2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, with its boxy design reminiscent of the classic Land Rover aesthetic. It featured squared-off edges, a rising roofline towards the rear, and roundish headlights, all contributing to its rugged, utilitarian look. The Defender's design was both familiar and functional, with short overhangs and skid plates that made it trail-ready. Despite its retro appeal, the Defender incorporated modern elements like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder for roof access, maintaining its adventurous spirit. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. While it lacked the opulence of some competitors, the Defender's charm lay in its simplicity and off-road prowess.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, unburdened by a legacy design language. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, real wood and metal accents, and genuine leather upholstery. The centre console and stack were designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The GV80's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable second-row seats and a third row available on 3.5T models. The GV80's design was a harmonious blend of technology, luxury, and practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, featuring an electric motor-powered turbocharger to eliminate lag and provide consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, noticeable body lean, and brakes requiring a firm press.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its electronically controlled suspension with road preview, which adjusted to road conditions in real-time. The 3.5T model featured active noise cancellation, providing a quieter cabin experience. The GV80's performance was characterized by its refined power delivery and comfortable ride, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capability. Its interior was practical, with rubber floors and a minimalist design. The Defender 90, a two-door variant, offered an optional jump seat, increasing passenger capacity to six. The four-door 110 model could accommodate up to seven passengers with an optional third row. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,875 litres available in the 110 model with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kg, and its rugged construction was tested to withstand significant impacts.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and luxury features. The centre console and stack were designed for ease of use, with a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and available power window shades. The third row, standard on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with features like a power-folding third row and a sunroof enhancing its appeal.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The system's interface was simplified, though some user interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by front cameras displaying the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror doubling as a screen. Standard features included a 12-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian sound system on higher trims.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was connected to the cloud, allowing for over-the-air updates and personalized user profiles. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, enabling keyless entry and vehicle configuration via a smartphone app. The GV80's technology suite included a head-up display, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was equipped with six airbags and a suite of driver assistance technologies, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies due to its price and limited volume.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered advanced features like highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist.