2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and a distinctive trapezoidal grille, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, while its interior boasted a luxurious, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch widescreen display and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The GV80's design was a testament to Genesis' ability to innovate without the constraints of a long legacy, offering a modern and luxurious SUV experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained the familiar look of its gas-only counterparts, with subtle distinctions like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The CR-V Hybrid's design updates from the previous year included LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper. Inside, it featured different trim and instrumentation to display hybrid-specific information. The CR-V Hybrid was available in three trims, all with standard all-wheel drive, and offered a comfortable and spacious interior with features like leather upholstery and a power liftgate in higher trims. While it didn't break new ground in design, the CR-V Hybrid provided a practical and familiar aesthetic.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the V6 models. The GV80's performance was characterized by its smooth and powerful V6 engine, while the four-cylinder provided sufficient power for most driving situations. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, delivering a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. It also featured three driver-selected modes: Econ, Sport, and EV. The hybrid system added 194 pounds to the vehicle's weight, improving weight distribution and maintaining the standard CR-V's ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line and provided a comfortable ride, though its real-world fuel economy of 33.7 mpg fell short of the EPA's 38 mpg estimate.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a center console featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller. The GV80 offered a spacious second row with optional power seats and window shades, while the third row was available only on specific models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function, adding to the GV80's versatility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering supportive front seats with 12-way power adjustment for the driver and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for convenience. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid remained practical for carrying people and cargo.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, while not outdated in appearance, lagged in performance. It featured a seven-inch touchscreen with limited functionality and slow startup times. The system supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the voice-recognition technology was lacking. The CR-V Hybrid's Touring trim included a nine-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging, though the latter was a space-consuming addition.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and a range of collision-avoidance systems. While it had not yet been rated by safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.