2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive Quad Lamp LED headlights. The SUV's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with big wheel arches and aluminum-alloy wheels adding to its robust appearance. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look with minimal changes, such as a "4xe" badge and blue accents. Its standout feature was the silent operation when running on electric power, which turned heads during its test drive in Yosemite National Park. The Wrangler 4xe's interior was similar to other Wranglers, with a rugged, hose-me-out design, but it included more soft-touch materials and unique PHEV-related displays. The driving position was high and close to the windshield, offering excellent visibility, while the rear seat provided adequate comfort with air conditioning vents and charging ports. However, cargo access was challenging due to the swing-out tailgate and spare tire.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard 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 smooth, thanks to its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T model was lively and sufficient for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the 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 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to choose between maximizing power, running on electric power alone, or preserving battery charge. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded four-wheel drive system with electronic lockers, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a concave design and knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ model, increasing passenger capacity to seven, but it was not available on other trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality and comfort. The high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon model made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the driving position offered excellent visibility. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever, but rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo space was limited, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The swing-out tailgate and spare tire made accessing the cargo area difficult in tight spaces.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services with over-the-air updates and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, while the Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system provided an immersive listening experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. It included SiriusXM Guardian connected services and a WiFi connection, which proved useful during road trips. The Alpine sound system was powerful enough to overcome wind noise on the freeway, but the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful charging status indicators and trip summary data for electric driving.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and various collision-avoidance assists. It also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, which could perform lane changes and adjust lane position. The GV80's Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for automated parking in some situations. However, it had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights with automatic high beams were rated Marginal by the IIHS, while the SUV received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The Wrangler's small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver was rated Marginal, with the vehicle tipping over during testing.