2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

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 a distinctive grille adorned with the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's exterior was marked by elegant lines, including the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large wheel arches that housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a minimalist dashboard, a 14.5-inch widescreen display, and high-quality materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious cabin.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, embraced a design language that was distinct from its competitors, drawing inspiration from the successful Navigator. The Aviator's exterior was characterized by sharp lines and chrome accents, giving it a bold and refined appearance. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself with a focus on comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a center console that elegantly rose to meet the 10.1-inch touchscreen. The cabin was designed for luxury, with features like a piano button shifter and soothing chimes that enhanced the overall experience. The Aviator's trims offered a range of features, from synthetic leather upholstery in the Standard trim to massaging seats and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system in the Black Label Grand Touring trim.

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 standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by features like electronically-controlled suspension with road preview and an electronic limited-slip differential on the 3.5T models. The four-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered a smoother and more powerful experience, 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 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine, boosting output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, with an electric-only range of 21 miles. The Aviator's performance was characterized by smooth acceleration and a drive mode selector with options like "Excite" and "Conserve." While the Aviator excelled on highways, it faced challenges in city driving due to its size and body roll in corners.

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 capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, offering a power-fold function for increased passenger capacity.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The Aviator's use of power-button door releases was a unique feature, though it raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with a user-configurable split-screen display, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. The GV80 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and navigation. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's 10.1-inch touchscreen ran the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included redundant controls and a fully digital instrument panel, with an optional head-up display featuring crisp graphics. The Aviator's infotainment system was praised for its sensible layout and ease of use.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags and a range of safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.