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Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Yukon Denali: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Grand Cherokee gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine, and 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the V8 engine.
  • The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Yukon Denali are both excellent choices for those seeking a full-size SUV that offers a blend of capability, luxury, and technology.
  • The Grand Cherokee is the more affordable option and offers better off-road capability, while the Yukon Denali has a more powerful engine, more spacious interior, and a more comprehensive suite of technology features.

In the realm of full-size SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the GMC Yukon Denali. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of rugged capability, luxurious amenities, and advanced technology. But which one is the right choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’re pitting the Jeep Grand Cherokee against the Yukon Denali in a head-to-head comparison.

Performance and Capability

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Yukon Denali offer a range of powerful engine options to suit your driving needs. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You can also opt for the more potent 5.7-liter V8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Yukon Denali, on the other hand, comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

When it comes to off-road capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a slight edge over the Yukon Denali. The Grand Cherokee features a Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case, as well as an available Quadra-Drive II system with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. The Yukon Denali also offers a four-wheel-drive system, but it doesn’t have a low-range transfer case.

Towing and Payload Capacity

If you need an SUV that can tow heavy loads, the Yukon Denali is the clear winner. The Yukon Denali has a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, while the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 pounds. The Yukon Denali also has a higher payload capacity, at 1,870 pounds compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 1,400 pounds.

Interior and Cargo Space

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Yukon Denali offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Grand Cherokee has a seating capacity of five or seven passengers, depending on the configuration you choose. The Yukon Denali has a seating capacity of eight passengers, making it a better choice for families or those who frequently transport large groups.

In terms of cargo space, the Yukon Denali has a slight advantage. The Yukon Denali offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 16.8 cubic feet. With the second and third rows of seats folded down, the Yukon Denali offers up to 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Grand Cherokee offers 68.3 cubic feet.

Technology and Features

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Yukon Denali come equipped with a range of advanced technology features. The Grand Cherokee features an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a variety of driver-assist features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Yukon Denali features a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the same connectivity options, as well as a more comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a slight edge over the Yukon Denali. The Grand Cherokee gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine, and 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the V8 engine. The Yukon Denali gets an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Pricing

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $38,695, while the Yukon Denali starts at $73,295. The Grand Cherokee offers a more affordable entry point, but the Yukon Denali offers more standard features and a more powerful engine.

The Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Yukon Denali are both excellent choices for those seeking a full-size SUV that offers a blend of capability, luxury, and technology. The Grand Cherokee is the more affordable option and offers better off-road capability, while the Yukon Denali has a more powerful engine, more spacious interior, and a more comprehensive suite of technology features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

  • Q: Which SUV has better off-road capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Yukon Denali?

A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has better off-road capability due to its Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and an available Quadra-Drive II system with an electronic limited-slip rear differential.

  • Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Yukon Denali?

A: The Yukon Denali has a higher towing capacity of 8,500 pounds compared to the Grand Cherokee‘s 7,200 pounds.

  • Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Yukon Denali?

A: The Yukon Denali has a more spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers and 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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