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The Toyota Land Cruiser is historically reliable and capable off-road. Now, more new SUV options from brands like Hyundai keep emerging out of the woodwork. So why would someone buy the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser when they can buy a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Instead?

A black 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy by a sunset lagoon
2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy | Hyundai

How reliable is the 2021 Toyota land Cruiser?

This is one of those models that is just known to last for a very long time. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has a 4 out of 5 score for predicted reliability. Older models live and live and live. The frequency with which we see older Toyota Land Cruiser models still going strong is a testament to their longevity as well.

However, RepairPal shows us that––in spite of longevity––repair costs are a little higher for the legendary Land Cruiser than for other vehicles. The average repair cost for the Toyota Land Cruiser is $843. RepairPal reports that the average repair cost for an SUV is $784. For all vehicles, the average repair cost is $652.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy a good SUV?

Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a great SUV. The Palisade has topped plenty of lists, and it’s typically in the top three in its class. The Calligraphy trim is a decked out range-topper with luxury appointments at every turn. It is the Kia Telluride‘s corporate cousin, but it certainly stands on its own two feet (or four tires).

The dashboard and black-leather-upholstered front seats of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy interior | Hyundai

But if the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is so nice it must be super expensive, right? Nope. The Palisade starts in the low 30s. This range-topping Calligraphy starts modestly under $50 grand. It offers a long list of features and plush interior with a driving experience Consumer Reports calls both quiet and comfortable in the road test overview.

For a nice SUV that can haul up to 8 people, this is a fantastic price point. In addition, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade also boasts the same high 4 out of 5 score for predicted reliability from Consumer Reports. In fact, it’s ranked #2 in its class, has an overall score of 85, and is recommended by Consumer Reports. The Land Cruiser hasn’t been tested completely by the critics there yet.

Why buy the Toyota SUV instead?

The people who want to buy this Toyota SUV instead know why. The 2021 Land Cruiser is an SUV you buy generally with the understanding that you’re going to have it for a decade or more. People who are considering the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser must be doing something right. I mean, they can spend nearly $90 grand on a Toyota SUV.

The Toyota Land Cruiser parked in front of a mountain range.
Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

But why would someone buy the Land Cruiser instead of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy? It’s nearly two times the price and doesn’t get the friendly reviews that the newer Palisade enjoys. So why does this Toyota SUV get so much respect? One of the primary reasons families turn to the Land Cruiser is for its serious off-road capability, durable platform/frame, and the fact that it ties all that workhorse toughness with a nice roomy interior that seats up to 8.