2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability. The Trail trim, with its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and multiple driving modes, improved off-roading capabilities. The TRD Off-Road package further elevated this with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, offering a versatile ride. The exterior, marked by distinctive wheels and badges, was complemented by a Lunar Rock grey paint with a white roof, which effectively concealed dirt. Inside, the TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials provided a rugged yet refined cabin experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with brand identity. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The rear echoed the front with similar taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. The interior was sleek and uncluttered, emphasizing width and spaciousness. The centre console integrated a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. Authentic materials like real wood and leather added to the luxury feel, making the GV80's interior a standout in its class.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower, though the TRD Off-Road package was exclusive to the non-hybrid model. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with multiple terrain settings and 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, making it adept at handling challenging trails. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 was practical for daily urban use, though its fuel efficiency averaged 10.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official estimate.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview and an electronic limited-slip differential. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel strained under pressure, while the 3.5T was smoother and more powerful, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was estimated at 10.5 L/100 km combined, while the 3.5T was rated at 11.8 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy access with well-positioned seating and a sporty driving position. The front seats were heated and ventilated, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The RAV4 provided generous interior storage, including a dashboard shelf, and offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,974 litres with the rear seats folded. Roof rails and a roof rack enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated centre console with a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller. The second row was spacious, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing capacity to seven, though it was unavailable on 2.5T trims. The third-row seats had a power-fold function, adding to the GV80's versatility.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Trail trim included an 8-inch system with menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was impressive, and the vehicle offered wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It supported cloud profiles and over-the-air updates. Android users could use a digital key function, and the GV80 came with five years of Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were standard on higher trims, and the Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only with specific headlights. Safety Connect services were included for a year.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, stability management, and a suite of driver assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Remote Smart Parking Assist were notable features.