2025 GMC Yukon vs 2025 Land Rover Defender
Comparison Overview
The 2025 GMC Yukon bursts onto the scene with a commanding presence, boasting 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, signaling rugged, American V8 muscle, despite achieving only 17 combined MPG. Contrast this with the sophisticated, adventure-ready 2025 Land Rover Defender, which offers superior efficiency at 19 combined MPG while maintaining capable performance with its standard 296 hp engine and All-Wheel Drive system. The Yukon’s massive 210.1-inch length dwarfs the Defender's 180.5-inch footprint, translating to 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Defender's 15.6 cu ft, making the Yukon the spatial titan. However, the Defender undercuts the Yukon by a substantial $10,000 MSRP, starting at $56,900 versus the Yukon's $66,900, presenting a sharp dichotomy between sheer size and premium, agile capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender offers better fuel economy at 19 combined MPG compared to the Yukon's 17 combined MPG, making daily driving slightly less frequent at the pump.
2025 GMC Yukon
The 2025 GMC Yukon offers significantly more hauling capability with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.
2025 GMC Yukon
The Yukon delivers a superior burst of power for enthusiastic driving with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, handily beating the Defender's 296 hp and 295 lb-ft.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender starts $10,000 lower on MSRP and provides AWD capability for $56,900, representing a better immediate financial proposition.
Choose the GMC Yukon if...
- You prioritize maximum hauling capacity and need 25.5 cu ft of space behind the rear seats.
- You demand the raw performance advantage offered by 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a traditional Rear Wheel Drive configuration paired with a large, 210.1-inch frame.
Choose the Land Rover Defender if...
- You want to save $10,000 upfront, as the Defender starts at an MSRP of $56,900.
- You value the standard stability and traction offered by the All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 19 combined MPG versus the Yukon's 17 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Yukon | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.1" | 180.5" |
| Width | 81.0" | - |
| Height | 76.5" | 77.5" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 101.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 5.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5600 rpm | 296 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Overhead valves (OHV) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| 4WD System Type | — | Full Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/20 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 360.0/480.0 mi. | 428.4/499.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.0 gal. | 23.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 16.8 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 11 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 65.5 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 61.5 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.9 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 64.7 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 61.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 9.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 275/60R20 | 255/65R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | GMC | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Yukon and 2025 Land Rover Defender.
Which SUV offers better outright performance: the 2025 Yukon or the 2025 Defender?
The 2025 GMC Yukon is the superior choice for raw power enthusiasts, generating 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Defender offers 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making the Yukon significantly punchier in acceleration metrics.
Is the increased price of the Yukon worth the extra horsepower over the Defender?
The Yukon costs $10,000 more at $66,900, delivering 59 more horsepower for that premium. Buyers must weigh this extra power against the Defender's greater value proposition at $56,900, especially since the Defender requires recommended premium fuel.
How do these two large SUVs compare in terms of size and interior room?
The Yukon is considerably larger, measuring 210.1 inches long, which results in significantly better cargo space at 25.5 cu ft. The Defender is more compact at 180.5 inches long, offering only 15.6 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity.
Which vehicle is better suited for daily city driving based on fuel economy?
The 2025 Land Rover Defender is slightly more efficient for commuting, achieving 18 City MPG compared to the Yukon's 15 City MPG, contributing to its higher 19 combined MPG rating.
What is the key difference in drivetrain between the two models?
The GMC Yukon is built on a standard Rear Wheel Drive platform, while the 2025 Land Rover Defender comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive, providing inherent traction advantages regardless of the starting MSRP.
Does the fuel type recommendation affect the overall running cost difference?
While the Yukon uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel, its 17 combined MPG rating means higher overall consumption. The Defender uses recommended premium fuel but benefits from better efficiency at 19 combined MPG, which could offset some of the extra cost per gallon.
More Premium SUVs ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool