2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a mid-sized luxury SUV that balanced between the sleekness of the Evoque and the robust presence of the traditional Range Rover. Its design featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to its more upright siblings. The Velar's broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, while its short overhangs and optional air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, along with standard 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a more conventional design for those who preferred a straightforward small crossover. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the interior featured a modern dash design with tech features seamlessly integrated. The Tucson came in several trims, each adding more features, from the base SE with its 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, to the Ultimate trim with an 8-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and heated/ventilated seats. The Tucson's interior was comfortable and supportive, with ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for long trips.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, 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 was not the fastest in its class, 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. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was also available in two power outputs. The Velar retained its off-road prowess with features like the Terrain Response system and All-Terrain Progress Control.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque available on higher trims. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The base engine was considered underwhelming, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance around town. The Tucson delivered a comfortable and refined ride, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. It also offered a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but did not translate to more interior space. It provided 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, with its chopped roof, limited headroom and created a claustrophobic feeling inside. Visibility was also a challenge due to the tall hood and limited side glass. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the compact SUV segment, it provided adequate space for everyday needs. The Tucson's interior was designed for comfort, with supportive front seats and accommodating rear seats for adults. It featured numerous storage compartments and trays for convenience. Higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate for added functionality.

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. Despite 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and hard buttons for convenience. Available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA due to its low-volume luxury status. 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 compared to competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson boasted a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Tucson received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS.