2021 Subaru Crosstrek 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 distinctive grille and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with options for large aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a minimalist dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch widescreen display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a rugged adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to appeal to crossover enthusiasts. It featured black body cladding, model-specific wheels, and a higher ride height for a more SUV-like appearance. The Crosstrek's vibrant color options added to its character, while its interior remained functional but plain, with some questionable design choices like clashing color accents. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space and a practical layout, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a crossover with a touch of adventure.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. 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 varied by model, with the 3.5T featuring an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview for a smoother ride. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower, while the base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive and torque vectoring provided stability and control, with additional off-road modes available on the Sport trim. The CVT was the primary transmission choice, although a manual option was available for lower trims. Despite the new engine, the Crosstrek's performance remained adequate, with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than sporty driving dynamics.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and luxury amenities. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a character-recognition pad. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and climate control options. A third row was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with thoughtful touches like power rear-door closure and window shades.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers. The rear seats could be folded to expand cargo space, and a rear-seat reminder system was included for safety. The Crosstrek's interior featured practical storage solutions, though it lacked USB ports for rear passengers. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good visibility, but the overall feel was more compact car than SUV.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted 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. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of remote and safety features, while a head-up display and 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The GV80's audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon system.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek utilized the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and available 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with additional features like WiFi and satellite radio on select models. The Crosstrek's system included analog controls for ease of use, and EyeSight driver-assistance features were accessible via steering wheel buttons. A secondary screen displayed additional information, though its redundancy was noted.

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 safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top ratings. The GV80 also offered advanced parking assist features, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for the 2020 model. It featured standard EyeSight driver-assist technology on CVT models, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features were available on higher trims, though the system's camera placement had some limitations.