2025 GMC Yukon XL vs 2025 Land Rover Defender
Comparison Overview
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL unleashes colossal American muscle, boasting 355 hp and a commanding 383 lb-ft of torque, perfect for those needing massive scale, evidenced by its 225.2-inch length and 41.5 cu ft of standard cargo capacity. Contrarily, the 2025 Land Rover Defender intrigues with sophisticated AWD agility and better efficiency, achieving a 19 MPG combined rating despite requiring premium fuel. The $13,000 MSRP difference—$69,900 for the massive Yukon XL versus $56,900 for the nimble Defender—is a significant factor. While the Yukon XL offers 59 more horsepower for sheer pulling capability, the Defender counters with a slightly more efficient 18/21 MPG split versus the Yukon XL's 15/20 MPG. These two giants appeal to vastly different desires: raw, imposing capability versus refined, off-road-ready premium motoring.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Defender wins for commuting due to its superior 19 MPG combined efficiency and smaller footprint.
2025 GMC Yukon XL
The massive Yukon XL is the definitive family hauler, offering 41.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.
2025 GMC Yukon XL
Enthusiasts seeking maximum straight-line grunt will prefer the Yukon XL's 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender provides superior base efficiency and a $13,000 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the GMC Yukon XL if...
- You require maximum hauling and towing capability, leveraging the higher 383 lb-ft of torque.
- Space is paramount, utilizing the immense 41.5 cu ft of cargo volume behind the third row.
- You prefer the traditional RWD platform and the brute force of 355 horsepower.
Choose the Land Rover Defender if...
- Fuel economy is important, as the Defender achieves 19 MPG combined versus the Yukon XL's 17 MPG.
- You prioritize an AWD system and a lower entry price point of $56,900.
- Your driving involves tighter maneuvers, benefiting from the Defender's smaller overall dimensions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | GMC Yukon XL | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 225.2" | 180.5" |
| Width | 81.0" | - |
| Height | 76.5" | 77.5" |
| Wheelbase | 134.0" | 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) | 420.0/560.0 mi. | 428.4/499.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28.0 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 XL and 2025 Land Rover Defender.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Yukon XL than the Defender?
The 2025 GMC Yukon XL delivers substantially more power, boasting 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a commanding lead of 59 more horsepower over the Land Rover Defender's 296 hp.
Which vehicle offers significantly more usable storage space?
The Yukon XL is the undisputed cargo king, offering 41.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This vastly overshadows the Defender’s 15.6 cubic feet, making the Yukon the clear choice for large equipment.
Is the difference in fuel economy significant for city driving?
Yes, the Defender holds a slight edge in efficiency, rated at 18 MPG in the city compared to the Yukon XL's 15 MPG city rating. However, the Defender requires premium fuel while the Yukon XL runs on regular unleaded.
What accounts for the $13,000 price gap between the two SUVs?
The MSRP difference stems primarily from the Yukon XL's larger physical size, higher standard horsepower output, and increased base cargo capacity. The Yukon XL starts at $69,900, whereas the Defender begins at a lower $56,900.
How does the drivetrain setup differ between these two competitors?
The 2025 Yukon XL features a traditional Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Land Rover Defender utilizes an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Are there any notable differences in size that affect maneuverability?
The Yukon XL is significantly longer at 225.2 inches, making it the behemoth in this comparison. The Defender is much shorter at 180.5 inches, which aids maneuverability, although both vehicles share similar heights.
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