2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 GMC Yukon XL

$51,200 · Crossover

$72,200 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX bursts onto the scene as the sharp, sophisticated option, boasting 290 hp from its naturally aspirated V6 and achieving a respectable 22 combined MPG. Its more athletic stance (198.4 inches long) promises nimble handling for daily driving. Conversely, the colossal 2026 GMC Yukon XL demands attention with brute force, delivering 355 hp and an imposing 383 lb-ft of torque to tackle massive hauls. This capability comes at a cost: the Yukon XL is significantly thirstier, achieving only 17 combined MPG, and carries a substantial $72,200 MSRP compared to the MDX's $51,200 starting price. The $21,000 delta is the critical dividing line; the MDX offers premium execution in a manageable footprint, while the Yukon XL brings sheer, full-size dominance and utility, evidenced by its cavernous 41.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 22 combined MPG and smaller footprint for city navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Yukon XL

The 2026 GMC Yukon XL is the definitive family hauler, offering vastly superior utility with 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Yukon XL

Enthusiasts will favor the Yukon XL for its significant power advantage, delivering 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX provides a much lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $51,200, a $21,000 savings over the Yukon XL.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize efficiency and can save money with 22 combined MPG versus the Yukon XL's 17 MPG.
You appreciate a lower initial outlay, starting at just $51,200.
You prefer driving a smaller, more manageable vehicle with a length of 198.4 inches for daily errands.

Choose the GMC Yukon XL if...

You regularly need to maximize hauling capability, benefiting from 41.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You demand higher straight-line performance supported by 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
You are comfortable paying a premium for size, evidenced by the Yukon XL's larger dimensions across length, width, and height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	GMC Yukon XL
Length	198.4"	225.2"
Width	78.7"	81.0"
Height	67.9"	76.5"
Wheelbase	113.8"	134.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	GMC
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	GMC
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	5.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	355 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Overhead valves (OHV)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	GMC
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	GMC
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	15/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	17 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	420.0/560.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	28.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	GMC
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	GMC
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	16.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	GMC
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	GMC
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	65.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	61.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	GMC
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	42.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	64.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	61.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	GMC
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	20 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	275/60R20
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	GMC
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	GMC
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2026 GMC Yukon XL.

How significant is the difference in power output between the 2025 MDX and 2026 Yukon XL?

The difference is substantial; the Yukon XL generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, providing a 65 hp advantage over the MDX's 290 hp output.

Which vehicle is substantially more efficient for long commutes?

The 2025 Acura MDX is far more efficient, achieving a combined 22 MPG versus the 2026 GMC Yukon XL's combined 17 MPG rating.

Why is the MSRP difference between the two vehicles over $20,000?

The price disparity reflects the segment difference: the MDX starts at $51,200, while the substantially larger and more powerful Yukon XL commands a starting price of $72,200.

Can the Acura MDX handle as much gear as the Yukon XL?

No, the cargo capacity is vastly different; the Yukon XL offers 41.5 cu ft, more than double the MDX's 18.1 cu ft of available space.

Do both SUVs use premium gasoline?

No, the Acura MDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its engine, whereas the larger GMC Yukon XL is designed to run on regular unleaded.

What is the physical size difference between these two crossovers/SUVs?

The Yukon XL is significantly larger, measuring 225.2 inches in length compared to the MDX's 198.4 inches, making the Yukon XL about 27 inches longer.