2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, boasting a large grille reminiscent of the outgoing Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, with headlights inspired by the Ford GT supercar. Its design was more curvaceous than its predecessor, which had a more upright rear end. Despite this change, the Escape remained one of the most attractive small SUVs on the market, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape featured a modern cabin with a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and practical control placement. The Escape was available in four trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious, with the SE trim recommended for its value.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to incorporate the brand's signature styling cues. It featured a two-box design with a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying “G” badge. The Quad Lamp LED headlight array and large wheel arches added to its elegant appearance. The GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a sleek dashboard, a 14.5-inch high-definition display, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The GV80 was available with two engine options and offered a sophisticated and luxurious driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of engine options, including a new three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, delivered 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The Escape also offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup producing 198 horsepower. The Escape's handling was sporty, with direct steering and strong brakes, making it enjoyable to drive. Fuel efficiency varied, with the hybrid being the most efficient, achieving 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with two engine choices: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its electronically controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T engine was lively, while the 3.5T offered a more refined and powerful experience. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 litres.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleeker design resulted in reduced cargo space compared to its predecessor, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite this, the Escape prioritized passenger space, providing ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers. The front seats offered a commanding view, and there were numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and luxury. The centre console and stack were designed with ergonomic controls, including a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The GV80 offered a third row on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats were power-folding and split 50/50, adding versatility to the luxury SUV.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim came with a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, while the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim featured a head-up display, although its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Escape's infotainment system was user-friendly, with the latest version of Sync offering multitasking capabilities.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was connected to the cloud, allowing for over-the-air updates and personalized driver profiles. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, and Genesis Connected Services provided a range of remote features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2020 Ford Escape came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. It earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing. The Escape also featured Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a range of driver assistance features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, providing a high level of safety and convenience.