2021 Land Rover Range Rover 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 its elegant lines and high-quality paint and trim, while the interior boasted a luxurious and uncluttered dashboard, emphasizing width and spaciousness. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the GV80's appeal, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover carried a legacy of luxury and off-road capability. Despite its design nearing a decade old, the Range Rover maintained a timeless look with hallmark design cues such as blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling lines. The interior exuded luxury with its high-contrast design and mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was less intuitive compared to newer models. The Range Rover's cabin was a blend of modern technology and classic luxury, offering a unique driving experience.

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 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80's 2.5T models came with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, while the 3.5T models featured standard all-wheel drive. The GV80's ride was enhanced by an independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T's performance was adequate for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, aided by active noise cancellation.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover provided a range of powertrain choices, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover's four-wheel drive system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The Range Rover's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and design, featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row offered comfort and roominess, with power-adjustable seats and luxury features like power window shades and climate control. The third row, available only on certain models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was limited in availability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, although the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and minimal luggage volume. The Range Rover's cargo area offered 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX 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 Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's digital instrumentation and infotainment were rendered across three displays, with the InControl Touch Pro Duo system offering numerous features. However, the system was not entirely intuitive, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional packages for additional driver aids. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.