2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and 20-inch turbine-style wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat tires. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, showcased a clean-sheet design with a focus on elegance and innovation. Its two-box design was accentuated by a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh. The signature Genesis look was further defined by the Quad Lamp LED headlight array. The GV80's interior was sleek and uncluttered, emphasizing width and spaciousness with a bridge-like center console. Authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather were beautifully finished, creating a luxurious environment.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It offered various driving modes through Audi Drive Select, and the Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension for a smooth ride. The Q7 averaged 21 mpg on a road trip, with a quiet cabin thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and independent multi-link suspension. The 3.5T models included electronically-controlled suspension with road preview and active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 23 mpg combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers, as the third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rows down, it expanded to 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats, ample second-row legroom, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen occupying most available space.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior 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 but was not available on other trims. The GV80's interior was designed for luxury, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for system access. It included voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Prestige trim featured a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system. However, the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips, and the head-up display was invisible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was centered around a 14.5-inch HD screen with split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users and three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. Higher trims included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which provided excellent illumination but were rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. It included advanced driving-assistance systems like Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system was problematic, and Active Lane Assist was not user-friendly. The Q7 received high ratings for collision protection from the IIHS, except for the headlights.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like 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, and Highway-driving assist offered lane changes and parking assistance.