2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced approach to styling within the Range Rover family, avoiding the extremes of its siblings. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its performance-oriented look. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious, cockpit-like feel, though it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, especially in Calligraphy trim, stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, unique 20-inch wheels, and upgraded interior detailing. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but its luxurious appearance belied its price. Inside, the Palisade offered a plush experience with premium Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner. The Beige over Navy Blue color scheme and striated wood trim added to its upscale feel, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads, limiting its agility in corners. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, but its single-speed transfer case and road-focused tires limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Palisade offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel economy was competitive, averaging 21.1 mpg in combined driving. Its firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. While not designed for spirited driving, the Palisade remained predictable and confidence-inspiring, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not class-leading, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a claustrophobic interior feel, with limited visibility and a cramped cockpit-like front seating area. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility, offering a nearly perfect experience for a midsize three-row SUV. The Calligraphy trim added a touch of luxury, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The Palisade's seats provided good support for long drives, and the second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom and adjustability. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors, and the Palisade offered generous in-cabin storage. Cargo space was impressive, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system offered high-quality graphics, its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two smartphones, with the 8-inch setup offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. While a WiFi hotspot was unavailable, the Palisade featured wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience and safety.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a lower priority for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems as standard. A rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist added to its safety credentials. Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, and Blue Link services offered additional safety features.