2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. It successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlight array, into its elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a truly special interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 maintained its individual character while embodying the Audi design language. Its expressive face featured LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The Q5's body showcased crisp character lines and a protective greenhouse, with bold taillights at the rear. The plug-in hybrid version added S-Line trim enhancements and offered standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a well-organized layout of buttons and switches. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, and featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a spacious second row with leather seating surfaces.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was supported by a 116.3-inch wheelbase and independent multi-link suspension. The 3.5T models featured electronically-controlled suspension with road preview and an electronic limited-slip differential. The four-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered a smoother and stronger performance. Fuel economy for the GV80 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, and 21/25/22 with AWD. The 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with a combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a 14.1-kWh battery. The PHEV's electric motor provided additional power, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved an impressive 65 MPGe combined, with a gasoline-only rating of 27 mpg combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was supported by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a sporty yet comfortable ride.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a center console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. It featured a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for HVAC controls. The GV80's second row was comfortable and roomy, with available power seats and window shades. 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.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row offered 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments. The Q5's interior featured cupholders, storage cubbies, and a well-organized layout.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured the sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered user-configurable split-screen displays and over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 provided three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on select models. The audio system included a standard 12-speaker setup, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three views and customizable LED ambient lighting. The Prestige Package included navigation, which worked with the hybrid system to optimize fuel consumption. The Q5 featured an Integrated Toll Module and an optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers.

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

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. The Q5 PHEV included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.