2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and unique 20-inch wheels for off-roading. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, and the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finish 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with brand identity. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The signature Genesis look was completed with Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights. The GV80's interior was sleek and uncluttered, emphasizing width and spaciousness. It boasted authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather, with a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a rotary gear selector. The GV80's design was both elegant and functional, offering a luxurious experience with its sophisticated technology and high-quality finishes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, starting with a 5.3-litre V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, standard in all trims except the High Country. The High Country featured a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with four-wheel drive optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, and optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension further enhanced performance. The Tahoe Z71 impressed with its smooth ride and capable 5.3-litre V8 engine, offering commendable handling and a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with two engine choices: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive was standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's independent multi-link suspension and electronically controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models provided a smooth ride. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel thrashy when pushed, while the 3.5T was smoother and quieter, thanks to active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption estimates for the 2.5T were 11.3 L/100 km city and 10.5 combined, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 11.8 combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, offering improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console provided ample storage and convenience. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe boasted 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 3,480 litres with seats folded, surpassing most full-size SUVs in its class.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with power seats and window shades available. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats. The GV80's interior was luxurious, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with a new digital platform offering enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, with Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though the head-up display was not tested. The Tahoe's infotainment system was intuitive, with impressive voice recognition and connectivity options.

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 and over-the-air updates. The system allowed individual user profiles and offered a digital key function for Android users. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of features, including remote start and destination search. The GV80's advanced technology included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a range of driver assistance systems like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist offered advanced safety and convenience. The Remote Smart Parking Assist further enhanced safety by automating parking maneuvers.