Toyota highlander vs yukon: a head-to-head comparison for suv enthusiasts

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Toyota Highlander and the Yukon are two popular options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, ample power, and a host of advanced features. However, there are also some key differences between the two models that shoppers should consider before making a decision.

Performance

The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Yukon, on the other hand, comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Yukon. The four-cylinder Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Yukon, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Towing Capacity

If you need a vehicle that can tow a trailer or boat, the Yukon has a clear advantage over the Highlander. The Yukon can tow up to 8,500 pounds, while the Highlander can only tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Cargo Space

The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space than the Yukon. The Highlander has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows of seats folded down. The Yukon, on the other hand, has 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 51.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows of seats folded down.

Interior Features

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Yukon offer a spacious and comfortable interior. The Highlander comes standard with cloth seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, and a six-speaker audio system. The Yukon, on the other hand, comes standard with leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

Available features on the Highlander include heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system. Available features on the Yukon include heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety Features

The Toyota Highlander and the Yukon both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Highlander also comes standard with a lane departure warning system and a forward collision warning system. The Yukon, on the other hand, comes standard with a blind spot monitoring system and a rear cross-traffic alert system.

Available safety features on the Highlander include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Available safety features on the Yukon include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Price

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850. The Yukon, on the other hand, has a starting price of $52,200.

Which Vehicle is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and the Yukon are both excellent choices for families. The Highlander is a more affordable option with better fuel economy, while the Yukon has a more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity. Ultimately, the best vehicle for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are considering the Toyota Highlander or the Yukon, you may also want to consider the following vehicles:

• Honda Pilot
• Kia Telluride
• Hyundai Palisade
• Mazda CX-9
• Volkswagen Atlas

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Yukon has a higher towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, while the Highlander has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Highlander has more cargo space than the Yukon. The Highlander has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows of seats folded down. The Yukon, on the other hand, has 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 51.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows of seats folded down.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
A: The Highlander has a lower starting price of $35,850, while the Yukon has a starting price of $52,200.