2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a vehicle that stood out on the road with its iconic design. It featured circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and a boxy shape that gave it an industrial look. The Wrangler's design allowed for a unique experience, with the ability to fold down the windshield and remove the doors, enhancing its rugged persona. The removable top added to its appeal, making it more of a recreational utility vehicle than a typical commuter car. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro style with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility and style despite its ergonomic limitations. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road king Rubicon, offered different levels of comfort and capability, with options for technology and cold-weather packages to enhance the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, free from the constraints of a long design legacy. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimal controls, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The spacious cabin offered comfort and advanced technology, including a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a rotary gear selector. The GV80's design successfully blended innovation with the brand's emerging signature style, providing a sophisticated and luxurious driving experience.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic was available, particularly with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The standout was the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, generating 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, offering a marked improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 provided two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models offered rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, which adjusted to road conditions. The V6 engine was particularly refined, offering a quiet and powerful driving experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 21 mpg city/25 highway/23 combined for the 2.5T RWD to 18 mpg city/23 highway/20 combined for the 3.5T AWD.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its four-door configuration, was a popular choice for those seeking adventure. Its removable doors, foldable windshield, and droppable roof provided a unique open-air experience. The Wrangler offered a choice between a soft top and a hardtop, with the latter providing more protection from the elements. Cargo space was about 72 cubic feet with the rear bench lowered, which was less than some less-capable SUVs. However, the Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability over cargo space and comfort.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated machine with a focus on luxury and technology. Its center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on certain models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure, making it a luxurious choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim, with the Sport and Sport S featuring a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Rubicon and Sahara offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system was available, adding navigation, HD Radio, and a premium audio system. This system provided excellent sound quality, even at highway speeds, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted 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 a digital key function for Android users, allowing for keyless entry and vehicle configuration. The vehicle came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing a range of remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features were valuable given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines and off-road focus.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience. While not yet rated by safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.