2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. It successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlight array, into its elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and large wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The interior of the GV80 was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch high-definition display, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a bridge-like center console with minimal controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a more conventional design, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover look. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, while the interior boasted a modern, attractive dash design with tech features seamlessly integrated. The Tucson's trim levels ranged from SE to Ultimate, each adding more features such as larger alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats, and advanced audio systems. The Tucson's interior was comfortable and supportive, with ample front-seat headroom and legroom, and a variety of storage compartments for convenience.

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 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 optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by its independent multi-link suspension and, in the case of the 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The GV80 2.5T's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson featured a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available on higher trims, producing 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Tucson's ride was comfortable and refined, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. The 2.0-liter engine allowed for a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 2.4-liter engine increased this to 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The third row, standard only on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on other trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the segment, it was adequate for most needs. The Tucson's front seats offered solid headroom and legroom, and the rear seats were accommodating for adults. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 also included Genesis Connected Services, a head-up display, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 8-inch screen on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the system was user-friendly with logical menu layouts and hard buttons for convenience. Additional features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. However, it had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS.