GMC Yukon vs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the GMC Yukon, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
GMC Yukon
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 164 configurations
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | GMC Yukon | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 28 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg | 29 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,250 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi | 322 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 6-spd, Automatic 8-spd | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Diesel, Regular, Premium | Regular, Gasoline or E85 |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 164 | 102 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Yukon vs Explorer: common questions
Which is better on gas, the GMC Yukon or the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the GMC Yukon, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,250 for the GMC Yukon — a difference of roughly $1,050 per year.
What engines do the Yukon and Explorer offer?
GMC Yukon: 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV. Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the GMC Yukon and the Ford Explorer as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Yukon comparisons
Comparison id: gmc-yukon-vs-ford-explorer