2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was more about subtlety than making a bold statement. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme that was evident in various elements like the tailgate's license plate cutout, the rear bumper, and the grille. The vehicle's body panels had more pronounced creases compared to previous models, and the tailgate glass was slightly more slanted. The Highlander offered projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights on all trims except the base L, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch wheels. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The color palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim featured a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the SUV market, unburdened by a legacy design language. It managed to blend innovation with the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's design was elegant, with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by big wheel arches and aluminum-alloy wheels. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, a bridge-like center console, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The GV80's cabin was a harmonious blend of technology and design, offering a truly luxurious experience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a ride that felt more like an older Buick. However, it offered a wonderfully isolating experience, ideal for long road trips. The Highlander also boasted good fuel economy, with the FWD model rated at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

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 GV80's eight-speed automatic transmission came with paddle shifters, and the vehicle featured independent multi-link suspension. The 3.5T models included electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T RWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The 3.5T AWD model was rated at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous adjustments and easy access to the third row. The Highlander provided ample cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The vehicle featured three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and a panoramic moonroof on the Platinum trim. The Highlander's interior was designed for convenience, with multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and integrated dash shelves.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a concave design. The HVAC control panel had capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was comfortable and roomy, with power seats and window shades available. The third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, offering power-fold functionality. The GV80's interior was designed to provide a luxurious experience, with features like power rear-door closure and three-row climate control.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was optional on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum, but it didn't utilize the full screen for maps or vehicle options. However, the Highlander came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The vehicle also featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the optional JBL audio system provided decent sound quality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and received over-the-air updates. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing them to unlock and configure the vehicle using their phone. The vehicle came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing features like remote start, stolen vehicle recovery, and destination search. The GV80 also featured a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 featured 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety systems like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The vehicle also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.