2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which was a refreshing departure from the rugged styling cues often seen in SUVs. The 2023 refresh had given it a more angular and technical look, replacing the previous chubby-cheeked face. This design choice sparked mixed reactions, but many appreciated the balanced forms and upscale appearance that made it seem like a bargain at its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim level offered a clean, modern, and upscale look. The higher trims boasted premium leather, artificial suede, and other luxury cues, although some metallic-surface control markings were hard to read during the day. Thoughtful details like USB charging ports in the front seatbacks and second-row smartphone storage pockets added to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender had a rugged charm, with the Defender 110 four-door model hitting the sweet spot in design. The Defender offered endless customization options, with base prices ranging from $58,525 to $120,525, including destination charges. The new Defender OCTA was available only as a 110 and priced at $153,625. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. The test model, dressed in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and the color didn't complement the orange brake calipers. Inside, the Defender X received an upgrade to premium Windsor hides with Kvadrat fabric, and the interior maintained an industrial theme with quality materials, though it wasn't a traditional luxury SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power was transferred to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an optional AWD system available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and averaged 22 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics held up well, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. The powertrain was satisfying, offering plenty of power and smooth operation. However, it wasn't very fuel-efficient, with observed fuel economy falling short of EPA estimates.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X could tow up to 8,200 pounds and accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. While the Defender excelled off-road, it was primarily driven on pavement during testing. The 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its on-road enthusiasm, but it cruised comfortably on highways. The Defender's fuel economy was lower than expected, with observed fuel economy at 16.2 mpg.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, with our test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger arrangement with second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver’s seat. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, providing comfort in various weather conditions. The third-row seat was also heated, a rarity in this segment. Storage space was generous, with thoughtful features like adjustable front cupholders and a Smart Liftgate. Cargo space behind the third row measured 18 cubic feet, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 required some effort to enter and exit, but it rewarded occupants with spacious seating on towering thrones. The test vehicle featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with effective heating and ventilation. Visibility was excellent, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The Defender's panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less accommodating for rear passengers. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row seat accessibility and comfort, with a heated and roomy third-row seat. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 15.3 cubic feet, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while starting to look dated compared to newer Hyundai models, remained fully functional. It featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection, but the system offered two-device Bluetooth support, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The voice recognition system performed well, and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. In the past, Pivi Pro had been criticized for its slow response and convoluted interface, but this time it performed well. The voice recognition system was accurate, and the user experience was more intuitive. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system impressed, and the test vehicle included a head-up display, a ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Palisade SEL added an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, while the Calligraphy model featured automatic braking when parking and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024, but a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test prevented it from receiving the accolade in 2025. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist system decisively corrected potential lane departures, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. The adaptive cruise and lane-centering assist operated transparently, though it struggled slightly in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time, as low-volume models like this one are typically not tested by the NHTSA and IIHS.