2020 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 use of chrome was distinctive, with a large strip running from the A-pillar over the side windows, adding a touch of elegance while breaking up the vehicle's length. Inside, the Palisade's cabin exuded an upscale feel, with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen that seamlessly integrated into the dash. The Limited trim offered additional luxury features like ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and a dual sunroof, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had a more understated design that revealed its appeal over time. Its exterior featured subtle styling choices, such as a dished hood for improved sight lines and bulging fenders for wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional dash layout. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by a multitude of controls. While the interior was comfortable and well-executed, it lacked the visual excitement of some competitors, focusing instead on functionality and durability.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 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 Limited trim featured a self-leveling rear suspension, enhancing driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was rated at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for FWD models, with AWD models achieving slightly lower figures.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser boasted a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob for adapting to various surfaces. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with a fording depth of 27.55 inches, highlighted its off-road prowess. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and a comfortable ride. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 13 mpg city, 17 highway, and 14 combined.

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 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality was evident in its design, with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards for off-road adventures. The standard model featured a three-row configuration, with heated second-row seats that could slide, recline, fold, and tumble. The Land Cruiser offered four-zone automatic climate control and a cooling box in the center console. Its towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds and split tailgate design added to its practicality, making it suitable for both daily commutes and outdoor excursions.

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 satellite radio. The Limited trim boasted a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology. The Palisade's tech offerings were user-friendly, with tactile buttons and a home button for easy navigation.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, and a 9-inch touchscreen interface. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. The touchscreen's split-screen mode was less effective due to its size, but the camera system proved useful for off-road and daily driving scenarios.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Standard safety equipment included forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system. The digital instrument panel provided clear information to the driver, enhancing overall safety.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also came with the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and a range of safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants.