2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, had the advantage of not being tied down by a long legacy of design expectations. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a fresh design while still incorporating signature styling cues from its sedan lineup. The GV80's design was characterized by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern, complemented by the brand's signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The SUV's exterior was further enhanced by large wheel arches and elegant aluminum-alloy wheels, while the rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin, featuring a sleek dashboard, a 14.5-inch high-definition display, and high-quality materials like real wood and leather.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco drew heavily from its heritage, embracing a "Retrofuturism" design approach that updated the classic Bronco look with modern technology and materials. The Bronco's exterior featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body design with removable doors and fender flares. The SUV was available in two-door and four-door configurations, with a choice of soft-top or modular hardtop roofs. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with modern technology, offering a color touchscreen, a digitized instrument cluster, and practical features like stretchy mesh door pockets and reinforced grab handles. The Bronco's design was both functional and stylish, appealing to off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a rugged yet modern SUV.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive was standard on V6 models. The SUV's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models. The GV80's performance was characterized by a smooth and powerful ride, with the V6 engine providing a more refined driving experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 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 Ford Bronco came with two engine choices: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco featured a seven-speed manual transmission with a crawler gear for the 2.3-liter engine, while the 2.7-liter engine came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All Bronco models had standard four-wheel drive, making them well-suited for off-road adventures. The Bronco's performance was tested in challenging conditions, demonstrating its capability on both pavement and off-road trails. The SUV's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like the Sasquatch package, which included 35-inch tires and Bilstein shock absorbers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console featured 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 spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and available luxury features like power window shades and three-row climate control. A third row of seats was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emphasized modularity and practicality, with removable doors and fenders for easy repair and customization. The Bronco's interior featured thoughtful design elements like a row of buttons for suspension settings and beefy toggle switches for auxiliary equipment. The SUV's cargo area was designed to store the removable doors, and the doors themselves came with protective storage bags and easy-to-use electrical connections. The Bronco's interior was rugged and functional, with features like stretchy mesh door pockets and reinforced grab handles.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates. The GV80 also featured a head-up display, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco utilized Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition. The standard 8-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 12-inch display, and the SUV offered a 10-speaker B&O sound system with the Lux Package. The Bronco's technology package included features like push-button start, a rear-view camera, and position-sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers as part of the Sasquatch Package.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of collision-avoidance systems. The SUV also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80's safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available at the time of review.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more advanced options available on higher trim levels. The SUV included airbags, a reverse sensing system, and Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco's safety features were designed to accommodate its removable doors, with side curtain airbags that deployed appropriately in off-road situations. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available for the Bronco.