2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The SUV's design was both elegant and bold, with big wheel arches and a rear that echoed the front's styling. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and uncluttered cabin, with a sleek dashboard and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather. The interior was designed to be both technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing, with a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a minimalist approach to controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, a model with a longer history, had undergone a refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a defining feature of recent Land Rover interiors. The Range Rover Sport offered a range of trims, each with its own set of luxury features, from leather upholstery and premium sound systems to advanced climate control and panoramic sunroofs. The exterior design was robust and sophisticated, reflecting Land Rover's legacy of combining luxury with off-road capability. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, with options for high-end materials and finishes, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

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 more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive and an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The GV80's performance was characterized by its smooth and strong V6 engine, while the four-cylinder provided adequate power for most driving situations. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a variety of powertrain options, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt electrical system, delivering 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent P400 version, rated at 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover Sport also offered a plug-in hybrid with 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, as well as a diesel option. The higher trims, like the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography, boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 horsepower, while the SVR models pushed this to 575 horsepower. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, along with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for off-road capability. The Range Rover Sport excelled in towing capacity, with most models able to tow up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack were designed with a blend of tactile and touch controls, including a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The GV80 offered a comfortable second row with available power seats and window shades, while a third row was standard on certain models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third row was power-folding and split 50/50, providing flexibility for cargo and passenger needs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it was best suited for children due to limited space. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments throughout. The Range Rover Sport's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with a focus on high-quality materials and finishes.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates. The GV80 included a digital key function for Android users, allowing for keyless entry and personalized settings. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of features, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and navigation. Higher trims offered a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, along with a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to infotainment. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required some acclimation due to its complexity. The Range Rover Sport featured a pair of multifunction dials for various controls, and a real volume button for convenience. While the system had a learning curve, it offered a range of features and settings for customization.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of collision avoidance systems. It offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning, highway-driving assist, and remote smart parking assist. While it had not yet been rated by major safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. The Range Rover Sport also offered a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and parking assist features.