When it comes to full-size SUVs, two of the most popular models are made by the American automakers’ Ford and GMC. These household names have been in steep competition with one another for decades, and it doesn’t look like either one is willing to give an inch. In this article, we will take you through a detailed comparison of the 2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 GMC Yukon to see which model comes out on top.
Seating and Space
If you have a large family and need plenty of space, both vehicles offer plenty of cargo room. However, one is larger than the other. Can you guess which one that is?
It’s the 2020 Ford Expedition! With available seating for eight people, this model offers 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back row. On the other hand, the 2020 GMC Yukon seats nine people and only has 15.3 cubic feet of space. The Ford Expedition has more cargo room no matter which configuration you choose. Folding the down the third row of seating will grant you 63.6 cubic feet, and folding down the second row will open up the area to 104.6 cubic feet of space. As for the Yukon, it only has 51.7 cubic feet of space after folding down the last row, and it only offers 94.7 cubic feet with the second row folded as well.
Power and Performance
The 2020 Ford Expedition makes things very easy when it comes to choosing a powertrain. You don’t have to make a decision! There’s only one, and it is quite impressive. All Expedition models for this year are powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 motor. Coupled with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD (AWD is optional), this powertrain pushes out 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It has an estimated fuel economy set at 19 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway), and it can haul up to 6,000 pounds. If you want more towing power, you can have the Heavy-duty Trailer Tow Package added on. This ramps up the towing capacity to 9,300 pounds. That makes the Expedition the best in its class for hauling.
Most 2020 GMC Yukon models come equipped with the standard 5.3-liter V8 engine. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and RWD (4WD is optional), this powertrain produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It can also pull 6,300 pounds. If you want something stronger, you’ll have to opt for the Denali trim. This one is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This ramp-up in the motor’s power pushes the maximum towing capacity up to 8,400 pounds. Also, keep in mind that the fuel economy for this vehicle is only 18 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway).
Base Trims
Mid-level trims tend to be the most popular, but you can learn a lot about a vehicle by looking at the base model. It will give you a good idea of what you can expect to get for the money you pay. Saving money and getting amazing standard features is something that every family loves.
The Ford Expedition XLT is the base model. Riding on 18-inch wheels, it comes with running boards, fog lamps, and roof rails. Inside the cabin, you will find great tech features like the Sync 3 infotainment system Displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen; this system operates with a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Power-folding/power-reclining rear seats are also included. As for safety, each Expedition model comes with the Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced features. This adds automatic high beams, blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, pre-collision assist, emergency braking, dynamic brake support, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection.
On the other hand, the 2020 GMC Yukon SLE base model includes a comparable infotainment interface that is also displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. While this system is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it does not come with an in-vehicle Wifi hotspot. Rolling on 20-inch wheels, it does have LED external lighting and automatic high beams.
The Takeaway: The Expedition XLT offers more safety features than the Yukon SLE.
Mid-Level Trims
Both vehicles have two mid-level trims. The Expedition Limited adds luxurious leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Riding on larger 20-inch wheels, exterior upgrades include LED fog lamps and rain-sensing wipers. Next, the King Ranch model gets heated and cooled seating for the front seats, and it also heats the back seats. A 360° camera system has also been installed to assist with parking. The outside of the King Ranch gets more updates as well. You will notice a sunroof, full LED lighting, and 22-inch wheels.
The Yukon SLT Standard Edition adds leather upholstery and heated front seats. If that isn’t enough, you can opt for the SLT, which comes with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and keyless ignition/entry. Also included on this trim are power-folding functions for both back rows of seating. That’s a feature that was included in the Expedition base model.
Premium Trims
As you may have already noticed, all of the Expedition trim levels are very well equipped. The top-of-the-line Platinum model takes things a step further with beautiful features such as wood interior accents and a panoramic sunroof. Advanced safety features that have also been included on this trim are enhanced active park assist and adaptive cruise control. It also gets roof rail crossbars and a hands-free liftgate.
Lastly, the Yukon Denali gets a bigger engine, adaptive suspension system dampers, and a trailer brake controller. A hands-free liftgate is also included.
While the Yukon Denali focuses on a different powertrain, the Expedition Platinum focuses on luxury and sophistication. Even with the Yukon’s bigger engine, the Expedition is still more powerful for towing and gets better gas mileage.
Paint Colors
In the final comparison, we will look at the exterior paint options for both vehicles. Both come in nine unique shades. The Ford Expedition paint options include Desert Gold, Oxford White, Iconic Silver, Magnetic, Star White, Blue, Agate Black, Rapid Red, and Burgundy Velvet. Meanwhile, the Yukon’s nine paint colors are Summit White, Onyx Black, Dark Sky Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Smokey Quartz Metallic, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat, and White Frost Tricoat.
While both vehicles are available in nine shades, the colors that reign supreme are subjective to your own personal taste.
Finding a Family-Friendly SUV
Before you make your final decision, we highly recommend taking these two vehicles out for a spin. That might help you decide if you haven’t made up your mind yet. Our personal favorite is the 2020 Ford Expedition due to it’s towing capacity, fuel economy, and numerous standard safety features that the Yukon simply cannot match.
