2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a few more degrees of slant in the tailgate glass and more pronounced creases on the body panels. The trapezoidal theme was evident throughout, from the tailgate's license plate cutout to the slimmer headlights and grille. The vehicle came standard with projector-beam LED headlights, while the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. Despite these updates, the exterior styling was considered more functional than exciting. Inside, the Highlander excelled with a focus on quality fit and finish. The cabin featured silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, rivaling the interiors of competitors like the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the SUV market, unburdened by a legacy of design expectations. It successfully integrated 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 design was marked by its "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large wheel arches accommodating 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard and a bridge-like centre console. The cabin was adorned with authentic materials like real wood and leather, and featured a 14.5-inch high-definition display, emphasizing the vehicle's luxury status.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that felt more like an older Buick. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a calming driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD version had slightly different figures. The Highlander also featured selectable driving modes and torque vectoring on the rear axle for improved handling.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre 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 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The four-cylinder engine was lively but could feel thrashy when pushed, while the V6 was smoother and more powerful. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T had slightly higher figures. The GV80's performance was further enhanced by active noise cancellation and an electronic limited-slip differential on the 3.5T Prestige model.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were praised, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seat heights. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash. However, the wireless charging pad blocked access to the cubby under the centre armrest.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel had capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. 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 and featured a power-fold function. The GV80's interior was designed to offer a luxurious experience with advanced technology and high-quality materials.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was considered outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was limited in its functionality, as it couldn't fully display maps or vehicle options. However, the Highlander did offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the JBL audio system on higher trims provided decent sound quality. The Highlander also included a one-year trial for Safety Connect and three years of traffic data for trims with factory navigation.

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, and offered over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 provided five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the 3.5T AWD Prestige featured a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster. The standard audio system had nine speakers, while the Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers was available for an enhanced audio experience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance and safety features. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist provided advanced safety and convenience. The vehicle also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.