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When you want a luxurious three-row SUV that’s bravely oriented to adventure and steadfast in its dedication to your safety and comfort, you’ll want to compare the GMC Yukon vs. GMC Acadia and see which model is the best for you. Both are GMC three-row SUVs; both are powerful and capable vehicles.
But think of them like this: The Yukon is an uncompromising full-size beast of an SUV that’s designed to be a massive family-fitting sanctuary on-road or off; the Acadia is a similar package but more agile, efficient, and affordable. See the full details as we put the GMC Acadia and GMC Yukon side by side with our comparison below, then visit Parks Buick GMC of Kernersville for a test drive.
| 2023 GMC Yukon SLE | 2023 GMC Acadia SLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type: | 5.3-Liter Gasoline V-8 | 2.0-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder |
| Horsepower: | 355 | 228 |
| Torque: | 383 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain: | RWD or 4WD | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission: | 10-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed Automatic |
| EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): | 15/20/171 | 22/29/252 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | 8,400 lbs3 | 4,000 lbs3 |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity: | Nine | Seven |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity: | 122.9 cu ft | 79.0 cu ft |
| Exterior Length: | 210.0 in | 193.4 in |
| Exterior Width: | 81.0 in | 75.4 in |
| Exterior Height: | 76.5 in | 66.7 in |
| Exterior Ground Clearance: | 8.0 in | 7.2 in |
| Interior Legroom (First/Second/Third): | 44.5 in/42.0 in/34.9 in | 41.0 in/39.7 in/29.7 in |
| Interior Headroom (First/Second/Third): | 42.3 in/38.9 in/38.2 in | 40.0 in/39.6 in/37.2 in |
| Standard Safety Features: |
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GMC Yukon and GMC Acadia specs beg the question, “Do you want a big, burly, tow-monster of an engine or a more efficient ride?”
If the first category suits you, choose the Yukon with its standard 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This eight-cylinder unit can help the Yukon tow up to 8,400 pounds.3
However, it delivers an EPA-estimated 15/20/17 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the GMC Acadia and its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder deliver an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 But in exchange for the extra efficiency, GMC Yukon vs. GMC Acadia towing capacities involve the Acadia only being able to tow less than half of what the Yukon can: The Acadia can tow up to 4,000 pounds.3
Both of these GMC SUVs have standard 2WD (FWD in the Acadia, RWD in the Yukon) and can be equipped with four-wheel traction (AWD in the Acadia, true 4×4 in the Yukon).
Another thing to consider is their backbone: The Yukon is a body-on-frame vehicle, which provides better isolation from road noise and imperfections and also is more capable off-road. The Acadia is a unibody (integrated frame and body) vehicle, which is a better design for sharp handling and efficiency.
While Acadia vs. Yukon SUVs both have engine upgrades, the differences remain almost identical to what we see above, with the exception of the Yukon SUV’s available Duramax diesel engine that delivers 460 pound-feet of torque and up to an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
The main differences between GMC Acadia and GMC Yukon SUVs are, as we saw with the specs, that the Yukon is the bigger, beefier brother, while the Acadia is a more agile three-row SUV with a similar spirit. As you can see on the chart further up this page, the GMC Yukon is 16.6 inches longer, 5.6 inches wider, and 9.8 inches taller than the GMC Acadia for sale.
While this gives the Acadia better maneuverability, it gives the Yukon better cargo capabilities: This full-size beast has 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet behind the second, and 122.9 cubic feet behind the first-row seats. While less, the Acadia has impressive cargo space for its class: 12.8 cubic feet, 41.7 cubic feet, and 79 cubic feet, respectively. As you’d also expect, the Yukon has higher legroom and headroom measurements.
While both of these new GMC vehicles for sale are safe, the Acadia actually offers some extra driver assistance features as standard for your safety. Shared between them, you can find the following safety features as standard on both sides of the 2023 GMC Yukon and GMC Acadia comparison:
However, while the Yukon offers more tow-related safety features as standard (including trailer sway control and hitch guidance), the Acadia outpaces our GMC Yukon incentives with a standard Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, which is an option on the Yukon.
Compare GMC Yukon vs. GMC Acadia features when you schedule a test drive in Kernersville, NC, and you’ll notice that the last category gets reversed: The GMC Yukon for sale has more as standard than the GMC Acadia. That is partially because the GMC Yukon has a higher starting price than the Acadia. A look into the standard GMC Yukon features and technology will reveal:
In this GMC large SUV comparison, the Acadia comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment touch screen, a 4.2-inch Driver Information Center, and four-way manual front seats. Remote engine start is optional in the Acadia, but tri-zone auto climate control, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™, and a six-speaker sound system are standard on both sides of the GMC Yukon vs. GMC Acadia comparison.
There’s a lot more to the GMC Yukon vs. GMC Acadia comparison, including available luxuries and off-road trims, to name just a couple more. Whether you want a full look at the Yukon or Acadia or perhaps a Yukon XL in our selection of used vehicles for sale, the Parks Buick GMC of Kernersville team is here to help. Visit us to learn more about the GMC SUV lineup and explore other options like our new Buick vehicles for sale today.
The Denali trim is the top-tier trim level among GMC vehicles. Models like the GMC Yukon Denali and GMC Acadia Denali combine incredible quality with renowned capability, bringing you a versatile refined truck or SUV that handles jobsite hauling trips as well as it’ll satisfy even your most demanding luxury-wanting passengers. Explore these amazing top-trim GMC vehicles today.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size three-row luxury SUV that will wow you with its spacious cabin, immense capabilities, and jaw-dropping amenities. Find it in the AT4 trim to get yourself into an off-road SUV that’s as eager to explore as it is dedicated to providing you with top-tier comforts. Discover the luxurious GMC Yukon today with a test drive.
The GMC Acadia is a three-row SUV that offers seating for seven. It has great specs like 29.7 inches of third-row legroom, 37.2 inches of third-row headroom, and 79 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. If you’re looking for a larger three-row GMC SUV that can tow 8,400 pounds,3 compare the GMC Yukon vs. GMC Acadia.
1EPA-estimated mpg for the 5.3-liter V-8 with 10-Speed Automatic transmission, 2WD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
2EPA-estimated mpg for the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with Nine-Speed Automatic transmission, 2WD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
3Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
4EPA-estimated mpg for the 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel with 10-Speed Automatic transmission, 2WD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov