GMC Yukon vs Lincoln Aviator: Specs Compared
Also searched as Lincoln Aviator vs GMC Yukon specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.
The GMC Yukon and Lincoln Aviator are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 23 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 4 measured categories, the Lincoln Aviator leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
GMC Yukon
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 164 configurations
2020–2026
Lincoln Aviator
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 19 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | GMC Yukon | Lincoln Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 22 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,250 | $2,650 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi | 209 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV | SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; without Stop-Start, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 6-spd, Automatic 8-spd | Automatic (S10) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Diesel, Regular, Premium | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 164 | 19 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GMC Yukon vs Lincoln Aviator dimensions and size
The GMC Yukon is 10.2 inches longer than the Lincoln Aviator on a wheelbase 2 inches longer, and 734.1 lbs heavier. At over 200 inches, the larger of the two is past the comfortable limit of a standard 192-inch single garage bay once you allow walking room.
| Dimension | GMC Yukon (2026) | Lincoln Aviator (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 209.8 in | 199.6 in | 10.2 in |
| Width (excl. mirrors) | 81.1 in | 79.5 in | 1.6 in |
| Height | 75.6 in | 69.3 in | 6.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 118.9 in | 2 in |
| Curb weight | 5,703 lbs | 4,969 lbs | 734 lbs |
Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.
GMC Yukon vs Lincoln Aviator: what the numbers mean
Running cost over five years: at the EPA's 15,000-mile-a-year assumption the Lincoln Aviator burns about $2,650 of fuel annually against $3,250 for the GMC Yukon. That $600 yearly gap compounds to roughly $3,000 over five years and $4,800 over eight — often more than the price difference between two trims of the same vehicle, and the single largest running-cost line item separating these two.
City versus highway split: the Lincoln Aviator is the stronger commuter at 22 mpg city, while the GMC Yukon pulls ahead on the interstate at 27 mpg highway. If most of your driving is stop-and-go traffic the city figure is the one to weigh; for long-distance highway mileage the reverse is true, and the two vehicles effectively swap places depending on how you drive.
Powertrain choice: the GMC Yukon is recorded with 4 distinct engine configurations (3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start), the Lincoln Aviator with 4 (SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; without Stop-Start). Across 164 recorded GMC Yukon configurations and 19 for the Lincoln Aviator, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.
Drivetrain and class: the GMC Yukon is offered with 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, the Lincoln Aviator with Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.
Tailpipe emissions: at their cleanest configurations the Lincoln Aviator emits 209 g/mile of CO2 versus 437 g/mile for the GMC Yukon. Emissions track fuel consumption almost exactly, so the cleaner vehicle here is also the cheaper one to fuel.
Yukon vs Aviator: common questions
Which is better on gas, the GMC Yukon or the Lincoln Aviator?
The GMC Yukon and Lincoln Aviator are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 23 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Lincoln Aviator runs about $2,650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,250 for the GMC Yukon — a difference of roughly $600 per year.
What engines do the Yukon and Aviator offer?
GMC Yukon: 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV. Lincoln Aviator: SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; without Stop-Start, SIDI; PHEV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the GMC Yukon and the Lincoln Aviator as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: gmc-yukon-vs-lincoln-aviator