2022 Land Rover Defender 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 massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant touches like big wheel arches and uniform panel gaps, while the interior boasted a luxurious, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The use of authentic materials such as real wood, metal, and leather added to its appeal, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile and tailgate-mounted spare tire, reminiscent of the original Defender and classic Series Land Rovers. Despite its retro nods, the Defender was a thoroughly modern vehicle with rounded corners and recessed LED headlights. Its larger size compared to the original model provided more interior space and comfort. The interior design emphasized ruggedness with exposed metal and screws, while still offering luxury touches like leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, making it a unique choice for those seeking a blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine 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 with standard 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. The four-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender introduced a new V8 engine producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It joined the existing 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 hp and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain with 395 hp. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The V8 model included unique suspension tuning for sportier handling, although it felt less poised than the six-cylinder model. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system with low range and impressive ground clearance. It also offered a comfortable on-road experience, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics, featuring 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 second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on other trims. The GV80's interior was designed for luxury and convenience, offering a sophisticated driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, providing surprising comfort in the two-door Defender 90 model. The four-door Defender 110 model was available in two-row and three-row configurations, offering ample cargo space with seats folded. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space and a center-console storage bin that could be equipped with refrigeration. Optional features included a basket-style roof rack and cargo boxes for additional storage. The Defender's interior was both practical and stylish, catering to those who valued versatility and ruggedness.

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 cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates and user-configurable split-screen displays. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 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. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with a standard Pivi Pro infotainment system featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch to respond. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the Defender's technological offerings.

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 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 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which was common for luxury vehicles. While some features were optional, the Defender provided a solid array of safety technologies.