Suburban vs Yukon
The Suburban and the Yukon are two different answers to the same full-size suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Suburban is ahead in 1 of 5, led by a clear margin in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Suburban wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Suburban wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Space & Practicality5.3
- Off-road & Towing4.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Suburban has 63% more cargo space
On this line of the spec sheet, the Suburban is in a different league: 41.5 cu ft, next to 25.5 cu ft for the Yukon. The Suburban’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Suburban has 18% more maximum cargo space
For cargo (seats folded), the Suburban leads by a wide margin: 144.7 cu ft versus 122.9 cu ft. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
-
The Suburban has
For fuel tank, the figures are 28 gal for the Suburban and 24 gal for the Yukon. Treat it as a question of preference, not quality. Tank size and fuel economy together decide your range, so look at both before drawing conclusions.
-
The Suburban has
The Suburban has the larger figure, 134.1 in to 120.9 in. Whether that helps depends entirely on you. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 225.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 81 in | 81 in |
| Wheelbase | 134.1 in | 120.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
On paper, the engine & performance comparison ends all square. Net result on engine & performance: level.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The fuel economy & range section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The fuel economy & range verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Fuel tank
Suburban: 28 gal Yukon: 24 gal A bigger fuel tank means fewer stops on long trips, though the real range also depends on fuel economy.
Space & Practicality
Suburban leads
The Suburban dominates the space & practicality section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. On its side, the Suburban has 63% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. If space & practicality is your priority, the Suburban is the car to pick.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Suburban: 41.5 cu ft Yukon: 25.5 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Suburban: 144.7 cu ft Yukon: 122.9 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Suburban nor the Yukon has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Side by side, the safety & tech figures for the Suburban and the Yukon barely differ. Both cover safety & tech well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 5.3L V8 | 5.3L V8 |
| Total system output | 355 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 28 gal | 24 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 9 seats | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 41.5 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 25.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 144.7 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 122.9 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,200 lb Lowest towing capacity | 8,400 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in | 16.8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | GMC Pro Safety |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 225.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 81 in | 81 in |
| Wheelbase | 134.1 in | 120.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Suburban | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $62,500 (winner) | $67,900 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Choosing the Suburban saves $5,400 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. Spending less doesn’t mean getting less here: the Suburban undercuts the Yukon by $5,400 and still leads overall.
Based on US launch pricing as of launch. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Suburban if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (41.5 cu ft vs 25.5 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (144.7 cu ft vs 122.9 cu ft)
- you’d rather keep $5,400 in your pocket
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Suburban or the Yukon?
On the specs compared here, the Suburban makes more sense for most buyers; the Yukon doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Suburban cheaper than the Yukon?
At launch, the Suburban undercut the Yukon by $5,400. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Suburban from Chevrolet and the Yukon from GMC. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 63% more cargo space, and that goes to the Suburban.
If your days lean on space & practicality, I’d pick the Suburban; if they lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Yukon.
My pick: the Suburban.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.