2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender had a significant edge over the Land Rover Discovery, outselling it by a ratio of approximately eight to one. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy, classic truck design resonated more with customers, reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all contributing to its rugged appeal. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, added to its charm. The Defender offered a variety of accessory packages and was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, providing unmatched choice in the SUV market.

Inside, the Defender focused on function and durability, with most surfaces covered in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, featuring exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality was excellent, the Defender's price tag, especially for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive compared to the more opulent Range Rover models. However, its sales success in Canada indicated that many buyers appreciated its unique appeal.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, made a bold statement on the road with its updated styling. The new front fascia, featuring bolder strokes and a squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a commanding presence. Standard LED accents and headlights, along with body-colour mirrors packed with features, added to its premium feel. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim stood out with its unique grille, premium rear accent lighting, and 20-inch alloy wheels, contributing to its upscale appearance. A new colour, Robust Emerald, was introduced, adding a subtle elegance to the lineup.

Inside, the Palisade's Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a stylish and bright interior, thanks to the dual-pane sunroof. Premium Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard with horizontal quilting added to its luxurious feel. The Palisade accommodated up to eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated seats, along with a range of power-adjustable options, ensured comfort for all occupants. The Palisade's interior design and materials were reminiscent of high-end brands, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while the permanent 4WD provided reliable traction. However, on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The Defender's engine lineup included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The V8's performance was exhilarating, though fuel economy suffered, with ratings of 16.4/12.7/14.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a single powertrain option: a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was competitive within its class, offering more power than several rivals. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, provided smooth and responsive performance. While not designed for extreme off-roading, the Palisade handled light off-road conditions well and offered a comfortable ride for everyday driving. Its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) was impressive, and the dedicated Tow Mode optimized shifting for towing. Fuel economy was reasonable, with ratings of 12.6/9.5/11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models provided additional seating options, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's interior featured large glass areas, including alpine lights, enhancing visibility. Cargo space varied across models, with the Defender 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it a practical choice for adventurous buyers.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade provided ample space for seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom in all three rows. The second-row seats offered easy access to the third row, and the 60/40-split seats folded flat for increased cargo space. The Palisade's cargo capacity reached 2,447 litres with seats folded, and a hands-free smart liftgate was standard on most trims. The interior was designed for comfort, with HVAC vents in all rows, multiple cupholders, and a well-organized centre console. The Palisade's user-friendly layout and thoughtful features made it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen offered quick and easy operation, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Standard features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added luxury touches like a Meridian sound system, air suspension, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology package was comprehensive, though some advanced features were reserved for higher trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade impressed with its technology offerings, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A premium Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, and multiple USB ports ensured connectivity for all passengers. The Palisade's digital instrument cluster and in-car intercom enhanced convenience, while the Bluelink connected vehicle system provided remote access and management features. The Palisade's technology suite was robust, offering a range of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, though it lacked some airbags found in competitors. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features like a 360-degree camera system and head-up display added to its safety credentials, though some advanced driver assistance systems were not available.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive safety suite. Hyundai's Smart Sense package included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New standard features like blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance enhanced safety. The Palisade's advanced safety features, including Highway Driving Assist and rear seat occupant alert, provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.