2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. It presented a balanced appearance that was equally suitable for rugged trails and upscale venues, making it attractive to a diverse range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee's pricing started at $32,150 for the Laredo model and went up to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk priced even higher. The Limited X model, tested at $53,275, featured a Slate Blue Pearl paint, a sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom look. However, the interior, especially in models priced over $50,000, was criticized for its use of hard plastics, which detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues. It featured an elegant two-box design with a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior was complemented by big wheel arches and high-quality paint and trim. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin with a sleek dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The interior design emphasized spaciousness and comfort, with features like a rotary gear selector and a bridge-like center console. The GV80's interior was praised for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the test vehicle achieved 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, the Grand Cherokee offered three V8 engines, including a 5.7-liter "Hemi" V8 with 360 hp, a 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT with 475 hp, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 hp. The Trackhawk was particularly notable for its 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's off-road capabilities were highlighted by the Trailhawk model, equipped with all-terrain tires and advanced 4WD systems. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements and average steering and braking performance.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp. The V6 models came with standard AWD, while the four-cylinder models had RWD with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride quality was enhanced by its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 3.5T model also featured active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin. The GV80's fuel economy was rated at 21/25/23 mpg for the 2.5T RWD and 18/23/20 mpg for the 3.5T AWD. The GV80's performance was characterized by its smooth and strong V6 engine, while the four-cylinder engine was sufficient but less refined.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and a cargo space of 36.3 cubic feet behind the backseat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, but the Limited X lacked ventilated seats. The interior featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and padded armrests, but the integration of seat heater controls with the infotainment system was a source of irritation. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a center console tray and door-panel bins, but the glovebox and center armrest bin were small.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was comfortable for two adults, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was known for its speed and ease of use, though competitors had caught up in recent years. The system included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available, and the test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine sound system. Unique to Jeep was the Off-Road Pages app, providing information for off-roading excursions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured the sixth-generation Genesis UX on 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 individual users. Android users could use a digital key function, and the GV80 came with three years of Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The standard audio system had 12 speakers, with an optional 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of ADAS, with ProTech I standard on all trims, including a reversing camera and blind-spot monitoring. ProTech II added forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, while Advanced ProTech II included adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and had mixed IIHS ratings, with poor results in some crash tests.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also had adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80's Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for automated parking.