2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further accentuated by Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights, creating a cohesive and elegant look. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in its Ultimate Calligraphy trim, presented a more traditional yet upscale appearance. It featured a unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and 20-inch alloy wheels that set it apart from other Palisade models. The interior was equally impressive, with quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner, offering a premium feel at a competitive price. The Palisade's design was bold and unconventional, drawing mixed reactions, but it undeniably appeared more expensive than its actual cost.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was enhanced by an electronically controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models, providing a smooth driving experience. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was slightly higher at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was estimated at 11.1 L/100 km combined, matching real-world performance during testing. Its suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not necessarily sporty.

The Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring a rotary gear selector, a multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row was available only on 3.5T models, offering a power-fold function for added convenience.

The Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and comfort, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and a more accommodating third row than most competitors. It offered ample storage, with a cargo capacity of 509 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,447 litres with seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, a digital key function for Android users, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims.

The Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. It included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display. The Palisade lacked a WiFi hotspot but compensated with effective voice-recognition technology.

The Genesis GV80 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist.

The Hyundai Palisade also earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and a rear occupant alert system. The Highway Driving Assist provided excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, though it required hands-on driving.