2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I from 1948. The Defender's design evolved through the Series II, Series III, and the Land Rover 90 and 110, before adopting the Defender name in 1990. Despite minor changes, the original Defender maintained its iconic look until production ceased in 2016. The new Defender aimed to blend the classic rugged aesthetic with modern design elements, featuring half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterns. The interior emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams, beefy controls, and luxury leather seating.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, particularly in its Denali trim, showcased a bold use of chrome to distinguish itself from other large SUVs. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional chrome grille, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights. The Yukon also offered unique styling for the off-road-oriented AT4 trim, which included a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs with premium materials, while the AT4 had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp was announced for 2022. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender boasted impressive off-road specs, including a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engines: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension for better handling and a smoother ride, with the optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhancing comfort. The AT4 trim offered off-road capabilities with a nearly 32-degree approach angle and a front skid plate.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform with extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension for improved on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an available third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space in the 110 model was 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings in third-row space with a redesign that increased third-row legroom to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon featured power-folding second-row bucket seats and power fold-flat third-row seats for ease of access and increased cargo capacity. The Denali trim included a power-sliding center console with additional storage and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps. The pushbutton transmission controls were a modern touch, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 14-speaker Meridian sound system. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch multi-color head-up display on the Denali trim. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim featured a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. The system was compatible with various media formats, but required a lightning to HDMI adapter for phone or tablet connections.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing but had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance. IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.