2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, offering a range of trims from the basic SL to the luxurious Denali. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared many components with its Chevrolet siblings, yet aimed to present a more upscale image. The Denali trim, in particular, featured all-wheel drive, a sophisticated Satin Steel Metallic paint, and a Technology Package, all contributing to its $52,385 price tag. The design updates for 2020 were most evident in the front, with a boxier grille and squared-off headlights, while the interior saw minor changes like new electronic transmission shift switches and open-pore wood trim in the Denali model. Despite these enhancements, the cabin still mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, and the premium feel was somewhat limited to leather upholstery and wood trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with brand identity. It borrowed design elements from the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a Quad Lamp LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with wheel options ranging from 19 to 22 inches. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek, technology-rich environment with a focus on horizontal design elements to enhance spaciousness. The dashboard was uncluttered, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a rotary gear selector. Authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather were used throughout, creating a luxurious atmosphere that set the GV80 apart as a sophisticated choice in the luxury SUV market.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options, starting with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for lower trims. The SLT trim introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims featured a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, which was also available in other Acadia models. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Acadia offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with the AT4 trim featuring a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were well-tuned, though its driving character was considered unremarkable. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD model was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an average of 20.1 mpg in real-world driving.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with AWD, while the four-cylinder models had RWD with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The GV80 featured a sophisticated suspension system, with the 3.5T models offering electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The four-cylinder engine was adequate for most driving situations, while the V6 provided a smoother and more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 2.5T was rated at 23 mpg combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered flexible seating configurations, accommodating five, six, or seven passengers depending on the trim. The Denali trim featured six-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, though a bench seat was available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, providing comfort for rear passengers who had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Despite being smaller than earlier models, the Acadia's third-row seat was surprisingly roomy, though cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third-row seat expanded cargo capacity to 41.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design and knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ model, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and technology, providing a premium experience for all occupants.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Models with an 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution display and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice-recognition technology that generally performed well. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with new USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror providing additional convenience and safety.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a cutting-edge infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services offered a range of features, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, and the Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. However, it lagged in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) availability. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were standard, but forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking required an upgrade to SLT or AT4 trims. Additional safety features were part of a Driver Alert Package, and enhanced automatic emergency braking was exclusive to the Denali trim. The Acadia received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA in most tests, with a 4-star rollover rating, but IIHS data was incomplete.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also included, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.