Drag Race: 2015 GMC Yukon Denali v. Lincoln Navigator – Displacement v. Turbos [Video]

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Displacement versus Turbos

What better way to celebrate the Super Bowl Sunday, if not with a drag race between two large luxurious SUVs. The 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali takes on the 2015 Lincoln Navigator to see which is faster at acceleration. Keep in mind, this testing is performed in Colorado at around 1 mile above sea level.

This is a close match-up all the way around with the exception of the Yukon being the long wheel-base XL version. The longer Navigator L was not available for this test. Both the Yukon and the Navigator are based on pickup truck frames. The Lincoln is related to the Ford F-150 and the Yukon shares foundation with the GMC Sierra.

The Navigator is modified for ultimate comfort with frame modification and independent rear suspension. The Yukon’s underpinnings are a little closer to the pickup truck relative, but it has trick Magnetic Ride Control suspension to keep things smooth as well.

The main conflict here is that the Yukon draws power from the big displacement 6.2L V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm. The Navigator is going with a more controversial 3.5L V6 EcoBoost that produces 380 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750. You do not get the V8 rumble in the Navigator, but you do get a lot of low-end torque.

Which is faster? See below.

2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 2015 Lincoln Navigator
Engine 6.2L V8 3.5L V6
Power 420 hp / 460 lb-ft @4,100 380 hp / 460 lb-ft @2,750
Transmission 8-speed Auto 6-speed Auto
Drive AWD/4×4 AWD/4×4
Max Towing lbs 7,900  8,600
Max Payload lbs 1,492  1,470
Curb base weight lbs  6,009 6,069
EPA mpg 14 / 20 / 16 combined  15 / 20 / 17 combined
MSRP $ $77,925 $73,895

Check out the drag race and 0-60 MPH time here.