2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to more affordable competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, unburdened by legacy design constraints. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood and a distinctive grille with the Genesis flying "G" badge. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The cabin was spacious and thoughtfully designed, offering a truly luxurious experience. The GV80 successfully combined innovative design with the brand's signature styling cues, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a hybrid option with a net 318 hp. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher cost. The Explorer's towing capacity varied from 2,268 to 2,540 kilograms, depending on the engine choice.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The V6 engine offered a smoother and more powerful driving experience, aided by active noise cancellation. The GV80's fuel consumption was competitive, with the 2.5T rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and the 3.5T at 12.9 L/100 km city. The GV80's performance was characterized by its refined power delivery and advanced suspension technology.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing comfort. The third row could accommodate six-foot-tall adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long journeys. The Explorer's cargo space was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second row, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo functions, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and luxury features. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with power seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for luxury and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure. The GV80's interior space and functionality were well-suited for a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the system was well-organized, it lacked innovation, with limited customization options for the instrument panel. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users and five 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 GV80's technology was advanced and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist offered advanced safety and convenience. The GV80's safety features were extensive and well-integrated, providing peace of mind for drivers.