2021 Jeep Wrangler 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 GV80's exterior was marked by elegant touches like slit vents on the front fenders and trapezoidal tailpipes, while the interior boasted a luxurious, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch widescreen display and high-quality materials such as real wood and leather.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, rugged appearance, with circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. The Wrangler's design was instantly recognizable and offered various configurations, including soft and hard tops. While not as comfortable as car-based SUVs, the Wrangler's upright seating and minimal legroom were part of its charm. The Wrangler's trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, provided a range of features, with the Rubicon 392 standing out for its powerful Hemi V8 engine and distinctive raised hood.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered 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 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 suspension system included an electronically-controlled setup with road preview on the 3.5T models, enhancing ride comfort. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems varied by trim, with the Rubicon featuring the advanced Rock-Trac system. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transformed the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse, complete with a dual-mode performance exhaust and upgraded suspension.

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 HVAC controls. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was limited in availability. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's interior was all about functionality, with options for cloth or hard tops, including the convenient Sky one-touch power top. The cabin featured practical elements like drain plugs and cargo nets, with 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Wrangler's design prioritized durability and ease of use, making it ideal for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system supported cloud profiles and over-the-air updates, with a digital key function for Android users. Genesis Connected Services offered a range of features, including remote start and vehicle health reports. The GV80 also boasted a head-up display and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim, with the Sport offering a basic 5-inch screen. Higher trims featured the Uconnect system with 7-inch or 8.4-inch screens, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail navigation. The Wrangler's tech was practical and user-friendly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and a range of collision-avoidance systems. While it had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80's advanced safety technology included highway-driving assist and remote smart parking assist.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered basic safety features, with optional driver-assistance systems like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. A backup camera was standard, but lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler's safety features were more limited compared to modern standards, focusing on off-road capabilities.