2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers typically refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, to the Limited Premium with leather seats and a JBL audio system. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured a power rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and sport instrumentation, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design without the constraints of a long legacy. It successfully balanced innovation with brand styling cues, featuring a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's design was elegant, with big wheel arches and uniform panel gaps. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, emphasizing width and spaciousness. The interior was crafted with authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a luxurious environment. The GV80's design and craftsmanship set it apart as a sophisticated and modern luxury SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. The Sienna's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, and it was available with all-wheel drive (AWD) on all trims except the base L. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) version delivered the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

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 V6 models came standard with AWD, while the four-cylinder models had RWD with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 featured independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T models had a fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 25 highway, and 23 combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 combined. The GV80's performance was characterized by smoothness and strength, particularly with the V6 engine.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench option. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The HVAC control panel used 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. 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, adding to the GV80's luxury features.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker audio system. The Sienna featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, aiding communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring 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 personalized settings. Android users could utilize a digital key function, replacing the key fob with an app. The GV80 included three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, offering features like 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, enhancing the GV80's technological appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and received a Good rating in several IIHS categories, with its driver-assistance features earning a Superior rating.

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 driver-assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, which could perform lane changes and adjust lane position. The GV80's safety features were comprehensive, aiming to provide a secure driving experience.