2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not considered groundbreaking or particularly eye-catching. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither drawing attention nor causing embarrassment. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design of the three-row SUV was complemented by flawless paint and chrome finishes, a testament to Acura's attention to detail. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple interior, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the SUV market, unburdened by a legacy of design expectations. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The GV80's exterior was marked by its Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights, which wrapped around the vehicle's corners. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and spacious cabin with a sleek dashboard and a bridge-like center console. The use of authentic materials such as real wood, metal, and leather added to the vehicle's premium feel, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced its nimbleness, especially in corners, by directing power to the outside wheel during turns. This torque-vectoring technology improved handling and made the MDX a comfortable and capable vehicle for long drives.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80's 3.5T models featured an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, which used a forward-facing camera to predict road conditions and adjust the suspension accordingly. The 3.5T's active noise cancellation technology further enhanced the driving experience by reducing cabin noise. The GV80's fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a practical and stylish alternative to minivans, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The MDX's interior featured ample storage options, including a flexible center console, door panel pockets, and a tri-zone climate control system for added comfort.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics, with a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven and featured a power-fold function. The GV80's interior was designed to provide a luxurious experience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera and heated/ventilated seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. The GV80 also included Genesis Connected Services, providing remote start, vehicle health reports, and more. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a range of advanced safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function to each driver's behavior, and its Highway Driving Assist helped maintain following distances and perform lane changes.