2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, highlighted by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, while the interior boasted a luxurious, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch widescreen display and authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sportage presented a more compact and city-friendly design with its short wheelbase and overhangs. Its "Euro-focused" styling included a tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, which some might describe as frog-like. Inside, the Sportage offered a practical and pleasant cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen display, physical buttons, and knobs for easy control. While not as tech-forward as some of its competitors, the Sportage's interior was comfortable, especially in the SX Turbo trim, which included power-adjustable seats and premium materials.

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 GV80's performance was enhanced by an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The 2.5T models provided a lively driving experience, while the 3.5T models delivered smoother and more powerful performance, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Kia Sportage came with two engine choices as well: a 2.4-liter inline-four with 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the SX Turbo trim, offering 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. All Sportage models featured a six-speed automatic transmission, with fuel economy varying from 19 to 30 mpg based on the engine and drivetrain. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though its steering and tire grip left room for improvement. The SX Turbo trim offered a more engaging driving experience, appealing to those seeking a sporty crossover.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a center console featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row was spacious, with available power seats and window shades, while the third row, standard on certain trims, increased passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim included power-adjustable seats and heated and ventilated options. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not as spacious as some competitors, the Sportage provided a comfortable environment for its size.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a cutting-edge infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, 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 also included Genesis Connected Services, a head-up display, and a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers, providing a comprehensive and luxurious tech experience.

The 2021 Kia Sportage's 8-inch touchscreen interface was user-friendly, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a Harman Kardon audio system. While not as advanced as the GV80, the Sportage's technology was practical and easy to use, with logical menus and physical controls.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and various collision-avoidance assists. Although it had not yet been rated by safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 also offered advanced features like highway-driving assist and remote smart parking assist.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SX Turbo trim included adaptive cruise control and received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The Sportage performed well in NHTSA crash tests, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.