2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that embodied a blend of ruggedness and refinement, positioning itself as a premium-grade vehicle within the General Motors lineup. It was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the Denali trim offering an exclusive dashboard design and upscale features like real wood trim and leather-wrapped panels. The Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, was noted for its sophisticated appearance, featuring a distinctive grille, chrome trim, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its premium features, the Yukon Denali was priced significantly lower than luxury competitors, making it an attractive option for those seeking substance over a luxury badge.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its utilitarian roots into a symbol of luxury and status. Starting at a higher price point, the Range Rover offered a wide range of personalization options, allowing buyers to tailor the SUV to their preferences. The HSE Westminster special edition, with its mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, provided a balance of performance and luxury. The Range Rover's design, with its timeless lines and hallmark features, exuded elegance. Inside, the cabin was a showcase of luxury, with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern ambiance. However, the infotainment system, while advanced, was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring a learning curve for users.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered robust acceleration and a classic V8 sound, though it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon Denali's ride quality was enhanced by an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, though the 22-inch wheels could make the ride less smooth. The Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential and Traction Select driving modes, improved handling and traction. The Yukon Denali was capable of towing up to 8,300 pounds with 4WD, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and rapid acceleration. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting ride, though the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity could lead to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The Range Rover averaged 18.5 mpg on a testing loop, slightly below its EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, could feel hard over long drives, and the upper door panel edges were not ideal for resting elbows. The second-row seats slid and folded flat, enhancing comfort and cargo capacity, while the third-row seat offered improved thigh support and adult-friendly space. The Yukon Denali provided substantial cargo volume, with up to 122.9 cubic feet available, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers might still struggle to enter. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the rear seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and modest cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for easier maneuverability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was centered around the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with three digital displays offering numerous features. While the system was advanced, it was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The Range Rover also included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app added convenience, while voice control and steering wheel controls helped manage the technology.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The ADAS operated smoothly, enhancing the driving experience without being intrusive. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance, with optional packages adding adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations. Overall, the safety features were effective, though the most advanced systems required additional packages.