2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

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 optional features. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, though its infotainment system was less advanced than newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade presented a fresh and elegant design, shedding any past criticisms of Hyundai's styling. It featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and a floating rear roof impression. The interior was equally polished, with high-quality materials and a horizontally arrayed screen. The Palisade offered spacious seating across three rows, with the top-of-the-line Calligraphy model showcasing luxury features like Nappa leather upholstery and a dual-panel sunroof. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 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, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity required a measured approach to handling. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, though the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth and responsive driving experience without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was estimated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models. It featured a four-wheel independent suspension and a self-leveling system on higher trims, providing a comfortable ride. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality. It offered comfortable seating across all rows, with ample storage options, including a center console with two compartments and door panel bottle holders. Luggage space was generous, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Palisade's intuitive controls and dual-panel sunroof enhanced the overall experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While it offered numerous features, the system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a range of features. The Limited and Calligraphy models boasted a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen with a premium audio system. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multiple USB ports, and a Qi wireless charging pad. The Palisade also featured Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system and a digital instrument cluster on higher trims.

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 semi-autonomous parking capabilities. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of standard and available safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.