2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a blend of elegance and functionality. Its exterior featured classic elements like the silver vertical bars on the grille, now with a modern blacked-out honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim. The SUV's "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive, enhancing its identity as a Volvo. The interior was a harmonious mix of Thunder Grey Metallic paint and beige-leather, with aluminum accents, offering a luxurious feel. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with options for power-adjustable thigh extensions and massage features. The XC90's cabin was a showcase of craftsmanship, with details like the Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, unburdened by legacy design constraints. Its exterior design was marked by a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh, establishing a signature Genesis look. The "Quad Lamp" LED headlights and taillights added to its distinctive appearance. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, with a focus on horizontal lines to enhance spaciousness. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish, adding to the luxury feel. The cabin was filled with authentic materials like real wood and leather, providing a sophisticated environment.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The V6 models featured standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was enhanced by an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models, providing a smooth driving experience. The 2.5T offered sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T was smoother and quieter, thanks to active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 2.5T was rated at 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 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons for essential functions. The cabin layout was praised for its organization, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capability. 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 the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured the 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 keyless entry and configuration. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of features, including remote start and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

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 range of advanced safety systems such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist added to its safety credentials.