Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 25 advantages that the Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD has over the GMC Yukon Denali AWD.

Reliability

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard emergency reduced engine power, or "limp home", system, that allows the engine to continue to operate (for a limited distance and reduced power levels) if coolant is lost or a critical engine sensor fails. A "limp home" system is Not Available in the Yukon Denali AWD.

Basic Warranty

Cadillac's basic warranty provides better coverage than GMC's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

			Basic Warranty Months		Basic Warranty Miles
	Escalade ESV AWD		48		50000
	Yukon Denali AWD		36		36000

Corrosion Warranty

Cadillac's corrosion warranty provides better protection than GMC's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Miles
	Escalade ESV AWD		Unlimited
	Yukon Denali AWD		100000

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger fuel tank than the Yukon Denali AWD, 31.0 gal. vs. 26.0 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

The Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Yukon Denali AWD, 434 mi. vs. 390 mi.

Airbags

Both the Escalade ESV AWD and the Yukon Denali AWD feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

Restraints

The Escalade ESV AWD has Standard height-adjustable shoulder belts which allows the best fit for the greatest variety of drivers and passengers. Better fitting shoulder belts translate into higher seat belt usage rates. Height adjustable seat belts are Not Available in the Yukon Denali AWD.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Escalade ESV AWD is heavier than the Yukon Denali AWD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

			Curb Weight AT
	Escalade ESV AWD		5,963 lbs.
	Yukon Denali AWD		5,688 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Escalade ESV AWD is longer than the Yukon Denali AWD, 222.9 in. vs. 202.0 in.

The Escalade ESV AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but Not Available Yukon Denali AWD. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

Interior Space

The Escalade ESV AWD has more interior space than the Yukon Denali AWD in the following areas:

Hip Room, Front

Head Room, 3rd row

Hip Room, 3rd row

Leg Room, 3rd row

Hip Room, Rear

Leg Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, 3rd row

Head Room, Front

Escalade ESV AWD

60.5 in.

38.1 in.

49.4 in.

34.9 in.

61.8 in.

39.5 in.

64.7 in.

41.1 in.

Yukon Denali AWD

60.3 in.

37.9 in.

49.1 in.

25.6 in.

60.6 in.

39.0 in.

61.7 in.

40.3 in.

Cargo Space

The Escalade ESV AWD has 45.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 16.9 cu. ft. in the Yukon Denali AWD. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

Standard front fold-down armrests provide the driver and front passenger a place to rest their forearms for added comfort and reduced driving fatigue. Front fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Yukon Denali AWD.

The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard second row folding seat for increased cargo space. A second row folding seat is Optional in the Yukon Denali AWD.

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Optional in the Yukon Denali AWD.

Chassis

The Escalade ESV AWD's wheelbase is longer than the Yukon Denali AWD's, 130.0 in. vs. 116.0 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

Wheels and Tires

The Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition, Premium) comes standard with lower profile, 45 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 55 series tires standard on the Yukon Denali AWD.

Additional Features

With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition, Premium) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Yukon Denali AWD as a power sunroof is Optional.