Compared Model: Yukon XL 4WD
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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 39 advantages that the Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD has over the GMC Yukon XL 4WD.
| MSRP Range | |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD | |
| GMC Yukon XL 4WD | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engines in the Escalade ESV AWD are more powerful than those in the Yukon XL 4WD, as detailed by trim and engine below:
 | | | Horsepower (SAE net) | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 403 HP | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton 5.3L V8 | | 320 HP | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton 6.0L V8 | | 352 HP | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton 5.3L V8 | | 320 HP | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton 6.0L V8 | | 352 HP | |
The standard engines in the Escalade ESV AWD have more torque (low-end power) than those in the Yukon XL 4WD, as detailed by trim and engine below:
| | | Torque | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 417 lb-ft | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton 5.3L V8 | | 335 lb-ft | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton 6.0L V8 | | 382 lb-ft | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton 5.3L V8 | | 335 lb-ft | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton 6.0L V8 | | 382 lb-ft | |
The Escalade ESV AWD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Yukon XL 4WD with it's standard engine, 14.8 to 18.2. Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle.
Reliability
The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger engine displacement than the Yukon XL 4WD. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:
| | | Displacement CC | |
| Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 | | 6199 cc | |
| Yukon XL 4WD 5.3L V8 | | 5328 cc | |
| Yukon XL 4WD 6.0L V8 | | 5967 cc | |
Stop and go traffic, towing and driving in hot weather all cause additional stress on you engine, increasing the engine oil temperature, reducing its ability to lubricate, cool and prevent premature component fatigue. The Escalade ESV AWD combats these problems by providing a Standard engine oil cooler. Such a cooler is Optional in the Yukon XL 4WD (SLE-1 1/2 Ton, SLT-1 1/2 Ton).
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 XL 4WD.
WarrantyBasic 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 XL 4WD | | 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 XL 4WD | | 100000 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Escalade ESV AWD is more fuel efficient than the Yukon XL 4WD. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Escalade ESV AWD both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Yukon XL 4WD.
| | | Fuel Economy Hwy | | Fuel Economy City | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 18 mpg. | | 13 mpg. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton 6.0L V8 | | 15 mpg. | | 10 mpg. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton 6.0L V8 | | 15 mpg. | | 10 mpg. | |
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
Safety and SecurityAirbags
Both the Escalade ESV AWD and the Yukon XL 4WD 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 XL 4WD.
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 XL 4WD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| | | Curb Weight AT | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 5,963 lbs. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | 5,824 lbs. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | 5,824 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 XL 4WD, 222.9 in. vs. 222.4 in.
The Escalade ESV AWD features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:
| | | Driveline | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | AWD | |
| Yukon XL 4WD | | 4WD-SEL | |
Adjustable foot pedals, Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD, provide for a more comfortable reach to the pedals and allow the driver to sit at a safe distance from the steering wheel and airbag. This feature is Optional on the Yukon XL 4WD (SLE-1 1/2 Ton, SLE-1 3/4 Ton).
Fog lights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but they are Optional on the Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton. Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but Not Available Yukon XL 4WD. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
Perimeter lighting improve safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. This feature is more common in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below:
| | | Perimeter Lighting | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |
Interior Space
The Escalade ESV AWD has more interior space than the Yukon XL 4WD in the following areas:
| | | Hip Room, Front | | Head Room, Front | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 60.5 in. | | 41.1 in. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD | | 60.3 in. | | 40.3 in. | |
Cargo Space
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 Optional in the Yukon XL 4WD (SLE-1 1/2 Ton, SLE-1 3/4 Ton).
Payload and Towing
The Escalade ESV AWD has a higher towing capacity than the Yukon XL 4WD, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| | | Tow Capacity, Std | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | 7,700 lbs. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | 5,000 lbs. | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | 5,000 lbs. | |
An automatic load-leveling system compensates for the increased load placed upon the suspension during towing by adjusting the vehicle's suspension height for the best possible ride and handling. This feature is more common on the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below:
| | | Automatic Load-Leveling | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
General Suspension
An adaptive variable suspension electronically senses and adapts to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. An adaptive variable transmission is more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below:
| | | Adaptive Variable Suspension | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Escalade ESV AWD may provide better handling capability than those on the Yukon XL 4WD. Details below:
| | | Tire Aspect Ratio | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Base | | 65 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Luxury | | 45 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Platinum Edition | | 45 | |
| Escalade ESV AWD Premium | | 45 | |
| Yukon XL 4WD | | 70 | |
Chrome-plated wheels are more commonly found on the Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition) than on the Yukon XL 4WD , improving looks and value - as shown below:
| | | Chrome Wheels | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
Additional Features
A front power memory seat is a convenience feature that allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. This feature is more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below:
| | | Front Power Memory Seat | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |
Power front lumbar support gives the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is a more common feature in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below:
| | | Front Power Lumbar Support | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |
A heated front seat is Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Yukon XL 4WD (SLE-1 1/2 Ton, SLE-1 3/4 Ton).
Cooled front seats offer increased comfort, on very hot days, by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. As shown below, they are more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD.
| | | Front Cooled Seats | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD but is Not Available in the Yukon XL 4WD (SLE-1 1/2 Ton, SLE-1 3/4 Ton).
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard built-in universal remote control system that is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc., then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button. This type of universal control system is Not Available in the Yukon XL 4WD (SLE-1 1/2 Ton, SLE-1 3/4 Ton).
A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below.
| | | Navigational Aid | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |
The Escalade ESV AWD features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Yukon XL 4WD.
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 XL 4WD as a power sunroof is Optional.
A power trunk lid is a nice convenience. A power trunk lid is more commonly found on the Escalade ESV AWD than Yukon XL 4WD, as shown below.
| | | Power Trunk Lid | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |
A passenger-side exterior mirror automatically tilts downward when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, improving the driver's rear vision. A tilt-down exterior mirror is a feature more commonly found on the Escalade ESV AWD than the Yukon XL 4WD.
| | | Automatic Tilt Down Exterior Mirror | |
| Escalade ESV AWD | | Standard | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 1/2 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLE-1 3/4 Ton | | Not Available | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 1/2 Ton | | Optional | |
| Yukon XL 4WD SLT-1 3/4 Ton | | Optional | |