2020 GMC Yukon vs 2020 Ford Expedition – Atlanta, GA

Both GMC and Ford have been America’s favorite automakers for decades. It’s no surprise that the two brands pose heavy competition for each other. However, the Yukon has two powertrain choices, and the Expedition only comes with one powertrain. 

The 2020 GMC Yukon

The 2020 GMC Yukon’s standard powertrain is a 5.3-liter V8 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and RWD (4WD is optional). This engine can produce up to 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 6,300 pounds. The other option is available on the SLT trim and standard on the top-tier Denali trim. It’s a 6.2-liter V8 that yields 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It can haul up to 8,400 pounds. When equipped with the 5.3-liter V8, the estimated fuel economy is 18 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway.) 

The 2020 Ford Expedition

As for the Ford Expedition, all models are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD (AWD is optional). This engine can produce up to 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. In addition, this powertrain can tow up to 9,300 pounds when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. Without this package, the towing capacity is maxed out at 6,000 pounds. The average fuel economy is a bit higher for the Ford Expedition with 20 MPG combined (17 city/24 highway).

When it comes to which model performs better, the Ford Expedition does lead the charge in maximum towing capability, but the GMC Yukon gives you two engine choices and a powerful 6.2-liter V8. 

Now, it’s time to slip behind the wheel to see what’s inside each trim level of both SUVs. The 2020 GMC Yukon is offered in a trio of trims, and the 2020 Ford Expedition comes in four trims. Is less really more? Let’s find out!

The 2020 GMC Yukon

Kicking things off with the GMC Yukon is the base SLE model. It comes with tri-zone climate control, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, and an advanced infotainment interface. Displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen, this system works with a rearview camera video feed, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, OnStar telematics, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Essentially, whatever you can do on your smartphone, you can also do on the vehicle’s infotainment system. There are also two packages that you can add at this level. The first is the Convenience Package. It adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power liftgate. The second package is known as Enhanced Driver Alert. It comes with advanced safety features. 

As for the second trim, there are two versions of the SLT. These are the SLT and the SLT Standard Edition. The SLT Standard Edition comes with heated leather seats, and the SLT adds convenience features such as keyless ignition/entry, a tilt-and-telescoping heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, and power-folding functions on the second and third rows. Finally, the top-tier Denali model adds a trailer brake controller and adaptive suspension dampers to accommodate the more powerful engine. Keep in mind that you can also add the Heavy-Duty Trailering Package to the SLE and SLT trims as well to boost the towing capacity. 

The 2020 Ford Expedition 

On the other hand, the Ford Expedition is available in four trims. First is the XLT, which includes power-folding and power-reclining back seats. The Sync 3 infotainment interface is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen that works with a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. All Expeditions come with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite as well. 

The second trim is the Limited model. It features leather-trimmed upholstery, a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, and the BLIS safety suite. The newest model to the Expedition lineup is the King Ranch. This trim adds premium leather heated/cooled seats in the front, heated back seats, and a 360-degree parking camera system. Lastly, the top-tier Platinum version comes with wood accents, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced active park assist. 

Both vehicles offer similar features throughout the various trim levels. Even though the Yukon is only offered in three trims, it still keeps up with the Expedition. 

Both of these vehicles are full-size and quite impressive to look at from the outside. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “never judge a book by its cover,” throw that out the window when it comes to vehicles. The Yukon and the Denali have numerous exterior styling elements that can be swapped out to suit your specific tastes. Let’s have a look!

The 2020 GMC Yukon

The 2020 GMC Yukon has 12 various wheel options ranging from 20 to 22-inches. LED daytime running lights, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, roof rails, LED fog lamps, and LED taillights are all standard. The Yukon models even come with a hands-free power liftgate that makes loading up the back easy. You won’t have to put your groceries on the ground. Rain-sensing wipers, as well as a rear windshield wiper, are also included for optimized visibility during inclement weather. 

The 2020 Ford Expedition

Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition doesn’t have as many options. Even though the exterior features for each trim level are carefully laid out, that cuts down on the customization that you can do to it. The XLT rides on smaller 18-inch wheels and comes with roof rails, running boards, and fog lamps. The LED lighting doesn’t appear until the Limited trim, and it’s only in the fog lamps. This is also where you will get rain-sensing wipers and 20-inch wheels as well. The all-new King Ranch model gets all LED lighting on the outside, a sunroof, and larger 22-inch wheels. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Platinum has a hands-free liftgate and roof rail crossbars.

Color Choices 

Paint colors are another exterior feature to consider before you choose your next SUV. The 2020 GMC Yukon is available in nine shades, including White Frost Tricoat, Summit White, Quicksilver Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Onyx Black, Dark Sky Metallic, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Smokey Quartz Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat. On the flip side, the 2020 Ford Expedition also comes in nine different paint colors. These include Star White, Oxford White, Iconic Silver, Blue, Desert Gold, Magnetic, Agate Black, Burgundy Velvet, and Rapid Red.

At the end of the day, the GMC Yukon simply has more options for you. You have a lot more freedom to customize the exterior of the GMC Yukon than you would with the Expedition.