2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, with its boxy design reminiscent of the classic Land Rover aesthetic. It featured squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and roundish headlights, all contributing to its rugged, utilitarian look. The Defender's design was both familiar and functional, with elements like step plates and a ladder, though some were more for show than practical use. The interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin, emphasizing durability over luxury. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior lacked the opulence expected in a vehicle of its class, feeling more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, unburdened by a legacy design language. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood and a distinctive grille with a Quad Lamp LED headlight array, establishing a signature look for the brand. The GV80's interior was a showcase of luxury and technology, with a sleek dashboard and high-quality materials like real wood and leather. The center console was a blend of design and ergonomics, featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller. The GV80's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and advanced climate control, offering a truly luxurious experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience with 406 pound-feet of torque. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Its on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a suspension that leaned generously, reminiscent of older SUVs. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's driving dynamics were not as polished as some of its competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 375 horsepower. The GV80's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The V6 engine provided a more refined and powerful driving experience, with active noise cancellation enhancing cabin quietness. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined. The GV80's performance was well-rounded, offering a balance of power, comfort, and efficiency.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capability. Its interior was practical, with options for a jump seat and a third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Defender's cargo space was generous, with up to 79 cubic feet available in the four-door 110 model. The vehicle's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged construction was tested to withstand significant impacts. The Defender's design prioritized functionality, making it an ideal choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated and luxurious interior, with advanced technology and ergonomic design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller, providing intuitive control over the vehicle's functions. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and climate control. A third row was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality and reliability. The system's interface was simplified, though some user interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by advanced camera systems and digital displays, providing valuable information for navigating challenging terrains. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with additional options available on higher trims.

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 connectivity. The GV80's system allowed for personalized driver profiles and included a digital key function for Android users. The vehicle offered a range of connected services, including remote start and vehicle health reports. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience with advanced technology.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies and did not include knee or rear side airbags. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags and advanced driver assistance systems. It offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning, highway-driving assist, and remote smart parking assist. The GV80's safety features were designed to provide a high level of protection and convenience, though it had not yet been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies.