2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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 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 that accommodated 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 dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a sporty Onyx Edition with blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Ascent's interior featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat. The dashboard and door panels were accented with metallic trim, and the SUV offered practical features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats. The Ascent's design was functional, with wide rear doors for easy access and ample storage, including a useful dashboard shelf and a power liftgate for cargo access.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80's 2.5T models came with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, while the 3.5T models featured standard all-wheel drive. The SUV's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The GV80's fuel economy ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The SUV's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided off-road capability. The Ascent's handling was nimble in urban settings, though its lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel unstable on highways.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row offered comfort for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. 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, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was practical, with a comfortable driving position, wide rear doors, and available captain's chairs. The SUV offered ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. The Ascent's cargo capacity was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The panoramic sunroof reduced cargo space slightly.

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, over-the-air updates, and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. Genesis Connected Services provided features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. The GV80 also included a head-up display and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. Premium trims added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology required specific commands, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked premium sound quality. Additional technology features, like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Touring trim.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The SUV came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like 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.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent's standard EyeSight driver-assistance technology included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, though it struggled in direct sunlight. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.