2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was a standout in terms of styling, with a design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand. Its bold appearance was marked by a massive grille and sleek, thin headlights, complemented by a unique headlight assembly that included LED character lines. The Palisade's use of chrome and character lines, such as the large chrome strip running from the A-pillar, added to its distinctive look, though it did make the design appear somewhat busy. Inside, the Palisade's cabin exuded elegance and simplicity, with a digital instrument panel, a large touchscreen, and ambient lighting in the top-tier Limited trim. The Palisade offered three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited, each with varying levels of luxury and features, making it a versatile choice for different budgets.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar struck a balance between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover, with a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end and short overhangs, which also improved its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier styling elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, along with 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 namesake, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim, a cockpit-like feel, and a focus on luxury rather than ruggedness.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Palisade's drive mode dial allowed drivers to switch between Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart modes, with Smart mode adapting to driving habits. The Palisade's handling was commendable, especially in Sport mode, and the Limited trim's self-leveling rear suspension enhanced driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for FWD models, with slightly lower figures for AWD.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine enabled the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors, and it felt large on tight roads. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined ride, while the Dynamic Edition's upgrades improved speed and body control. The Velar's powertrain lineup also included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system and other off-road tech.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade excelled in versatility, offering 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The third row was spacious enough for adults on longer trips, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. The Palisade's interior was designed with family needs in mind, featuring multiple cup holders and ample storage space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as some competitors, with limited headroom and a claustrophobic feel due to its avant-garde styling. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim offered an optional Driver Guidance package, which included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other features. The Limited trim boasted a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a surround-view monitor, and a head-up display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone compatibility. The upper screen handled media and navigation, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite its high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system that projected live images on the digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but it offered standard features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to some competitors.