’s questionable value.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
5.3L 355 hp V8
2.5L 193 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
FWD
Seating Capacity
9
7
Horsepower
355 hp @ 5600 rpm
193 hp @ 6300 rpm
MPG City
15
21
MPG Highway
20
27
Look and feel

2021 GMC Yukon

8/10

2020 GMC Acadia

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 GMC Acadia as 8 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 9 out of 10 for look and feel. The 2020 Acadia is positioned as a premium midsize SUV with various trim levels, while the 2021 Yukon offers a rugged yet refined full-size option. The Acadia features a modern design with upscale elements, while the Yukon boasts a bold and sophisticated look, especially in Denali trim.
Picture of 2021 GMC Yukon
Performance

2021 GMC Yukon

7/10

2020 GMC Acadia

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 GMC Acadia 7 out of 10 for performance, and the 2021 GMC Yukon 6 out of 10. The Acadia offers three engine options and a smooth ride quality, with the Denali trim providing a powerful V6 engine. On the other hand, the Yukon offers three robust engine choices, with the Denali variant equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine for impressive acceleration and towing capabilities.
Form and function

2021 GMC Yukon

8/10

2020 GMC Acadia

8/10
The 2020 GMC Acadia offers seating for up to seven passengers, with a max cargo space of 79 cubic feet. In comparison, the 2021 GMC Yukon provides significant gains in passenger and cargo room, with a maximum cargo capacity of up to 144.7 cubic feet. The Denali trim ensures comfort with heated and ventilated seats, making it an ideal choice for families and long road trips.
Technology

2021 GMC Yukon

8/10

2020 GMC Acadia

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 GMC Acadia 8 out of 10 for technology, and the 2021 GMC Yukon 9 out of 10. The Acadia includes essential infotainment features like Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, while the Yukon introduces a more advanced 10.2-inch touchscreen system with wireless connectivity and a rear-seat media system. Both vehicles offer innovative tech features to enhance the driving experience.
Safety

2021 GMC Yukon

6/10

2020 GMC Acadia

9/10
The 2020 GMC Acadia scores 6 out of 10 for safety, while the 2021 GMC Yukon receives a high rating of 9 out of 10. The Acadia offers standard safety features like blind-spot warning, but advanced driver assistance systems are only available in higher trims. In contrast, the Yukon comes equipped with a range of ADAS features, making it a safer option for families and daily commutes.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Acadia is 7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.67 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommendation is to choose the 2021 GMC Yukon for its higher overall score and advanced features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Acadia is 7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.67 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommendation is to choose the 2021 GMC Yukon for its higher overall score and advanced features.

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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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