2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson presented a more conventional design compared to its futuristic successor, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover aesthetic. Its upright layout offered a commanding view of the road, while the interior boasted a modern and attractive dash design. The tech features were seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic, with every button and dial easily accessible. The Tucson was available in several trims, including SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious, such as alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats, and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to become a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The SUV's design, despite approaching a decade in age, remained timeless with hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. The Range Rover's interior exuded luxury with its high-contrast design and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while comprehensive, was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring a learning curve for users. The Range Rover's exterior and interior design elements combined to create a vehicle that was both modern and deeply rooted in its storied past.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a more robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and came with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The base engine was considered underwhelming, especially at highway speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance around town. The Tucson's ride was comfortable and refined, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. Towing capacity varied from 1,500 pounds with the base engine to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrain choices, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover's four-wheel drive system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capabilities. The SUV's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth, wafting ride, while its powerful engine delivered rapid acceleration. However, the steering was slow in response, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in noticeable side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

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 slightly below average for the compact SUV segment, it provided adequate space for weekend trips or larger items. The Tucson's interior was designed for comfort, with supportive front seats and adequate rear-seat space for adults. The vehicle featured numerous storage compartments, including trays for personal items.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier entry and exit, which was particularly useful for shorter passengers. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the rear seats offered features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seating. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Cargo space was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A suspension kneel function facilitated loading.

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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system, rendered across three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The dual 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages offered additional driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which worked effectively, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.