2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a legacy of past models. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish a signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant design elements borrowed from the G80 sedan. 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 interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek dashboard with minimal controls, a 14.5-inch high-definition display, and high-quality materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and uncluttered environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition, particularly in its Platinum trim, exuded a bold presence with its chrome grille and 22-inch wheels. Despite its luxurious touches, the Expedition struggled with cargo space when fully loaded with passengers, highlighting the practicality of its extended-length MAX version. The interior, while comfortable and spacious, was a reminder of its origins, sharing components with the F-150 pickup truck. The Expedition's design was more traditional, focusing on utility and comfort, with features like power-deploying running boards and a leather-lined cabin, but it lacked the innovative flair of the GV80.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an AWD option. 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 models had a self-leveling rear suspension option. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Expedition offered impressive acceleration and a pleasant engine note. However, the ride quality was affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, which transmitted road shock into the cabin. The Expedition's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined for 4WD models, with our test vehicle averaging 17.1 mpg.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a center console featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller. The second row was spacious, with power seats and window shades available, while the third row was limited to specific models, offering power-folding seats. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with wide seats and an independent rear suspension ensuring a smooth ride. The regular-length model struggled with cargo space when fully loaded, but the Expedition MAX offered significantly more room, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Expedition's interior was practical, with ample storage and a high cargo floor liftover height. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and the front seats offered a massage function for added comfort.

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 was connected to the cloud, allowing for over-the-air updates and personalized driver profiles. The GV80 also offered a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon system.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while user-friendly, was beginning to show its age with an 8-inch touchscreen. It offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included Amazon Alexa compatibility and an enhanced voice recognition system. The Expedition's audio system was a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup, with optional rear-seat entertainment available on most trims.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and various collision-avoidance systems. The GV80 also offered highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience and safety.

The 2021 Ford Expedition received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower for RWD models. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with options for adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Expedition's lane-keeping technology was effective, and the SUV was expected to adopt Ford's new BlueCruise technology in the future.