2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh canvas, unburdened by a legacy of design expectations. This allowed it to innovate while still incorporating signature styling cues from the brand's sedans. The GV80's design was marked by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern, flanked by the brand's "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The SUV's elegant two-box design was complemented by large wheel arches and a rear that echoed the front's styling elements. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and metal finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. Its profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, with a well-finished interior, ample legroom, and practical features like a wireless charging pad and adjustable second-row seats. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Highlander excelled in providing a luxurious and comfortable ride.

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 V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option. 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. The 2.5T's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable operation, making it suitable for family use. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort. Its powertrain compared favorably with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, offering similar horsepower and torque figures.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and ergonomic design. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades. A third row was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in practicality, with a well-designed interior that catered to family needs. It featured shelves for storage, a wireless charging pad, and adjustable second-row seats for added legroom. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted forward. Cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Highlander's interior was comfortable and well-finished, with thoughtful features for convenience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a cutting-edge infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on higher trims. Navigation was optional, and the system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though the large screen's functionality was limited for certain apps. The Highlander's technology was user-friendly and practical, catering to everyday needs.

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 systems. It also offered highway-driving assist and remote smart parking assist. While it had not yet been rated by safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.