2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish its signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant two-box design. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek dashboard, real wood and leather finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The SUV's design was both modern and cohesive, tying in elements from the Genesis sedan lineup while maintaining its unique identity.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer adhered to a more traditional design approach, maintaining a family resemblance across its SUV lineup. The Explorer's exterior was sporty, with distinctive raked belt lines and various grille options depending on the trim. Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seating, with the base model accommodating seven passengers. The dashboard was clean and functional, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary gearshift. The Explorer's design was practical, focusing on comfort and utility, with a range of trims offering varying levels of luxury and features.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 provided two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The GV80's performance was enhanced by an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The 3.5T models featured advanced suspension systems and active noise cancellation, offering a smoother and quieter ride. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp, while higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with up to 400 hp in the Explorer ST. The Explorer's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and its towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer prioritized towing capability and offered a variety of engine options to suit different driving needs.

The Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a focus on ergonomic design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capability. The GV80 offered power second-row seats and a third row on select models, accommodating up to seven passengers. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with luxury features like power window shades and three-zone climate control.

The Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs reducing capacity to six in higher trims. The Explorer offered 39 inches of second-row legroom and 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. With the rear seats folded, the Explorer provided 81 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior was practical and spacious, with a focus on comfort and utility for families.

The Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 came with Genesis Connected Services, providing remote start, vehicle health reports, and more. Higher trims included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster.

The Ford Explorer's base trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple USB ports and power outlets, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims.

The Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered highway-driving assist and remote smart parking assist, though it had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, with top scores in crash tests. The Explorer's base trim included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.