2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede interior headliner. These enhancements made the Calligraphy trim appear more luxurious than other Palisade models, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy trim boasted a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, offering a cabin that seemed more expensive than its actual price.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded a timeless elegance with its hallmark design cues, such as blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling. Despite its design approaching a decade old, the Range Rover maintained a modern yet classic look. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was luxurious, with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring some patience to master.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and achieved an average fuel economy of 21.1 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, though it was primarily tested on well-traveled trails. Its adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the steering was slow in response, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity led to some side-to-side wallow. The tested model achieved an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage space. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Cargo space was also restricted, with a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's suspension kneel function aided loading, and the rear-seat center section could accommodate longer items.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems allowed pairing of two smartphones to Bluetooth, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment rendered on three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required some learning, as it was not entirely intuitive. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless entry, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The 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.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-centering assistance. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond. Overall, the safety features were effective and accurate.