2021 GMC Yukon vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained the intimidating presence typical of an SUV, with a broad front end and short overhangs that improved its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that combined ruggedness with refinement, fitting between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup. The redesigned Yukon was available in various trims, including the off-road-focused AT4 and the upscale Denali. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, offering a more sophisticated appearance. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a premium feel, although it came at a higher price compared to similar offerings from Chevrolet. The Yukon’s design improvements, such as the independent rear suspension, significantly enhanced passenger comfort and cargo space, addressing previous criticisms of the model.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar’s aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its large size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar also retained its off-road capabilities with features like the Terrain Response system and All-Terrain Progress Control, although it lacked a low-range transfer case.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a ten-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and the classic V8 sound. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with the Denali averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon’s new independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension improved ride quality and handling, although the 22-inch wheels could make the ride less smooth. The Yukon’s Active Response 4WD system, with its two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced its capability on various terrains. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Yukon Denali was capable when needed, offering a balance of power and comfort.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but didn’t translate to more interior space. Its avant-garde styling, with a chopped roof, limited headroom and created a claustrophobic feeling inside. The Velar’s cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design, while stylish, resulted in limited legroom and visibility issues. The Velar’s towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while comfortable, lacked a massage function, and the upper door panel edges could be uncomfortable over long drives. The second-row seats now slid and folded flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room, while the third-row seat offered improved thigh support and space for adults. The Yukon Denali provided substantial cargo volume, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. These improvements made the Yukon a practical choice for families needing ample space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system’s slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, which added to the Velar’s modern interior but could be reflective in sunlight.

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 Amazon Alexa integration. The system supported over-the-air updates and included features like wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, although it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views, enhancing its maneuverability and safety.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover’s driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with some features requiring additional packages.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Yukon’s ADAS operated smoothly, providing a comfortable driving experience without abrupt interventions. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Yukon’s substantial curb weight offered a sense of security on the road.