2025 GMC Yukon XL vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Review

Picture of the 2025 GMC Yukon XL

2025 GMC
Yukon XL

MSRP*: $69,900 to $104,300
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Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

2024 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $39,270 to $51,675
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Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 14 - 15 MPG 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 18 - 19 MPG 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 - 8 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 144.5 ft3 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 305-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Diesel Fuel)
  • 420-hp, 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 265-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 355 - 420 hp 265 hp
Towing Capacity 7,800 - 8,200 lbs 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 225.2 in 194.9 - 197.4 in
Exterior Width 81.0 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 44.5 in
Rear 42.0 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 40.4 - 42.3 in
Rear 37.5 - 38.9 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the GMC Yukon XL than in the Toyota Highlander. The GMC Yukon XL will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Toyota Highlander.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the GMC Yukon XL as you will with the Toyota Highlander, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The GMC Yukon XL will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Toyota Highlander, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the GMC Yukon XL is much wider than the Toyota Highlander, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the GMC Yukon XL, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Toyota Highlander.

Handling
The GMC Yukon XL has a significantly larger turning radius than the Toyota Highlander, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the GMC Yukon XL is clearly the choice over the Toyota Highlander for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the GMC Yukon XL greatly out-muscles the Toyota Highlander.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the GMC Yukon XL does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Toyota Highlander.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the GMC Yukon XL and the Toyota Highlander. With the GMC Yukon XL, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Toyota Highlander.