2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the original Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a luxury SUV, maintaining its robust 4x4 underpinnings. By 2020, the Range Rover offered a variety of trims, including the HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, each available in Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims added more opulent touches like massaging seats and quad-zone climate control.

The 2021 GMC Yukon, redesigned for that year, positioned itself as a premium-grade SUV, bridging the gap between Chevrolet and Cadillac. It was available in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, with the Denali trim offering exclusive features like a unique dashboard design and real wood trim. The Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, boasted a sophisticated appearance with its intricate grillework and upscale interior. Despite its rugged appeal, the Yukon aimed to provide a refined driving experience, appealing to those who valued substance over a luxury badge.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, offering 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic, the performance variant, boasted a 5.0-liter V8 with 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System ensured a comfortable and capable ride, both on and off-road.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an EPA rating of 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced the Yukon's capability, making it a competent performer on various terrains.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with the SWB providing 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and the LWB offering 77.5 cubic feet. Both configurations had 34.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. The Range Rover's interior featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, making it easier to load large items. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the digital control panel allowed for additional storage space. The Range Rover's interior was designed for comfort, with optional second-row captain's chairs providing an exceptionally comfortable experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, lacked a massage function and could feel hard over long drives. The second-row seats slid and collapsed to fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. The Yukon Denali provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Denali XL offered even more space, with a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, offering a unique user experience. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, it provided a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

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. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. The Rear Seat Media system featured dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays, though it required some trial and error to stream content. The Yukon also offered a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 GMC Yukon included numerous advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Starting with the SLT trim, additional features like blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance were available. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon's ADAS operated smoothly, providing a sophisticated driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight offered a sense of security.