2021 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 larger fog lights. 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, with the SEL trim being recommended for its balance of features and cost.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly in its Heritage Edition, celebrated its 65th anniversary with a classic yet somewhat dated design. The exterior featured bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima roof basket, but the standard model, with its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery, lacked the flair of the Heritage Edition. The Land Cruiser's design was basic, with large headlights and a chrome-heavy two-box shape. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and older design elements, such as a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. Despite its dated appearance, the interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The Land Cruiser's interior was spacious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a four-zone climate control system, but its storage space was limited.

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 transmission managed power effectively, and the vehicle offered various drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, which adjusted based on 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 the FWD model, with slightly lower figures for the AWD version.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser's on-road performance was less refined, with a heavy, numbed driving experience. Fuel economy was a weak point, with an average of 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg 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 well-designed for family use, with multiple cup holders and storage options.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious but lacked in storage space. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row bench seat offered ample room and comfort. The Land Cruiser's third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, but leg support was limited. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Land Cruiser's split clamshell tailgate was practical for outdoor activities, and maximum cargo space was 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim offered an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, standard on the Limited trim. The Limited also featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system and advanced tech like a surround-view monitor and head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was basic, with large buttons and knobs for easy use. The rear-seat entertainment system was outdated, and the JBL Synthesis audio system, while decent, didn't match the high-end offerings in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, featuring a range of driver-assistance technologies, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system. The digital instrument panel provided clear information to the driver, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance. The Land Cruiser's safety features were comprehensive but not as advanced as some competitors.