2021 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Ford Explorer
Overview | |
MSRP$51,000 | MSRP$35,510 |
Listings1304 | Listings3947 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2021 GMC Yukon Reviews SummaryWith the redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon, several good things happen. First, GMC improves passenger space and cargo space by stretching the wheelbase and switching to an independent rear suspension design. Second, those same changes, coupled with a new adaptive air suspension option, enhance the full-size SUV’s ride and handling. Third, payload ratings rise by as much as 100 pounds. Fourth, the Yukon gets a significant technology upgrade. But at the same time, the new Yukon takes a couple of steps backward. Tow ratings can’t match the outgoing Yukon, and in some cases, fuel economy numbers worsen rather than improve. Still, all things considered, the new 2021 Yukon represents advancement. | |
2022 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryTwo years ago, Ford redesigned its popular Explorer midsize three-row SUV. It moved to a rear-drive platform, added an optional hybrid powertrain, and offered everything from a value-rich base model to a luxurious Platinum trim level. Since then, Ford has added ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch trim levels while simultaneously honing the Explorer’s packaging to appeal to the broadest cross-section of Americans possible. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine5.3L 355 hp V8 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity9 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City15 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name5.3L 355 hp V8 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower355 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
Drivetrain4X2 | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City15 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity9 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space25.5 cu ft | Cargo Space18.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight5490 lbs | Curb Weight4345 lbs |
Height76.5 in | Height69.9 in |
Length210.0 in | Length198.8 in |
Width81.0 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase120.9 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1792 lbs | Maximum Payload1425 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity8400 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $51,000 | $35,510 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | With the redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon, several good things happen. First, GMC improves passenger space and cargo space by stretching the wheelbase and switching to an independent rear suspension design. Second, those same changes, coupled with a new adaptive air suspension option, enhance the full-size SUV’s ride and handling. Third, payload ratings rise by as much as 100 pounds. Fourth, the Yukon gets a significant technology upgrade. But at the same time, the new Yukon takes a couple of steps backward. Tow ratings can’t match the outgoing Yukon, and in some cases, fuel economy numbers worsen rather than improve. Still, all things considered, the new 2021 Yukon represents advancement. | Two years ago, Ford redesigned its popular Explorer midsize three-row SUV. It moved to a rear-drive platform, added an optional hybrid powertrain, and offered everything from a value-rich base model to a luxurious Platinum trim level. Since then, Ford has added ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch trim levels while simultaneously honing the Explorer’s packaging to appeal to the broadest cross-section of Americans possible. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 5.3L 355 hp V8 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 9 | 7 |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 15 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 5.3L 355 hp V8 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | |
Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 15 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 9 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 25.5 cu ft | 18.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 5490 lbs | 4345 lbs |
Height | 76.5 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 210.0 in | 198.8 in |
Width | 81.0 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1792 lbs | 1425 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 8400 lbs | 5300 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | |
Look and feel
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 GMC Yukon scores 7.7 out of 10 while the 2022 Ford Explorer gets 7.5 out of 10. CarGurus rates both highly, with the Yukon slightly edging out the Explorer in terms of overall look and feel. The 2021 GMC Yukon offers a rugged yet refined appearance, especially in Denali trim, with upscale cabin features and a spacious interior. On the other hand, the 2022 Ford Explorer provides a sportier look with comfortable seating but limited cargo space.
Performance
The 2021 GMC Yukon shines with its powerful engine options, improved ride quality, and capable Active Response 4WD system. However, it falls slightly short in towing capacity compared to competitors. On the other hand, the 2022 Ford Explorer offers a range of powertrains, including a fuel-efficient hybrid option and a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine. It provides a smooth ride and adequate handling, making it a solid choice for daily driving.
Form and function
The 2021 GMC Yukon excels in passenger and cargo space, with improved seating comfort and ample storage options. With a maximum cargo volume of 144.7 cubic feet in the Denali XL model, the Yukon is a versatile SUV for families. The 2022 Ford Explorer offers comfortable seating for four with limited cargo space behind the third-row seat. It provides 87.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, making it suitable for everyday use.
Regarding payload and towing capacity, the 2021 GMC Yukon can tow up to 8,300 pounds with 4WD, while the 2022 Ford Explorer offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds with the twin-turbo V6 engine.
Technology
The 2021 GMC Yukon impresses with its advanced infotainment system, including a large touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Rear Seat Media system for entertainment. However, the audio system may fall short of expectations in the Denali trim. In comparison, the 2022 Ford Explorer features the Sync 3 technology with available Sync 4 upgrade, offering various connectivity options but may lack in voice recognition accuracy and screen size.
Safety
Both the 2021 GMC Yukon and the 2022 Ford Explorer prioritize safety with advanced driver-assistance features. The Yukon includes standard and available safety technologies like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, ensuring a secure driving experience. On the other hand, the Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering a collection of standard safety features and available semi-autonomous driving aids.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Yukon is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Ford Explorer scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2021 GMC Yukon for its refined appearance, spacious interior, and towing capabilities.
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
- You prioritize spacious passenger and cargo room in an SUV.
- You require a vehicle with excellent towing capacity for your needs.
- You appreciate a rugged yet refined design with upscale features.
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Choose the 2022 Ford Explorer if:
- You prefer a sportier look and comfortable seating in a midsize SUV.
- You are looking for a range of powertrain options, including a fuel-efficient hybrid.
- You value safety features and advanced driver-assistance technologies.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Yukon is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Ford Explorer scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2021 GMC Yukon for its refined appearance, spacious interior, and towing capabilities.
Choose the 2021 GMC Yukon if:
Shop Now- You prioritize spacious passenger and cargo room in an SUV.
- You require a vehicle with excellent towing capacity for your needs.
- You appreciate a rugged yet refined design with upscale features.
1300 results
Choose the 2022 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prefer a sportier look and comfortable seating in a midsize SUV.
- You are looking for a range of powertrain options, including a fuel-efficient hybrid.
- You value safety features and advanced driver-assistance technologies.
3929 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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