Though the modern crossover SUV has made the classic body-on-frame SUV somewhat obsolete, there are still some buyers who prefer the truck-like performance, towing capacity, and ruggedness of a large, old-school SUV. The two standouts in this segment are the GMC Yukon and the redesigned-for-2017 Nissan Armada. 

Both models have been in the SUV game for quite some time - the Yukon since 1992 and the Armada since 2004 - but which is the better buy?

Performance

The 2017 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD lists for less than the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali 4WD, yet the Armada has 35 more horsepower and 11 more lb-ft of torque. 

Not only is the Armada engine larger, it also is a dual overhead cam with 4 valves per cylinder, 32 in all, versus 2 valves per cylinder for the Yukon. The Nissan automatic transmission is a 7-speed unit versus only 6 speeds in the GMC. 

Both units can operate in overdrive. In terms of driving experience, the Yukon is somewhat similar to the Armada. However, the Nissan has stronger acceleration, quicker steering, and a more modern feel. 

The GMC is saddled with an older design that is sluggish and cumbersome. Armada even has more ground clearance than the Yukon.

Size Comparison

The 2017 Armada is longer (208.9 inches vs 204.0 inches) and has a longer wheelbase (121.1 inches vs 116.0 inches) than does the Yukon. This helps explain why the third row seating in the Armada is comfortable while the Yukon's third row is cramped. 

Armada had more rear legroom, more rear headroom and, more passenger volume and more cargo space. 

The Nissan all provides more towing power and a higher gross vehicle weight rating. Armada comes with P275/60R20 tires versus P275/55R20 on the Yukon.

Features

Both vehicles are available in three trim levels and with 2WD or 4WD drivetrains. The Armada comes standard with navigation, which will come at an extra cost with the GMC Yukon. 

Nissan engineers invested in redundant physical controls (control knobs and radio buttons) that add convenience for drivers. The Armada boasts several other advantages, including a passenger auto-dimming mirror, LED low-beam headlights, voice activated air conditioning, seating capacity for 8, front armrests for driver and passenger, rear armrest, radio data system, 13 speaker audio system (vs 10 speakers in the Yukon), DVD and digital media within the entertainment system, second row LCD monitor, active blind spot sensor, and distance-pacing cruise control. 

Finally, Armada comes with corrosion perforation with unlimited miles, versus 100,000 miles for the Yukon.


Which is Right for You?

With a starting price of $46,095 (including $1,195 destination charge), the Armada comes in a bit more affordable than the $49,825 (including $1,295 destination fee) GMC Yukon. This leaves more than $3,000 the buyer can keep in their pocket or put toward options.
 
The standard engine in the 2017 Nissan Armada is a 5.6-liter V8 with 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. This easily bests the Yukon's base 5.3.-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

Though it does pale in comparison to the longer Yukon XL, the Armada's cabin has a little more room than the base Yukon, especially in the third row, where its 28.3 inches of third-row leg room beats the GMC by 3.5 inches. With all the seats folded, the Armada's 95.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo room beats the base Yukon by 0.4 cubic feet.

Finally, for those who like to head off the beaten path, the Armada has 9.1-inches of ground clearance to the eight inches in the Yukon.