2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

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, highlighted by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with options for 19-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch wheels. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a minimalist dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a spacious and sophisticated environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional SUV aesthetic with its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo lineup with familiar design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant stood out with a blanked-off grille and unique alloy wheels. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, added practicality to its premium feel.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 hp and the T5 delivering 248 hp. The Recharge model featured dual electric motors for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads, and offered a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds for the Recharge.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on technology and luxury. Its center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row was available only on specific models. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like power rear-door closure and power-folding third-row seats.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not the most spacious in its class, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The center console included a removable trash bin, and the glovebox featured a bag hook. The XC40's interior was designed with practicality in mind, with large door bins and a well-shaped storage cubby for phones. However, the Recharge model had limited cargo space due to powertrain components occupying the frunk.

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. It offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing a range of remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The Recharge model lacked a start button, relying on proximity to the key fob for activation. While the Polestar 2 would soon receive a Digital Key feature, it was not yet confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for its gasoline models. The XC40 Recharge had not been rated, but Volvo expected strong performance due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system.