2021 Volvo XC60 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 trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a minimalist dashboard, a 14.5-inch widescreen display, and high-quality materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60, though part of a brand with a long history, benefited from a modern rebirth under Geely's ownership. It showcased a refined two-box design with short overhangs and an elegant grille featuring Volvo's iconic iron mark logo. The interior was a blend of Scandinavian simplicity and functionality, with a portrait-oriented 9-inch touchscreen and harmonious materials. The XC60's design emphasized comfort and practicality, making it a serene and stylish choice for drivers.

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 with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was enhanced by features like electronically-controlled suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. 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 XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup, with the T5 model producing 250 horsepower, the T6 offering 316 horsepower, and the T8 plug-in hybrid delivering up to 415 horsepower. The T8 model, in particular, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total of 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and confident driving experience. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller featuring a concave design. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and climate control. A third row was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like power rear-door closure and window shades.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that performed well in cold conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly even in winter. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.

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-connected services, including remote start and vehicle health reports. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system used a tablet-style touchpad interface, offering smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's portrait orientation and function quadrants made it intuitive for tech-savvy users. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system delivered outstanding sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. While it had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for certain models. It came with a comprehensive set of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its design and technology.