2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of being a fresh design without the constraints of a long-standing legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a distinctive look that tied in with its sedan lineup. The GV80 featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The rear design echoed the front with similar Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 boasted a luxurious interior with a sleek dashboard, minimal controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on a design introduced in 2015, with updates in 2017 and 2020. The Trax offered a more utilitarian look with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels and a straightforward design. The interior was functional, with supportive front seats and multiple storage trays, but the rear seats lacked comfort for long journeys. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice for city dwellers. However, it lacked the luxury and refinement found in the GV80.

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 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive was standard on V6 models. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T model provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. The Trax's engine was adequate for city driving but struggled at highway speeds, making plenty of noise in the process. The ride was firm and could be harsh over rough roads, but the Trax offered good maneuverability in tight spaces. While rivals offered more powerful and comfortable rides, the Trax was a sensible choice for urban environments.

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 capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on certain models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, but it was not available on other trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered a practical interior with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked comfort for long trips. The Trax provided multiple storage options, including low cupholder placement for larger bottles. Cargo space was mid-pack for the segment, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Trax lacked options for a power liftgate.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art 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 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The standard audio system included 12 speakers, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system offering 21 speakers and 1050 watts of amplification.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-use menus and vivid graphics. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot. The Trax's infotainment system was a highlight, providing essential connectivity features for modern drivers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. The Trax came standard with airbags and a backup camera, but additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were only available in the LT Convenience Package. The Trax lacked many advanced safety features found in competitors.