Compare the2023 GMC Yukon XLVS 2023 Lincoln Navigator L

The Yukon XL (except SLE with front bench seat) has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Navigator L doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Both the Yukon XL and the Navigator L have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the GMC Yukon XL is safer than the Lincoln Navigator L:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the GMC Yukon XL is safer than the Lincoln Navigator L:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Yukon XL’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Navigator L’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 2 times as many GMC dealers as there are Lincoln dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Yukon XL’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that GMC vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks GMC above average in initial quality. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is rated lower.

On the EPA test cycle the Yukon XL gets better mileage than the Navigator L:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Yukon XL V8’s fuel efficiency. The Navigator L doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Yukon XL has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Navigator L doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Yukon XL has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Navigator L; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The Yukon XL AT4/Denali has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Navigator L doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Yukon XL’s wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer than on the Navigator L (134.1 inches vs. 131.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Yukon XL is .9 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Navigator L.

For better maneuverability, the Yukon XL’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Navigator L’s (42.3 feet vs. 43.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Yukon XL Air Ride has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Navigator L (10 vs. 9.6 inches), allowing the Yukon XL to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The GMC Yukon XL may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 300 pounds less than the Lincoln Navigator L.

The Yukon XL offers optional seating for 9 passengers; the Navigator L can only carry up to 8.

The Yukon XL has .5 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear legroom, .8 inches more third row headroom and .6 inches more third row legroom than the Navigator L.

The Yukon XL’s cargo area provides more volume than the Navigator L.

The Yukon XL’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Navigator L’s (7500 vs. 6600 pounds).

The Yukon XL’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Navigator L does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Yukon XL’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Navigator L’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

When the Yukon XL SLT/AT4/Denali is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Navigator L’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Insurance will cost less for the Yukon XL owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Yukon XL will cost $3225 to $7475 less than the Navigator L over a five-year period.

The Yukon XL will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Yukon XL will retain 49.87% to 50.71% of its original price after five years, while the Navigator L only retains 43.63% to 45.9%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the GMC Yukon XL will be $24512 to $28096 less than for the Lincoln Navigator L.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Yukon XL third among s in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Navigator L isn’t in the top three in its category.

The GMC Yukon/Yukon XL outsold the Lincoln Navigator by over six to one during 2022.