2026 GMC Yukon vs. 2026 Ford Expedition

When shopping for a full-size SUV that provides formidable capability for tough work while delivering comfortable, modern amenities for daily life, two top contenders stand out: the 2026 GMC Yukon and the 2026 Ford Expedition. While they may appear similar on the surface, a closer look reveals significant differences that matter to Spokane drivers. The Yukon emerges as the smarter, more innovative choice, offering superior value and unique technology designed for real-world use.

Full-size SUVs improve your road time with powerful towing and hauling capabilities, while keeping you safe and comfortable. The 2026 GMC Yukon pulls ahead of the 2026 Ford Expedition with exclusive safety features and driver-focused technology that provide peace of mind for every journey.

GMC Yukon Innovations

The Yukon's available Super Cruise provides true hands-free driving on compatible highways, a feature that sets a new standard for convenience. The Premium Smooth Ride suspension is designed to offer passengers a more comfortable ride by isolating the interior cabin from rough pavement. Inside, the spacious cabin offers available heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and advanced connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Electronic Precision Shift and column-mounted shifter create a clean, modern console layout with enhanced storage.

For families, the available Rear Seat Reminder technology helps ensure nothing is forgotten in the back, while the comprehensive LATCH system makes installing child seats straightforward and secure.

Ford Expedition Features

The Ford Expedition offers a comfortable interior with ample space for passengers and cargo. Its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine provides strong acceleration and competitive fuel economy estimates. The available Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ technology package includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering for reduced driver fatigue on long trips. The PowerFold® third-row seats offer convenient folding mechanisms for flexible cargo configurations.

While the Expedition provides capable performance, it lacks the Yukon's exclusive suite of safety technologies like Night Vision and Teen Driver, which offer additional layers of protection and peace of mind for modern families.

The 2026 Yukon comes equipped with an impressive array of standard and available safety features:

• Night Vision with pedestrian and large animal detection
• Teen Driver system with in-vehicle report card
• Buckle to Drive and Rear Seat Reminder
• Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist with both parallel and perpendicular parking
• Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• HD Surround Vision with multiple camera views
• Driver Attention Assist with drowsiness detection
• 7 airbags including front and side-impact airbags

The available 3 Years of OnStar One provides core safety services, Wi-Fi, and in-vehicle apps for connected peace of mind on every journey.

The Yukon's Safety Alert Seat provides intuitive, directional haptic feedback for collision warnings, while Forward Collision Alert with following distance indicator helps maintain safe spacing. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Alert makes maintaining proper tire pressure simple and straightforward.

When equipped for towing, the Yukon offers Hitch Guidance and Hitch View to simplify trailer connection, along with Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering that extends protection when towing.

The GMC Yukon is built for confident capability with its 5.3L V8 engine producing ample power for passing and merging. The Autotrac® 2-speed transfer case with driver shift-on-the-fly capability allows seamless transition between 2WD and 4WD at any speed. With proper equipment, the Yukon offers substantial trailering capacity supported by an integrated trailer brake controller and trailering hitch platform with 7-pin connector.

The Enhanced Cooling Radiator helps maintain optimal performance during demanding use, while Duralife brake rotors offer better corrosion resistance for longer rotor life and improved braking performance.

The Yukon's mechanical limited-slip rear differential redistributes power to the drive wheels when it detects wheel slippage, providing enhanced traction in challenging conditions. The Hill Descent Control system uses anti-lock braking to provide smooth, controlled descents on steep grades without requiring constant brake pedal modulation.

Key performance specifications include:

• Transmission: Automatic with 4WD capability
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Braking System: 4-wheel antilock disc brakes
• Suspension: Front coil-over-shock with stabilizer bar, rear multi-link with coil springs
• Towing Equipment: 2" trailering receiver, 7-wire electrical harness
• GVWR: 7,600 lbs (when properly equipped)

The Hill Start Assist feature prevents roll-back when transitioning from brake to accelerator on inclines, providing confidence in stop-and-go traffic on Spokane's varied terrain.