2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a legacy of past models. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish a signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant design elements borrowed from the G80 sedan. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer, with its mature brand heritage, offered a more traditional SUV design. The King Ranch model, in particular, featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding, but visually, it didn't stand out significantly from other Explorer trims. The Explorer's design was based on a rear-drive platform, giving it a long hood and athletic appearance, with a floating roof effect. Inside, the King Ranch trim provided a range of luxury features, including massaging front seats and a power-adjustable heated steering wheel. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, and the interior lacked practical storage solutions, emphasizing the sport aspect of the SUV.

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 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by 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, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The Explorer also offered a hybrid drivetrain for the Limited and Platinum trims, based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The top-tier engine was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. The Explorer's ride was robust, with a focus on off-road capability, and the King Ranch model averaged 20.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed 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 comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard only on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, offering a power-fold function for increased passenger capacity.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, particularly in the King Ranch trim, offered comfort for families of four, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult for adults to access. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, with limited center console space and a lack of pockets and cubbies. The King Ranch model featured a hands-free power liftgate, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with the sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system supported cloud profiles and over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a digital key function, and the GV80 came with 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, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced compared to newer systems, and the larger touchscreen appeared as an afterthought in the dashboard design. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

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

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were incomplete at the time of review. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions, with Co-Pilot360 operating smoothly and accurately.