2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish its signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and large wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 boasted a luxurious and uncluttered interior, featuring a sleek dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The emphasis on horizontal lines accentuated the spaciousness, while the center console integrated storage and minimal controls, creating a sophisticated luxury SUV interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and aggressive front end. This design set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements like matte black wheels, orange interior accents, and a front skid plate. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality did not elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model included SofTex upholstery, which was durable but lacked the luxury of real leather.

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 optional all-wheel drive. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, and 21/25/22 with AWD. The 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered power at high RPMs. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport mode only added weight to the steering. On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quieter cabin and comfortable ride. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. These models also had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for other RAV4 models.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and luxury features. The center console and stack combined technology, design, and ergonomics, featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. 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 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided a tall, upright roof for ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but the cargo area lip was higher than in some competitors. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited. The rear seat did not slide fore and aft like some competitors, and the cargo area was not as spacious as the Honda CR-V.

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 user-configurable split-screen displays and over-the-air updates. Android users could use a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services provided features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The standard audio system included 12 speakers, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system offering 21 speakers and 1050 watts of amplification.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on Limited models and a 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. The gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display, which was available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 included 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, electronic stability control, and a range of collision-avoidance assists. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also featured, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.