2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, striking a balance with its low roof and steeply-raked windshield, which gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained the intimidating presence typical of an SUV, with a broad front end and short overhangs that improved its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious and cockpit-like feel, although it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

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 diamond mesh pattern. The GV80's design was elegant, with big wheel arches and Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights that wrapped around the vehicle. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, emphasizing width and spaciousness. The interior was filled with authentic materials like real wood and leather, and the technology was seamlessly integrated, making it a standout luxury SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine for the first time in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its large size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar also retained its off-road capabilities with features like the Terrain Response system and All-Terrain Progress Control, although it lacked a low-range transfer case.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models, enhancing ride comfort by predicting road conditions. The 3.5T model was smoother and more powerful, with active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T achieving 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but didn't translate to more interior space. Its cargo capacity was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, with a chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The cockpit-like front seating area was stylish but cramped, with limited legroom. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design and knurled metal finish. The second row was comfortable and roomy, with power seats and window shades available. The GV80 offered a third row of seats on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function, adding versatility to the interior space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, although they were prone to reflecting sunlight.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX 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. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing them to unlock and configure the vehicle via an app. The GV80 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing a range of remote and connected features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a lower priority for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, the Velar's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet 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. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, and more. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function to each driver's behavior, and highway-driving assist helped maintain following distances and perform lane changes. The GV80 also featured Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.