2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Ford Bronco

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 GV80's exterior was marked by its elegant lines and high-quality paint and trim, while the interior boasted a luxurious, technology-laden cabin. The dashboard was sleek and uncluttered, emphasizing spaciousness with its horizontal design elements. Authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the luxury feel, making the GV80 a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and rugged, go-anywhere attitude. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades model, which was equipped for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with short overhangs, large recovery hooks, and modular construction for easy customization. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco was equipped with modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and advanced safety features, making it a versatile choice for both adventure and everyday driving.

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 ride was enhanced by its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The four-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered a smoother and more powerful experience, aided by active noise cancellation.

The 2022 Ford Bronco featured a base turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivering 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine could be paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, which included a crawl gear for low-speed driving, while the V6 came with a 10-speed automatic. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Everglades showcasing impressive capabilities on challenging terrain. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco also performed well on pavement, offering a smoother ride and better handling than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a center console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. It featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. 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 the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on other trims.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door model offered even more space, with 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its utility was further enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares, making it a practical choice for adventure enthusiasts.

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 utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 also provided three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, and the audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while maintaining driver engagement. The G.O.A.T. modes allowed drivers to select drivetrain and chassis settings optimized for specific terrain. A forward-looking trail camera provided confidence in navigating obstacles, while the Trail Turn Assist feature enabled sharper turns in tight spaces. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not 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 such as 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 for automated parking.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave the Bronco its highest score of "Good" in several crash tests.