2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting elegant SUVs. Its design was a testament to wealth and taste, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty profile reminiscent of the larger Range Rover, yet distinct in its lowered stance. The vehicle's design elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, were unmistakably Range Rover, while subtle adjustments like the sloping roof and flush door handles added a modern touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade presented a commanding presence on the road, enhanced by a styling update that included a bold front fascia and squared-off grille. The Palisade's design was both robust and elegant, with features like LED lighting and body-colour mirrors standard across the lineup. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The new Robust Emerald colour added a subtle elegance to the vehicle's appearance, maintaining a sophisticated look that complemented its premium feel.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a unique driving experience for a Land Rover. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Velar also offered a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 335 hp and 395 hp. This setup enhanced performance while reducing emissions, though it lacked the off-road capabilities of larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. This powertrain was competitive within its class, offering a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Palisade's HTRAC AWD system proved capable during light off-roading, and its fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size, making it a practical choice for families.

Inside, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was more compact than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials, but its design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but some controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom across all rows. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row and up to 2,447 litres with seats folded. The Palisade's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, featuring HVAC vents in all rows, numerous cupholders, and intuitive controls. The hands-free smart liftgate and power-folding seats in higher trims added to its practicality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation. The system included a PM2.5 air filter and a 360-degree camera, though its driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian sound system, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The Palisade's technology suite included a digital instrument cluster, in-car intercom, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system, which offered remote accessibility and management features. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a head-up display and a full-display digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite standard across all trims. This included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured advanced safety technologies like Highway Driving Assist II and a full-display digital rearview mirror.