2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability with a tougher look. The Adventure trim from the previous year improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The new TRD Off-Road trim further elevated the RAV4's ruggedness with smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special TRD suspension setup. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while the interior featured TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials and inexpensive plastics.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's signature styling cues. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's design was elegant, with big wheel arches and Quad Lamp taillights echoing the front. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a bridge-like center console, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD display. The interior was a testament to luxury and sophistication, offering a truly special experience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid, a separate model, offered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain delivered adequate performance, especially in Sport mode, but a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road and in urban environments.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered 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 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with AWD, while the four-cylinder models had RWD with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The GV80's suspension systems varied by model, with the 3.5T featuring an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother, more powerful experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 23 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with seating hip points at an ideal height. The driver's seat was 8-way adjustable, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat, but the optional Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom for adults and children, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for comfort. The RAV4 offered generous interior storage, with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics, with a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller featuring a concave design and knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50, though they were not available on other trims.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was available with a free trial period. The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its voice-recognition technology and optional Technology Package, which added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured the sixth-generation Genesis UX on a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for individual users. Android users could access a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services offered a range of features, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, and the Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included advanced driving assist features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and more. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only for models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights. Toyota also offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services.

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. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Highway-driving assist were also included, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.