Expedition vs Yukon
The Expedition and the Yukon are direct rivals in the full-size suv class, one from Ford and one from GMC. On balance, the Expedition is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Expedition wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Expedition wins
- Off-road & Towing Expedition wins
- Safety & Tech Yukon wins
- Price Expedition wins
- Engine & Performance5.2
- Fuel Economy & Range5.2
- Off-road & Towing8.5
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- 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
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The Expedition has 97 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the Expedition is in a different league: 480 lb-ft, next to 383 lb-ft for the Yukon. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Expedition has 45 hp more power
Only a little separates them: 400 hp on the Expedition, 355 hp on the Yukon. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Expedition has better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Expedition (19 mpg versus 17 mpg). Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Yukon has a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen
For largest touchscreen, the Yukon leads by a wide margin: 16.8 in versus 13.2 in. The Yukon’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
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The Expedition has better highway fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 24 mpg to the Yukon’s 20 mpg, the Expedition has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 81 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 120.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Expedition leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Expedition leads where it counts. In its favor, the Expedition has 97 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. Net result: the Expedition leads this part of the comparison.
Torque
Expedition: 480 lb-ft Yukon: 383 lb-ft The Expedition’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Expedition: 400 hp Yukon: 355 hp The Expedition’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Expedition leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Expedition is comfortably ahead. The Expedition scores with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For fuel economy & range, the Expedition is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
Expedition: 19 mpg Yukon: 17 mpg The Expedition uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Expedition: 24 mpg Yukon: 20 mpg The Expedition uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Off-road & Towing
Expedition leads
Call it a small but real win for the Expedition in this area. The Expedition brings 1,200 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the Expedition is the stronger car.
Max towing
Expedition: 9,600 lb Yukon: 8,400 lb If you tow regularly, the Expedition’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Yukon leads
The Yukon squeezes out a win in the safety & tech section. On the Yukon, you get a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. So if safety & tech tops your list, lean toward the Yukon.
Largest touchscreen
Expedition: 13.2 in Yukon: 16.8 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (EcoBoost) | 5.3L V8 |
| Total system output | 400 hp (winner) | 355 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft (winner) | 383 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4x4 available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg (winner) | 15 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 24 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 25.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 122.9 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 9,600 lb (winner) | 8,400 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in Smallest touchscreen | 16.8 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | GMC Pro Safety |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 81 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 120.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Expedition | Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $62,400 (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
Price barely moves the needle here: the Yukon launched $5,500 higher. The Expedition delivers more for less: $5,500 less, to be exact.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Expedition if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (480 lb-ft vs 383 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (400 hp vs 355 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (19 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (24 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($5,500 less)
Choose the Yukon if…
- you want the bigger touchscreen (16.8 in vs 13.2 in)
- you’re loyal to GMC and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Expedition or the Yukon?
The Expedition wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you value a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen above everything else.
Is the Expedition cheaper than the Yukon?
Going by launch prices, the Expedition costs $5,500 less than the Yukon. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Ford’s Expedition versus GMC’s Yukon. What tips it for me is that the Expedition has 97 lb-ft more torque. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Expedition has better fuel economy. On the other side, the Yukon brings a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Who should get which? The Expedition for engine & performance, the Yukon for safety & tech.
My pick: the Expedition, though I’d happily point you to the Yukon if you specifically want a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen, where the Yukon has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.