2021 Land Rover Range Rover 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 offered an upscale cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, creating a luxurious feel. The Limited trim, in particular, impressed with its high-quality leather upholstery and ambient lighting, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded timeless elegance with its classic design cues, such as blacked-out windshield pillars and clean lines. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a modern look, drawing inspiration from its storied past. The interior was a testament to luxury, with high-quality leather and a mid-century modern ambiance. However, the second-row seating fell short in terms of comfort, lacking thigh support and adjustability. The Range Rover's technology, while comprehensive, required a learning curve, and the dual-screen infotainment system could be distracting. Nevertheless, the Range Rover's luxurious feel and advanced features made it a desirable choice for those seeking a prestigious SUV.

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, providing smooth power delivery to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive. The Palisade offered various drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The Limited trim featured a self-leveling rear suspension, enhancing driving dynamics and comfort. Fuel economy for the Palisade was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version offered 19/24/21 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and assisted by an electric motor. The Range Rover's four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, ensured off-road capability, while the Terrain Response 2 system provided multiple traction modes. The adaptive air suspension delivered a smooth ride, although the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling. Fuel economy for the tested model was 20 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.5 mpg.

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 power-folding third-row seats added convenience, although they operated slowly. The third row provided adequate space for adults, making the Palisade a practical choice for families. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and convenience, with ample storage and cup holders. The Palisade's interior design prioritized functionality, making it a strong contender in the 3-row SUV segment.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, wrapped in high-quality leather, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Despite its luxurious appointments, the Range Rover's storage space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet of luggage volume and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall cargo capacity fell short compared to competitors.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 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 featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology. The Palisade's infotainment system was user-friendly, with tactile buttons and dials for easy navigation.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system, with three displays offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, required familiarity to operate efficiently. The dual 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover's technology included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app, enhancing convenience and usability.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It came standard with a range of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The digital instrument panel allowed for innovative safety features, such as a blind-spot camera system that projected live images onto the display.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages offered additional driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, providing a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.