If you’re planning on traveling the road with any number of passengers, you’ve likely considered an SUV in your search for a new vehicle. And if that number of passengers is greater than 5, chances are you’re looking at larger SUVs that will fit everyone comfortably. There are truly only a few SUVs that can achieve this, and two of the best SUVs to compare for this requirement would be the 2018 GMC Yukon vs 2018 Toyota Sequoia. But, which vehicle is best?
The 2018 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL received 4.5 stars from critics overall. One of the reasons critics liked driving it so much is that, despite its massive size, the engine is reminiscent of a Corvette. The 6.2 liter V-8 that powers the Yukon, can get up to 420 horsepower. Paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 GMC Yukon engine is powerful and even attempts to get the best it can in EPA rated fuel economy. And with that comes state of the art infotainment, including 4G LTE, SiriusXM, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It also has a ton of interior space with seating for up to 8 passengers, and has a huge amount of hauling capability. It’s the perfect family vehicle for families who love travel and camping, and critics have almost nothing but nice things to say about it.
Meanwhile, the 2018 Toyota Sequoia is another large but versatile SUV. The 2018 Toyota Sequoia is praised by critics for its powerful engine and roomy interior space, which also seats up to 8 passengers. However, this has also received backlash from critics for its outdated dashboard and infotainment system, as well as its poor fuel economy which comes in last in its class.
However, there is still plenty to discuss when it comes to choosing between these two powerful SUVs. So, let’s take a much closer look at how the 2018 GMC Yukon and 2018 Toyota Sequoia compare.
The 2018 GMC Yukon
There were plenty of updates for the new 2018 model of the GMC Yukon. The 10-speed automatic transmission was refined, along with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. The critic favorites: the Denali and Denali XL are the best versions of the 2018 GMC Yukon. Beyond the refined engines, the Denali trim steps it up a notch with improved fuel economy and luxurious interiors.
The exterior is improved as well, with new colors such as Mineral Metallic, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, and Satin Steel Metallic, as well as new 22-inch wheels, and a sleeker grill that buyers find head-turning. But to further enhance the Denali trim, you can also get the Ultimate package. This luxurious package comes with safety-features including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a motion-sensing alarm, meant to deter theft. As well as lots of automatic-powered gadgets too, such as the power-retractable running boards, heated and cooled front seats, a power sunroof, power-folding second and third-row seats and adaptive cruise control.
What critics enjoy about the 2018 GMC Yukon, and what makes them prefer it to other models in its class is the fact that it has a modern look that deviates from previous generations of the model. Unlike many other competing models in its market, the 2018 GMC Yukon saw improvements and refinements, even when customers and critics weren’t complaining. In fact, it saw these improvements and refinements in as little as a year. While in comparison, it took other models upwards of 5 years to make similar changes.
How is It Improved from 2017?
The 2017 model “as is” already seemed like perfection to critics, but the 2018 model only add to this by increasing the feature availability of the SLT trim. These additional features are mostly for the tech-savvy and include these fun additions: an extra USB port, digital headphones, an HDMI connector, and an entertainment system in the rear. The 2018 also improved the 2017 model’s aerodynamic efficiency. The 2017 model brought about the Open Road package, which gets the latest in navigation and AWD systems.Overall, when it comes to the 2018 GMC Yukon, the upgrades to this model may seem pricey, but they are well worth the investment.
The 2018 Toyota Sequoia
Overall, the Toyota Sequoia has mostly been a disappointment to critics and buyers alike. The reason: it hasn’t seen many improvements since it’s very beginning. Its engine can be considered powerful and exciting – a 5.7-liter V-8 6-speed. However, many critics note that this engine is unrefined. This SUV has always been considered a “behemoth” by SUV standards, and on a positive note, has comfortable seating for up to 8 passengers. However, in order to experience safety features such as lane-assist technology and adaptive cruise control you have to invest heavily to get the TRD Sport trim level.
How Has it Improved Since 2017?
One of the things critics notice is that there really weren’t that many changes between the 2008 and the 2018 Sequoias, they looked almost like twins. A vehicle that hasn’t notably changed since 2008 is bound to stick out these days like a sore thumb, and not in a good way.
Critics note that each new generation hauls as well as the one that came before it, but with each passing year it begins to lack the latest infotainment features, and not have the eye-pleasing structure of other models.
One of the features the 2018 Toyota Sequoia is severely lacking is in the look and feel of the interior. Mostly plastic, it looks like it’s been paneled in Tupperware. The materials can be soft to the touch, but just seem odd by today’s standards. The fact is, many SUV shoppers are willing to invest in the expensive leather-bound trim if it’s available, but the 2018 Sequoia just doesn’t have it. Meaning any customer that chooses to purchase the 2018 Toyota Sequoia is forced to deal with a cheap plastic interior.
Once again, critics did note that it does have a lot of space. Plenty of room for hauling both your stuff and extra passengers. It’s still a great family vehicle. However, unlike the 2018 GMC Yukon XL, which has an interior of 121 cubic feet, the Sequoia still somehow lacks in space.
Overall, the worst complaint critics had about the 2018 Toyota Sequoia, is that it just falls short of a vehicle like the 2018 GMC Yukon. The Sequoia sold well in its first years on the market, but
Sales slowly tapered off as Toyota failed to make the necessary updates and changes. Even as the competition rose and consumers began to lose interest, the Toyota Sequoia just stayed the same.
So, the 2018 GMC Yukon or the 2018 Toyota Sequoia?
When it comes down to this decision, the fact is that SUVs like the 2018 Toyota Sequoia just aren’t what SUV buyers looking for anymore. They want SUVs that have the interior space but don’t look monstrous from the outside. Consumers no longer wish to drive gas-guzzling vehicles with low EPA ratings in fuel economy. They want to invest, but only when they know they are getting the luxury and features they have come to expect. Simply put, with its worst in-class fuel economy, lack of necessary upgrades, and outdated styling, the 2018 Toyota Sequoia most likely isn’t the vehicle you’re looking for. However, the 2018 GMC Yukon is a large SUV with all of the luxury, convenience, safety, and entertainment features you could hope for in a new vehicle. Combine that with its more than satisfactory fuel efficiency, and clearly the 2018 GMC Yukon takes the win in this battle of SUVs!
