2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was a standout in terms of styling, with a design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand like Cadillac. Its bold appearance was marked by a massive grille and thin headlights, complemented by a unique headlight assembly that included LED character lines. The use of chrome was distinctive, with a large strip running from the A-pillar over the side windows, adding a touch of elegance while breaking up the vehicle's length. Inside, the Palisade offered an upscale cabin with a digital instrument panel, a large touchscreen, and ambient lighting, especially in the top-tier Limited trim. The Limited trim also featured leather upholstery with unique stitching, heated and cooled seats, and a dual sunroof, making it a luxurious choice.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh design, free from the constraints of legacy styling. It featured a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array, establishing a distinct Genesis look. The GV80's interior was sleek and uncluttered, with a focus on horizontal lines to enhance spaciousness. The center console was a blend of technology and design, featuring a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch widescreen display. The cabin was adorned with authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a luxurious environment. The GV80's second row was spacious, with power seats and window shades, while the third row was available only on specific trims, offering additional passenger capacity.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade's drive modes included Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, with Smart mode adapting to driving habits. The Limited trim featured a self-leveling rear suspension, enhancing driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for FWD, and slightly lower for AWD.

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 standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 3.5T models included an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride quality. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 21 mpg city, 25 highway, and 23 combined for the 2.5T RWD, to 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 combined for the 3.5T AWD.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade excelled in versatility, offering 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The third row was spacious enough for adults on longer trips, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. The Palisade's interior was designed with family needs in mind, featuring multiple cup holders and storage options.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on technology and design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades. The third row was available only on specific trims, offering additional seating capacity. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with advanced controls and features.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim offered an optional Driver Guidance package, which included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and satellite radio. The Limited trim featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was connected to the cloud, offering over-the-air updates and personalized driver profiles. The GV80 also included a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It came with a range of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system. The digital instrument panel provided additional safety information to the driver.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was equipped with 10 airbags and a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and highway-driving assist. The GV80 also featured Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.