2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further enhanced by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large wheel arches over aluminum-alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, built on a new platform, was offered in a long-wheelbase version in the U.S., providing ample cargo space. Its front featured a parametric grille with integrated LED lights, creating a unique visual signature. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, while the rear showcased LED taillights. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, and offered premium features like gloss black pillars and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Tucson was well-appointed with stain-resistant cloth seats, a spacious cabin, and a 60-40 split-folding rear seat, making it a practical choice for families.

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 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard 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 an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the V6 models, enhancing ride comfort. Fuel economy for the GV80 2.5T was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain offered a more engaging driving experience and was more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson's fuel economy was impressive, with the hybrid achieving 37 mpg city/36 mpg highway. The Tucson also offered all-wheel drive, standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, providing reliable performance in various conditions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console included 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, with power-adjustable seats and luxury features like power window shades. A third row was available on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area. The rear seats offered ample legroom, and a 60-40 split-folding bench seat was standard. The Tucson also included a dual-level cargo floor and a hands-free liftgate on mid-grade models and up.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates and individual user profiles. The GV80 also included a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on select models. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required wired connections for Apple and Android devices. The Tucson's tech package included a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a user-friendly interface. The touchpoints on the center console were responsive, though some drivers found the steering wheel controls less intuitive.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 included 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of driver-assist features like blind-spot collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai provided a comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.