VS
At a Glance
Power
420hp @ 5600
518hp @ 6500
Torque
460lb-ft @ 4100
461lb-ft @ 2500
Towing
8000lbs
8200lbs
Engine
—
5.0 L/305cc
Choosing between the GMC Yukon and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Yukon delivers 420hp @ 5600 while the Land Rover Defender produces 518hp @ 6500. Pricing starts at $80,400 for the Yukon and $63,500 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
420hp @ 5600
518hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
460lb-ft @ 4100
461lb-ft @ 2500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
5.0 L/305cc
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
Diesel
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Supercharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
19mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
28gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
225.2in
180.5in
Width (in)
81in
79.1in
Height (in)
76.5in
77.5in
Wheelbase (in)
134in
101.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
5445lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8000lbs
8200lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
GMC Yukon
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Land Rover Defender
Lower starting price ($63,500)
Higher towing capacity (8200lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Yukon or Defender?
The Yukon produces 420hp @ 5600 and 460lb-ft @ 4100 of torque while the Defender delivers 518hp @ 6500 and 461lb-ft @ 2500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Yukon and Defender?
The Yukon starts from $80,400 and the Defender from $63,500. The Defender is cheaper by $16,900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Yukon or Defender?
The Yukon has a braked towing capacity of 8000lbs and the Defender can tow 8200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Yukon or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.