Yukon vs Armada
In the full-size suv class, the Yukon and the Armada are natural rivals. There is a favorite. The Armada beats the Yukon in 2 of 5 areas, and engine & performance is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Armada wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Armada wins
- Space & Practicality Yukon wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Yukon wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Off-road & Towing4.1
- Engine & Performance7.8
- Fuel Economy & Range1.9
- Off-road & Towing4.4
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 Yukon has 25% more cargo space
Few buyers will miss this one. The Yukon brings 25.5 cu ft to the table; the Armada brings 20.4 cu ft. The Yukon’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Armada has 70 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the Armada wins comfortably with 425 hp against 355 hp. The Armada’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Armada has 133 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (516 lb-ft for the Armada, 383 lb-ft for the Yukon) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Armada has better fuel economy
A narrow win for the Armada. With 18 mpg to 17 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. The Armada uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Yukon has a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen
Close, but not identical: the Yukon lists 16.8 in and the Armada lists 14.3 in. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 209.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 81 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 76.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 121.1 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 5,677 lb |
Engine & Performance
Armada leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Armada. The Armada comes with 70 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Armada is where you should land.
Total system output
Yukon: 355 hp Armada: 425 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Yukon: 383 lb-ft Armada: 516 lb-ft The Armada’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Armada leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Armada isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Armada has the edge with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Armada is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Yukon: 17 mpg Armada: 18 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Yukon: 15 mpg Armada: 16 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Armada has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Yukon leads
This section belongs to the Yukon. In space & practicality, it leads the Armada by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Yukon gives you 25% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Yukon.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Yukon: 25.5 cu ft Armada: 20.4 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
Yukon leads
The Yukon has the slight upper hand on safety & tech. The Yukon stands out with a bigger 16.8 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. If this section decides it for you, choose the Yukon.
Largest touchscreen
Yukon: 16.8 in Armada: 14.3 in The Yukon’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 5.3L V8 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 355 hp | 425 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg | 18 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg | 16 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 24 gal | 23.6 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.5 cu ft (winner) | 20.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 122.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 9.60 in |
| Max towing | 8,400 lb | 8,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 16.8 in (winner) | 14.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 209.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 81 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 76.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 121.1 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 5,677 lb |
Price
| Spec | Yukon | Armada |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $67,900 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Yukon if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.5 cu ft vs 20.4 cu ft)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (16.8 in vs 14.3 in)
- you prefer staying with GMC
Choose the Armada if…
- you want more power (425 hp vs 355 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (516 lb-ft vs 383 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (18 mpg vs 17 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (16 mpg vs 15 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Yukon or the Armada?
The Armada makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having 25% more cargo space matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on GMC’s Yukon versus Nissan’s Armada. What tips it for me is that the Armada has 70 hp more power. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Armada has better fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 25% more cargo space, the Yukon deserves a look.
If you’d rather have strength in space & practicality, go with the Yukon. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the Armada.
My pick: the Armada for most people, with the Yukon as the smarter choice if you care more about 25% more cargo space than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.