2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to more affordable competitors like the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 presented a fresh and innovative design, free from the constraints of a long legacy. Its elegant two-box design, highlighted by a massive trapezoidal grille and signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights, established a distinctive Genesis look. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a spacious, uncluttered layout. The attention to detail and quality of materials set the GV80 apart as a true luxury SUV, offering a sophisticated and comfortable environment for its occupants.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Its rear-wheel-drive chassis provided balanced weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer's ride quality was commendable, even without adaptive dampers, and its towing capacity reached up to 5,600 pounds with the V6 engine. However, the hybrid option did not offer significant fuel economy benefits, making it less appealing.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 provided two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. The GV80's electronically-controlled suspension and active noise cancellation contributed to a smooth and quiet ride, particularly with the V6 engine. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T achieving 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined. The GV80's performance was characterized by its refined power delivery and advanced suspension technology, offering a luxurious driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. Its second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof enhancing comfort. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, although the bench was not ideal for long journeys. The Explorer's cargo space was generous, with up to 88 cubic feet available with all seats folded. However, thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and luxury features. Its center console and stack combined design and ergonomics, featuring a rotary gear selector and multimedia controller. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with power seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on certain models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on all trims. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and technology, providing a premium experience for its occupants.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system lacked innovation, with limited customization options and an unfinished feel. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system was not as refined as competitors, impacting its effectiveness as a driving assistant.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered advanced features like a digital key function for Android users and Genesis Connected Services, providing a comprehensive suite of remote and guidance services. The GV80's technology was cutting-edge, enhancing the luxury experience with its innovative features.

The 2020 Ford Explorer included Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard, offering forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, although it occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side, indicating room for improvement in safety performance.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Its adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function to the driver's behavior, while highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist added convenience and safety. Although not yet rated by IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings, reflecting its commitment to safety.