2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern choice for family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these elements clashed with the lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with brand identity. It borrowed design elements from the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The GV80's exterior was marked by its "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large wheel arches, which housed aluminum-alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches. 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 and metal finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The interior was a testament to Genesis's commitment to luxury and technology.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain provided a smooth driving experience. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggishness, Honda's implementation was commendable, offering a responsive and fuel-efficient drive. The CR-V's handling was akin to a small sedan, with nimble steering and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: 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 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's ride was enhanced by its electronically controlled suspension, especially in the 3.5T models, which used road preview technology to adapt to road conditions. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the 3.5T was slightly higher at 11.8.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its excellent packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided ample head and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its well-designed seating position and low cowl. The cargo space was generous, with a two-position load floor that allowed for flexible storage options. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered up to 1,110 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on luxury and technology. Its centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The GV80 offered a third row of seats in the 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats were power-folding, adding to the vehicle's versatility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system was beginning to show its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. However, Honda equipped the CR-V with plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates. The GV80 also included a digital key function for Android users, allowing for personalized settings and remote access. The vehicle came with a head-up display, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had less effective headlights.

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 features. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist added to its safety credentials, along with its Remote Smart Parking Assist.