2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with grille accents varying by trim. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with its plastic elements and trail-oriented seating position.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a clean-sheet design that balanced innovation with brand styling cues. It featured a two-box design with a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh. The "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and the Genesis flying "G" badge established a signature look. The GV80's interior was sleek and uncluttered, with a focus on horizontal design elements and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim was better suited for maintaining forward progress, while the part-time system in TRD models handled more challenging terrains.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a choice of RWD or AWD. The 3.5T models came with electronically-controlled suspension with road preview and an electronic limited-slip differential. The 2.5T models had EPA estimates of 21 mpg city, 25 highway, and 23 combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD was rated at 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, the dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position provided a commanding view, though climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The optional third row of seats was best for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and comfort.

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 dual control capability. The second row was comfortable and roomy, with power seats and luxury features like power window shades and climate control. The third row, available only on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven and featured a power-fold function.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was updated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also featured Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone-based systems. The 4Runner's technological advancements were more focused on off-road capabilities than dashboard features.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with cloud connectivity and over-the-air updates. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on higher trims. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a standout feature.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety systems like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist added to its safety credentials.