2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of standard and premium features. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark cues and a luxurious interior, though its infotainment system lagged behind newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a surprising level of value and luxury for its price. With a starting price of $26,850 and a top-tier Calligraphy trim at $43,590, it provided a range of new powertrains, including a hybrid option. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end, while the interior boasted upscale materials and a high-tech center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with premium leather and a panoramic sunroof, making it feel like a bargain for the features it offered.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard four-wheel drive system and an adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth and quiet ride. However, its steering response was slow, and the vehicle's weight and height contributed to a noticeable side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 226-horsepower hybrid system. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes, structural improvements, and refined braking system contributed to a quick, solid, and agile driving experience. The EPA rated the turbocharged engine at 24 mpg combined, and testing showed an average of 22.4 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and a cargo capacity of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall space was less than expected for a vehicle of its size.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the Calligraphy trim with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The SUV featured dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated options. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with sliding functionality for increased cargo space. The Santa Fe's cargo area offered 36.4 cubic feet, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet, making it practical for family trips.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays, though it was not entirely intuitive. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required setup to avoid distractions while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic screen, while the larger screen included upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link connected services. Blue Link provided a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control, though a WiFi hotspot was absent. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist provided additional safety and convenience. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights, showcasing its strong crashworthiness and safety technology.