When shopping for a family sized SUV the 2023 Ford Expedition has surely been an SUV that has popped up! GMC has made the 2023 Yukon to be a direct competitor to the Ford Expedition. When shopping for a vehicle that the whole family will use it is important to know what you are getting into. This article will explore the similarities and differences of these two vehicles.
Key Takeaways:
- Even though the Ford Expedition does not sport a robust V8 like the GMC Yukon, it can still handle its own when it comes to power.
- Both of these vehicles offer off-road trim levels which are sure to take you and your family off the beaten path and onto your next adventure.
- The Ford Expedition has a generous amount of towing capacity that is able to handle whatever you may need to trailer.
Drivetrain Options:
Ford has designed the large Expedition with a singular engine option. This engine has also been designed based on the trim level, and so some of the higher trim levels will see a higher output from the engine. A 10 speed transmission is mated to the engine giving it smooth shifting and a smooth ride as well. Rear wheel drive will be the standard with an available four wheel drive option as well.
Engine Seen in the 2023 Ford Expedition:
- 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine (380 horsepower, 470 pounds of torque)
In the GMC Yukon there will be three engine options to choose from, with one of them being a small turbo diesel engine. Similar to the Ford Expedition these engines will also have a 10-speed transmission powering them along. Rear wheel drive is what the standard is and four wheel drive is available as well.
Engines Seen in the 2023 GMC Yukon:
- 3.0 liter Duramax Turbodiesel (277 horsepower, 460 pounds of torque)
- 5.3 liter V8 engine (355 horsepower, 383 pounds of torque)
- 6.2 liter V8 engine (420 horsepower, 460 pounds of torque)
Off Road Capabilities:
Ford has the Timberline trim level in the Expedition lineup to give that off road capability that is wanted. The Timberline focuses on what can be accomplished off the road as much as on the road. There will be a good amount of off road upgrades and the following list highlights some of the most notable that will be seen on this SUV.
- High output EcoBoost engine
- Off Road grade suspension
- Trail 1 Pedal Control
- Zone lighting
- 10.6 inches of ground clearance
GMC on the other hand offers the AT4 trim level which is an off road based vehicle. The AT4 offers the perfect blend of power on the road and capability on the trails to give the best of both worlds. The 5.3 liter V8 will be the standard and the 6.2 liter V8 is optional, so no matter what you will have power under your foot to get you where you need to go.
- Best-in-class four corner airbags
- 2-speed Autotrac Transfer Case
- Active Response 4WD system
- Hill Descent Control
Towing Capacity:
In the way of towing the Ford Expedition does very well. With the twin turbo engine and the proper towing packages the Expedition will see an impressive 9,000 pounds of total towing capacity. The towing package includes a Class IV hitch and the proper wiring to accompany it. With 9,000 pound towing capacity you will be able to hook up a trailer, boat, or camper for your weekend getaway.
The 2023 GMC Yukon on the other hand can tow up to 8,400 pounds with the proper towing packages equipped. There are also some features that come along with towing that GMC has worked into this vehicle. There is a trailering app to allow for constant monitoring, as well as a trailer blind spot alert to warn of any unseen dangers.
Which Family SUV is the Best?
While the GMC Yukon has some impressive moves the Ford Expedition is the better choice. There is only one engine to choose from, however, you will see more power as you dive into the larger trim levels. To compliment this, with the larger towing capacity you will be able to take everything you need on your next trip!