Which will be your next full-sized SUV? Have you compared the 2023 Ford Expedition to the GMC Yukon? Both cars are similar in a lot of ways, so this comparison may have had you questioning why we would choose the Expedition over the Yukon. By the end of our guide, we’ll show you why this SUV is going to be the better choice.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Better cargo capacity in the Expedition.
- Average gas mileage on both SUVs; the Expedition does a little better than the Yukon.
- Safety features and other entertainment options vary across the different trim levels.
EXPEDITION VS. YUKON: POWERTRAINS
The Expedition is no stranger when it comes to power, and because of that Yukon doesn’t quite match up to the power of the Expedition’s supercharged V6. The Expedition's standard engine puts out a noticeable difference in horsepower than the GMC Yukon. The Expedition also comes with three powertrain options as listed:
- 380-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 cylinder engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 400-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 cylinder engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 440-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 cylinder engine (Gasoline Fuel)
The power of the Expedition is matched by its better fuel efficiency than the Yukon. Expedition gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway compared to the Yukon’s 15 and 20. The Yukon offers two powertrains to choose from:
- 355-hp, 5.3-liter, 8 cylinder engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 420-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 cylinder engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Undoubtedly, the Expedition comes out as our winner for the better engine. Even when comparing standard engines, the Expedition is going to give drivers a reasonable difference in power that they will feel on the road.
HOLDING V. HAULING: DEPENDS ON YOUR NEEDS
Next, when comparing these two it’s important to look at their trailering and hauling potential. A lot of this will come down to the needs of you and your passengers or family. Both cars can tackle different tasks more effectively than the other. If your primary need for your next SUV is to fit as many passengers as you can into your car, or if you plan on driving most often with passengers in the back – the Expedition is the better choice. The Expedition has one more seat than the Yukon, totaling eight. It has a larger interior cargo space of nearly 103 cubic feet with all rows folded down, and still manages to have ample space in the back for passenger head and leg room. It has the sleeker and more refined standard trim cabin of the two vehicles. Towing capacity for the Expedition is 6,000 pounds with the standard size, if you opt for the Expedition Max it goes up to 9,000 lbs. The Yukon also has respectable towing capacity at 7,500-7,900 lbs.
SAFETY FEATURES & OFF-ROADING: EXPEDITION
With the turbocharged 3.5L engine on the Expedition and its better torque of 470 lb-ft compared to the Yukon’s 383 lb-ft, you’ll find that the Expedition has no problem going over rougher terrain. Because of its torque, it supports power to its wheels more efficiently than the Yukon. Its better horsepower makes sure you get through any obstacle easily. The Expedition gets higher ground clearance, avoiding anything that might slide under the car unnoticed with 9.8 inches while the Yukon gets 8 inches.
We really enjoy the new infotainment system in this 2023 Expedition, its standard screen is bigger than the Yukon’s by two inches, and there’s even the option to upgrade it from a 10.2 inch to a 15 inch. Both vehicles have great features for safety such as emergency braking and lane departure warnings. Adaptive cruise control is almost a must with these larger vehicles for longer road trips with the family. The Yukon does have an added feature that it doesn’t share with the Expedition and that is its surround-view camera system.
WHICH VEHICLE IS MORE AFFORDABLE?
The Expedition will average buyers around $55,000 while the Yukon goes for around $57,400. This is another reason we prefer the Expedition, with all its added features compared to the Yukon, you’re still getting it for less.
AND OUR CHOICE GOES TO: 2023 EXPEDITION
With both high performing SUVs, you’ll find you’re getting all the best features the SUV has to offer. You can’t go wrong either way. We’ve determined the better choice in this match up to be the Ford Expedition due to its ability to deliver on the power, safety, and cost front in slightly superior ways than the Yukon.