The GMC Yukon XL and Ford Expedition MAX are close rivals in the world of long-wheelbase full-size SUVs. They’re both huge rigs that can haul a lot of people and a lot of cargo while towing a boat without breaking a sweat. They also both get pretty luxurious in their respective upper trims.
For 2025, the Yukon XL is refreshed and the Expedition MAX is redesigned, so they’re both at the top of their game. Let’s take a closer look at these full-size SUVs and see which is better.
2025 GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL has served as one of America’s favorite family SUVs for decades. In many ways, it’s the archetype of full-size SUVs with muscular engine options, acres of interior space, true truck-like capabilities, and an appearance that’s both rugged and premium. Its diverse model range includes off-road and luxury trims, so there’s something for everyone.
GMC Yukon XL Highlights
More cargo space: Families shopping for an extended-wheelbase full-size SUV need a lot of cargo space, and the Yukon XL has more of it than the Expedition MAX. Compared to the Ford, the GMC has 10% more cargo room behind the third row and 17% more space when all of the back seats are folded down.
Three engine options: We love the mechanical variety under the GMC Yukon XL’s hood. Two tried-and-true, gas-powered V8 engines, a good one and a better one, are available, and there’s an efficient and torquey Duramax turbodiesel option that gets up to 23 mpg in mixed driving.
Second-Row Executive Seating: This option package available in the GMC Yukon makes its second-row seats feel like flying first class. Second-row passengers are treated to heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs, a center console, tray tables, and screens behind the front headrests.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Yukon XL models for sale near you.
2025 Ford Expedition MAX
The Ford Expedition MAX enters a new generation for 2025 with a refreshed look inside and out, significantly updated technology, and some clever features you won’t find in any other SUV in this class, like a split liftgate, zone exterior lighting, digital device holders for the back seats, and a Cargo Tailgate Manager that turns into a table or a bench. Call them gimmicks if you want, but you may find them to be must-have features once you’ve lived with them.
Ford Expedition MAX Highlights
Ford Digital Experience: The Ford Digital Experience consists of a 24-inch panoramic display perched on the dash and a 13.2-inch center infotainment screen. This screen space clearly delivers helpful information to the driver, and it’s very user-friendly.
Split liftgate: The class-exclusive Ford Split Gate is a game changer. The upper liftgate folds up, and the lower tailgate folds down. This prevents stuff from rolling out of the cargo area when you open the hatch, plus it makes the Expedition MAX the ultimate tailgating SUV.
Class-leading towing: Who needs a diesel or a V8 when the turbo V6 in the Ford Expedition boasts a best-in-class maximum tow rating of up to 9,600 pounds? This beats the Yukon XL, which tows up to 8,300 pounds, by a significant margin. Meanwhile, the Ford also has lower EPA-estimated fuel costs than the V8 options in the GMC.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Expedition MAX models for sale near you.
Similarities
These are both in a small competitive set of extended-wheelbase, full-size SUVs. Both have ample 3-row seating, powerful engines, luxury trims, and even optional hands-free highway driving (GMC calls it Super Cruise, Ford calls it BlueCruise).
Pricing
New 2025 GMC Yukon XL Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$72,395 |
$69,506 |
|||
$79,395 |
$76,552 |
|||
$82,695 |
$79,775 |
|||
$100,995 |
$97,944 |
|||
$106,995 |
$104,009 |
New 2025 Ford Expedition MAX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$66,995 |
$62,687 |
|||
$79,425 |
$74,508 |
|||
$88,650 |
$83,082 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 GMC Yukon XL vehicles and New 2025 Ford Expedition MAX vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 GMC Yukon XL | 2025 Ford Expedition MAX | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 5.3-liter 8-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 9,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 400 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm | 480 lb-ft @ 3,300 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 10-speed w/overdrive | automatic, 10-speed w/selectshift |
| Fuel Economy | 15 city/20 highway/17 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 9 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 121 inches | 131.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 225.2 inches | 221.7 inches |
| Width | N/A | 94.6 inches |
| Height | 76.5 inches | 78.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.5 feet | 43.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.2 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.5 inches | 43.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.0 inches | 42.2 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 36.7 inches | 43.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 65.5 inches | 64.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 64.7 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 62.8 inches | 64.2 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 41.5 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 93.6 feet | 84.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 144.5 feet | 123.1 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
These full-size SUVs are both excellent, but the Ford Expedition MAX earns the title of our Best Buy Award; it’s our favorite in this class. We love the turbo V6 powertrain, the Ford Digital Experience, the roomy third row, and clever features like the split liftgate. That said, the Yukon XL is the one to get if you’re looking for maximum cargo space or seating capacity, a more luxurious second row, or a diesel engine.
