The 2018 GMC Yukon XL and the 2018 Chevy Suburban are fairly similar vehicles. They may be from different manufacturers, but then when it comes down to the stats, they are nearly identical. This makes trying to decide between them a difficult task. But luckily, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2018 GMC Yukon XL vs 2018 Chevy Suburban to determine our favorite ride. Just see for yourself:
2018 GMC Yukon XL
- Dimensions: 224″ L x 81″ W x 74″ H
- Cargo space: 39.3 ft³, 121.7 ft³ with seat area
- Seating: 8
- Horsepower: 355 to 420 hp
- Torque: 383 to 460 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: 8,300 lbs.
- Fuel Efficiency: 23 mpg highway
2018 Chevy Suburban
- Dimensions: 224″ L x 81″ W x 74″ H
- Cargo space: 39.3 ft³, 121.7 ft³ with seat area
- Seating: 8
- Horsepower: 355 to 420 hp
- Torque: 383 to 460 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: 8,300 lbs.
- Fuel Efficiency: 23 mpg highway
In power and size these third-row SUVs will match each other tit for tat, but, this begs the question how does one choose between these two spacious, powerful and convenient rides? Sure the numbers may be similar, but any true automotive enthusiast understands that every model has its own soul that can never be fully copied or replicated. The best way to find this soul is to dig deep and discover what truly makes these vehicles tick. We must look at the good in order to see what makes them shine, but we must also look at the bad, for it is at their worst that true colors will be shown. We will also need to take a look at the more interesting aspects that highlights their character and can show where these two truly separate themselves from the one another. So it’s time to look at the good, the bad, and the more interesting side of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL and the 2018 Chevy Suburban.
The Good
Both of these vehicles are tough with more power than many know what to do with. Both come standard with a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and an optional 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. At their best, they can both tow 8,300 pounds and achieve up to 23 mpg highway. They also both have excellent off-roading capabilities with all-terrain technology at the ready (with select packages).
It is no surprise these two share a toughness, what with their massive size. The space for passengers and cargo seems to only be limited by our own imagination. Whether you need a ride for a big family or a big adventure, you will surely be satisfied with its space for 8 adults and a maximum of 121 cubic feet of cargo. Accessing that space will also never be a problem because both rides offer push-button folding that makes bringing seats up and down a thoughtless task.
Both of these models also offer their own infotainment systems that come with all the great features like SiriusXM satellite radio, 4G Wi-Fi, and smartphone connectivity. Stay connected to the world outside as you journey the open road without a care. Their cabins are also impressively luxurious given the ruggedness of these vehicles.
Now that we praised what is the same, it is time to separate these two.
2018 GMC Yukon XL
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL is a spacious SUV manufactured by GMC, who specializes in the art of “large and in charge” vehicles. Mixing refinement with bold, you could consider the Yukon XL both beauty and beast. It features an attention to detail that has allowed it to compete with some of the more luxurious models on the market but at a much lower price point.
2018 Chevy Suburban
The 2018 Chevy Suburban is an ideal family SUV that will keep each member happy in their own way. Chevy has a knack for versatility, so it is no question as to whether the Suburban is capable of handling anything that comes its way.
The Bad
At the end of the day, both of these are fairly massive machines, and as such you must recognize the handling can only be so efficient. This means maneuvering and parking will probably be an issue with either vehicle if you aren’t already an expert on big vehicles. That being said, the Yukon does seem to offer a bit better handling for such a large SUV. Both of these vehicles also received fairly low-reliability ratings.
2018 GMC Yukon XL
Compared to the Chevy Suburban the GMC Yukon XL is a little more expensive to start. This may be caused by the fact that GMC is more of a large automotive specialists that markets towards a more luxury demographics. You may be paying just a bit more for the initial cost but you certainly won’t be sacrificing anything in the process.
2018 Chevy Suburban
The 2018 Chevy Suburban is just one of Chevy’s many creations and as such will not inspire the same passion that the Yukon can offer on an emotional level. Generally, those that lean towards the GMC Yukon are those that consider themselves enthusiast and wish only for the best of the best. You don’t go to a primary car provider for a heart attack; why go to a general dealer when you can go to someone who specializes in the vehicle you desire and shares the same passion.
The Interesting
Interesting things can come from almost anywhere. Our history, our relationships, our actions, or even our namesake can all be considered interesting to someone somewhere. So here are just a few facts you may find interesting about the 2018 GMC Yukon XL and the 2018 Chevy Suburban.
2018 GMC Yukon XL
- The Yukon is actually named after a Canadian territory that borders Alaska, and the choice came from the idea that you would have to be pretty tough to call Yukon your home.
- Jessica Alba is a well-known actress that drives a Yukon and has even mentioned that she enjoys its reliability and practicality.
- 60 percent of all Yukon and Yukon XLs sold are Denalis
2018 Chevy Suburban
- The 2018 Chevy Suburban is the longest living namesake in automotive history with over twelve generations and counting
- A brand new Suburban only cost $675 in 1935. Talk about inflation!
- GMC at one point produced their own GMC “Suburban” until they rebranded it as the Yukon in 2000
Summing Up
We must always take the good with the bad, no matter what, but it is deciding on how much good is worth how much bad, and if the interesting even factors in at all for you. On the surface there is no way to ignore that these cars are practically the same vehicle, in fact, they even were once upon a time, but that doesn’t mean that there is no way to choose. The best advice that can be given in this case is to just try them both out. Head to your local dealer and take each of them for a spin, see which one calls to you. Test drives will tell you a lot about how you feel about a vehicle, and who knows what little spark of interest you may find with one and not the other.
