2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a minimalist dashboard, a 14.5-inch high-definition display, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The GV80's design was both elegant and functional, offering a spacious and technologically advanced cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its styling, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. It offered a more refined and proportionate design, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. The Encore GX's interior, while not as luxurious as the GV80, provided adequate comfort with supportive front seats and a decent amount of storage space. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, and the overall refinement was lacking compared to its premium aspirations.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional AWD. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its advanced suspension systems, and the V6 engine provided a more refined and powerful driving experience. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The larger engine was available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising but lacking refinement. The FWD models used a CVT, while the AWD versions had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX averaged 28.2 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA estimate.

The Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a sophisticated center console featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with optional power seats and window shades. A third row was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with numerous luxury features.

The Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position and supportive front seats, but the rear seats were less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. Interior storage was good, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Encore GX included a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items, but the rear lacked air conditioning vents, impacting passenger comfort.

The Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud connectivity. It offered a digital key function for Android users and came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. The GV80 also boasted a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster and a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The Buick Encore GX's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices and offered navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera with the Advanced Technology Package. Despite its features, the test vehicle lacked the available Bose premium sound system, and the HUD panel vibrated on rough roads.

The Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags and a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. It had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 also featured Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available, but the system's performance was inconsistent. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.