2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. The model was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, and introduced DriverFocus technology, which used infrared monitoring to alert distracted drivers and adjust settings via facial recognition.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a two-box design with a long hood and a distinctive grille, complemented by the Quad Lamp LED headlight array. The GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a sleek dashboard and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. Authentic materials like real wood and leather added to its premium feel. The GV80's design was both elegant and functional, with big wheel arches and a spacious cabin that offered comfort and advanced features like power rear seats and a third row in the 3.5T models.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel drive system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, especially in adverse conditions. With 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was capable off-road, though not designed for extreme terrains. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles were modest, but the upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control on the Outdoor XT trim enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort by adjusting to road conditions. The 3.5T Prestige model included an electronic limited-slip differential for improved handling in challenging conditions. The GV80's performance was characterized by its smooth and powerful V6 engine, active noise cancellation, and advanced suspension technology, making it a refined and capable luxury SUV.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in practicality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. Its station wagon design provided a low load height and a lower centre of gravity than an SUV, enhancing handling and reducing rollover risk. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Subaru prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior compactness with interior spaciousness, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 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 HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental inputs. The GV80's second row was roomy and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of advanced technology and luxury features, offering a premium experience for drivers and passengers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag across various functions, including navigation and audio controls. The system's camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the touchscreen was easy to navigate, and the infotainment system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Subaru's DriverFocus technology aimed to enhance safety by alerting distracted drivers, though it was prone to false alerts.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing keyless entry and personalized settings. Genesis Connected Services provided a suite of features, including remote start and emergency assistance. The GV80's audio system ranged from a standard nine-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon system, delivering an immersive audio experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. However, the EyeSight system, while standard, was susceptible to deactivation in certain conditions. The DriverFocus system, intended to alert distracted drivers, was prone to false alerts, detracting from its effectiveness.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a range of driver assistance technologies like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function to individual drivers, enhancing safety and convenience. The available Remote Smart Parking Assist further demonstrated the GV80's advanced safety capabilities.