2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement. Positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac, the Yukon was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with prices starting at $50,700. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, priced at $83,720, boasted a sophisticated appearance with its intricate grillework and chrome accents, setting it apart from its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart. Despite its upscale features, the Yukon maintained a rugged appeal, especially with the AT4 trim designed for off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, embodying the luxury SUV ethos that Land Rover had long been known for. The Velar's design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, featuring a sporty yet sophisticated profile. Its exterior was marked by a trapezoidal roof, sweptback fascia, and flush door handles, creating a streamlined look. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior space was more compact, offering less headroom and cargo space compared to larger SUVs.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. This engine delivered robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, 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, though the 22-inch wheels could make the ride feel less smooth. The Active Response 4WD system enhanced cornering performance and traction, making the Yukon capable on various terrains. Towing capacity was slightly reduced compared to previous models, with the Denali able to tow up to 8,400 pounds with 2WD.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a lower center of gravity and lighter weight, which improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, providing average response. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 340 to 395 horsepower, delivering high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's Terrain Response system included six driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride, enhancing comfort on various road conditions.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats offered leather upholstery and were heated and ventilated, though they could feel hard during long drives. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided better thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 122.9 cubic feet of space available, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, offered less interior space, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the cabin featured high-quality materials, even in the base trim.

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. The Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch displays was a highlight, though it required some setup for streaming content. The 14-speaker Bose audio system was less impressive, lacking depth. Additional technology included a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. Features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield added convenience. The navigation system was intuitive, and the 360-degree cameras provided comprehensive views. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control, though the driving assist display was less detailed compared to competitors.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, providing a reassuring driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight suggested robust safety.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist enhanced safety, though the Velar's safety systems were not as detailed as some competitors.