The full-size SUV segment is not as popular as it once was with the arrival of the crossover, but they still have a place in the market for our Bradenton area shoppers who need to haul an army of people, their cargo, and a trailer. The 2020 Nissan Armada and 2020 GMC Yukon can handle all that and more, but which is better for you, our Tampa Bay area families? Find out below.
Exterior
The GMC Yukon went through a redesign in 2015, but it wasn’t a revolutionary change for this boxy full-size SUV. Instead, it retained its boxy shape, if not enhanced it, and added sleek, sweptback headlights to further set it apart from some of the bland competitors in this class. Its design is nowhere near as striking as its cross-town sibling the Cadillac Escalade but it is a close second.
The 2020 Nissan Armada went through its own redesign just a few years ago in 2017. Unlike the Yukon, though, this redesign was revolutionary, as it brought in a brand-new, bolder look based on the equally wildly styled Infiniti QX80.
Like the Yukon, the new-generation Armada boasts a sharp upright design that stands out in traffic. Some may find it a little over the top, though, with its ports on the fenders and bold grille. Then again, when you’re buying a full-size SUV, it’s go big or go home for most buyers.
In terms of sizing, the Armada is larger than the standard-sized Yukon in every measurement. Move into the Yukon XL, though, and the GMC is significantly bigger than the Yukon.
As for standard exterior features, the Armada is well-equipped with standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, auto-on/off LED low-beam headlights, integrated signature lighting, LED daytime running lights, dark-painted roof rails, dark-painted running boards, dark-painted overfenders, a chrome grille and door handles, power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, acoustic front glass, dark-tinted rear glass, and a tow hitch receiver
The 2020 GMC Yukon matches most of the Armada’s standard features, but it lacks the standard LED lighting.
| Measurement | 2020 Nissan Armada | 2020 GMC Yukon | Difference |
| Length | 208.9 inches | 203.9 to 224.4 inches | -15.5 to +5 inches |
| Width | 79.9 inches | 80.5 inches | -0.6 inches |
| Height | 75.8 inches | 74.4 inches | +1.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 116 to 130 inches | -8.9 to +5.1 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 9.1 to 9.2 inches | 7.9 to 8 inches | +1.1 to +1.3 inches |
| Curb weight | 5,577 to 5,958 pounds | 5,379 to 5,965 pounds | -388 to +579 pounds |
Advantage: 2020 GMC Yukon
- Optional extended-length model
- Smaller in standard length
Advantage: 2020 Nissan Armada
- Over an extra inch of ground clearance
- Premium look in all trims
- Standard LED lighting
Interior
Inside, full-size SUVs shine with loads of room for passengers and cargo, but there is one glaring issue the Yukon and Armada share: third-row legroom.
The Yukon takes big victories in front-seat room with up to an extra 3 inches of headroom, 3.4 inches of legroom, and 4.6 inches of hip room. The Armada comes back with big wins in second-row headroom and legroom. Both models suffer in standard third-row legroom with less than 30 inches, but the Armada gets a 6.1-inch advantage at 28.4 inches. The Yukon has an ace up its sleeve in the XL model, which adds 9.6 inches of third-row legroom, bring it to 34.5 inches.
Cargo room is similar in the standard models, but the Yukon XL pushes its advantage to over 20 cubic feet in with the seats up or down.
The 2020 Yukon and 2020 Armada can both be quite luxurious, especially in their range-topping trim levels. The Armada, though, shows off a more premium look in its base trim with standard wood-tone trim and swoopier lines on the instrument panel.
The GMC Yukon’s standard cabin setup is no slouch with plenty of satin-silver accents and sharp, sedan-like lines. Overall, though, the base model lacks a premium feel.
In standard features, the 2020 Yukon is well-equipped for its price. The standard features list includes a 110-volt power outlet, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen, a Bose nine-speaker AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM/HD Radio audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth seating, and more.
The 2020 Armada matches most of these features and adds a 13-speaker audio system, navigation, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. It does, however, lack standard tri-zone climate control, in-car Wi-Fi, and 110-volt power outlet.
| Measurement | 2020 Nissan Armada | 2020 GMC Yukon | Difference |
| Front headroom | 39.8 to 40.9 inches | 42.8 inches | -3 to -1.9 inches |
| Front legroom | 41.9 inches | 45.3 inches | -3.4 inches |
| Front shoulder room | 63.8 inches | 64.8 inches | -1 inch |
| Front hip room | 56.2 inches | 60.8 inches | -4.6 inches |
| Second-row headroom | 40 inches | 38.7 inches | +1.3 inches |
| Second-row legroom | 41 inches | 39 inches | +2 inches |
| Second-row shoulder room | 63.4 inches | 65.1 inches | -1.7 inches |
| Second-row hip room | 58.4 inches | 60.3 inches | -1.9 inches |
| Third-row headroom | 36.4 inches | 38.1 to 38.5 inches | -2.1 to -1.7 inches |
| Third-row legroom | 28.4 inches | 24.8 to 34.5 inches | -6.1 to +3.6 inches |
| Third-row shoulder room | 60.5 inches | 62.6 inches | -2.1 inches |
| Third-row hip room | 48.8 inches | 49.3 inches | -0.5 inches |
| Cargo room (behind third row) | 16.5 cubic feet | 15.3 to 39.3 cubic feet | -22.8 to +1.2 cubic feet |
| Cargo room (behind second row) | 49.9 cubic feet | 51.7 to 76.7 cubic feet | -26.8 to -1.8 cubic feet |
| Cargo room (behind first row) | 95.4 cubic feet | 94.7 to 121.1 cubic feet | -25.7 to +0.7 cubic feet |
Advantage: 2020 GMC Yukon
- Standard Wi-Fi
- Roomier XL model
- Tri-zone climate control comes standard
Advantage: 2020 Nissan Armada
- Roomier second row
- Standard wood-tone trim
- Standard navigation
- 13-speaker base audio system
Performance
Outside of a few models, V-8 power still dominates the full-size SUV segment, and the GMC Yukon and Nissan Armada are no exceptions. The Armada comes standard with a 5.6-liter V-8 powerplant that pumps 390 horses and 394 pound-feet of torque through a standard seven-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available.
This powertrain is fuel-hungry, but it is great at towing with an 8,500-pound capacity. This V-8 also launches the Armada to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds.
The Yukon has a pair of powertrain options. The standard unit is a 5.3-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This amounts to an 8,500-pound towing capacity and a 6.8-second 0-to-60 sprint time. This powertrain is also hungry for gasoline but not as famished as the Armada.
Optionally, buyers can drop a 6.2-liter V-8 into the Yukon, giving it 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission and delivers a 5.8-second 0-to-60 sprint time.
| 2020 Nissan Armada | 2020 GMC Yukon | Difference | |
| Standard engine | 5.6-liter V-8 | 5.3-liter V-8 | – |
| Horsepower | 390 hp at 5,800 rpm | 355 hp at 5,600 rpm | +35 hp |
| Torque | 394 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm | 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm | +11 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-spd automatic | 6-spd automatic | – |
| Driveline | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) | – |
| 0-60 time | 5.9 seconds | 6.8 seconds | -0.9 seconds |
| Towing capacity | 8,500 pounds | 8,500 pounds | – |
| MPG City | 13 to 14 mpg | 14 to 15 mpg | -2 to +0 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 18 to 19 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg | -4 to -2 mpg |
| MPG Combined | 15 to 16 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg | -3 to -1 mpg |
| Optional engine | – | 6.2-liter V-8 | – |
| Horsepower | – | 420 hp at 5,600 rpm | +30 hp |
| Torque | – | 460 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm | +66 lb-ft |
| Transmission | – | 10-spd automatic | – |
| Driveline | – | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) | – |
| 0-60 time | – | 5.8 seconds | +0.1 seconds |
| Towing capacity | – | 8,400 pounds | -100 pounds |
| MPG City | – | 14 mpg | -1 to +0 mpg |
| MPG Highway | – | 22 to 23 mpg | -5 to -3 mpg |
| MPG Combined | – | 17 mpg | -2 to -1 mpg |
Advantage: 2020 GMC Yukon
- Quicker with the optional engine
- More advanced optional transmission
- Better fuel economy
Advantage: 2020 Nissan Armada
- Fast in all trim levels
- Auto-leveling suspension
- More advanced standard transmission
Pricing and Features
The 2020 GMC Yukon comes in four trim levels – SLE, SLT Standard Edition, SLT, Denali – and their starting prices range from $51,895 to $68,995.
There are four trims in the 2020 Nissan Armada lineup: SV, SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve. The starting prices range from $47,100 to $63,300.
2020 GMC Yukon Key Features and Pricing by Trim
SLE: $51,895
- 5.3-liter V-8 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- External auxiliary transmission cooler
- Limited-slip rear differential
- Premium smooth-ride suspension
- Single-outlet exhaust
- Power steering
- Trailer hitch platform
- 2-inch trailer receiver
- Seven-wire wiring harness
- 18-inch bright machined-aluminum wheels
- 17-inch full-size spare tire
- Acoustic laminated windshield
- Active aero shutters
- Black assist steps
- Black roof rack side rails
- Daytime running lights
- Deep-tinted glass
- Fog lights
- Halogen projector headlights
- Heated, power mirrors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Intermittent rear wiper
- 110-volt power outlet
- 4.2-inch color driver-information center
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi
- GMC Infotainment System
- 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen
- AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM/HD Radio audio system
- Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Bose nine-speaker audio system
- Cargo net
- Carpeted floor mats
- Cruise control
- GMC Connected Access capable
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 60/40 manual folding third-row seat
- Tilt steering wheel
- Premium cloth seating
- 60/40 manual folding second-row seats
- Power door locks
- Power windows with driver one-touch up/down and one-touch down on remaining three windows
- Remote keyless entry
- Remote ignition
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Hill-start assist
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear park assist
- OnStar
- Teen Driver
SLT Standard Edition: $56,095
- All SLE features, plus
- Power liftgate
- Memory for driver’s seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Leather front seats
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Power-adjustable pedals
- Universal home remote
- Automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
SLT: $59,095
- All SLT Standard Edition features, plus
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Heated, power, auto-dimming side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Keyless open
- Keyless ignition
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power 60/40 split-folding third-row seat
- Power 6040 split-folding second-row seats
- Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Memory for power mirrors and steering wheel
Denali: $68,995
- All SLT features, plus
- 6.2-liter V-8 engine
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Integrated trailer-brake controller
- Magnetic ride control
- 20-inc h bright machined alloy wheels
- Bright body-side moldings
- HID projector-beam headlights
- 8-inch color driver-information display
- Active noise cancellation
- 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround sound system
- Head-up display
- Power second-row bucket seats
- SiriusXM NavTraffic
- Wireless charging
2020 Nissan Armada Key Features and Pricing by Trim
SV: $47,100
- 5.6-liter V-8
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Auto-leveling rear suspension
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Full-size spare tire
- Auto-on/off LED low-beam headlights
- Integrated signature lighting
- LED daytime running lights
- Dark-painted roof rails
- Dark-painted running boards
- Dark-painted overfenders
- Chrome grille and door handles
- Power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Acoustic front glass
- Dark-tinted rear glass
- Tow hitch receiver
- NissanConnect infotainment system
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM
- SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link
- Keyless ignition
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear air conditioning with controls
- Rear heater ducts
- Power windows with front one-touch up/down
- Power door locks
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
- Intermittent rear window wiper
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- Eight cargo tie-down hooks
- 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar
- Eight-way power passenger’s seat with two-way power lumbar
- Heated front seats
- 60/40 split-folding second-row seats
- 60/40 split-folding third-row seats
- Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Cloth seating
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Wood-tone trim
- Bose 13-speaker audio system with a subwoofer
- HD Radio
- SiriusXM
- MP3/WMA playback
- Four USB ports
- Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Vehicle security system
- Vehicle immobilizer
- Hill-start assist
- Brake assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward-collision warning
- Rear-door alert
SL: $51,900
- All SV features, plus
- 20-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- Chrome mirrors
- Heated mirrors with puddle lights
- Auto-dimming side-view mirrors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power liftgate
- Trailer brake prewiring
- Seven-pin wiring harness
- Remote ignition
- Footwell lighting
- 120-volt power outlet
- Memory for driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Leather seating
- Leather door trim with double stitching
- HomeLink universal garage door opener
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 360-degree camera
Platinum: $60,330
- All SL features, plus
- 20-inch machine-finished tinted aluminum-alloy wheels
- Body-color overfenders
- Power-slide glass moonroof
- Intelligent rearview mirror
- Following-distance gauge
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Rear step light
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone entertainment system with dual 8-inch rear monitors
- Rear DVD player with remote
- Two wireless headphones
- Rear HDMI inputs
- Five USB ports
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitors
- Blind-spot intervention
Platinum Reserve: $63,330
- All Platinum features, plus
- 20-inch dark-chrome aluminum-alloy wheels
- Dark-chrome grille and door handles
- Dark-chrome mirrors
- Dark-chrome rear license plate finisher
- Padded second-row center armrest with wood-tone trim
- Second-row fold-down captain’s chairs
- Two-tone leather seats with contrast stitching
- Open-pore wood-tone and black quartz trim
Who Should Buy the 2020 GMC Yukon
The 2020 GMC Yukon is a perfect option for Tampa Bay area buyers who need a larger vehicle, thanks to the XL model. This additional length gives it loads of third-row and cargo space, making it a more friendly vehicle for shoppers who use the cargo area or third row frequently.
Who Should Buy the 2020 Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is clearly a more premium vehicle inside and out. It also offers more base-level power and a better ride, which all adds up to an SUV for Bradenton area buyers who need a more premium model without shelling out a ton of cash. Plus, even with its more upscale look and feel, it is a less expensive option than the Yukon.
Ready to check out all the 2020 Nissan Armada can offer you and your family? Head down to Nissan of Bradenton serving the Greater Tampa Bay area, including Bradenton, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg to check it out and take it for a spin. Can’t make it today? You can also check out our online inventory page, choose a few in-stock 2020 Armada models that suit your needs, and schedule a test drive through the Bradenton area around your busy schedule.
