2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

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 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, with big wheel arches and aluminum-alloy wheels adding to its robust yet refined appearance. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift to align with Nissan's new design language while retaining its traditional robust styling. The exterior updates included a new grille, LED headlights, and modernized bumpers, giving it a more contemporary look. Despite these changes, the Armada maintained its beefy and athletic presence. The interior, however, felt dated despite tech upgrades, with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 13-speaker Bose stereo system. The Armada's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating in the first two rows, but the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was adequate but not class-leading, and the high load floor posed challenges for loading.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 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. 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 GV80 was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway for the 2.5T, and 12.9 city and 10.4 highway for the 3.5T.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada's automatic four-wheel drive and robust off-road capabilities were complemented by a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 cm of ground clearance. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with ratings of 17.5 L/100 km city and 12.9 highway. The Armada's handling had improved over the years, but its large size made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. It boasted a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kg, making it a strong choice for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a centre console featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and climate control. The third row, available only on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was less roomy. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like power rear-door closure and a standard sunroof.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior was spacious, with 10-way power-adjustable front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row was less comfortable for adults, and cargo space was limited by a high load floor. The Armada provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with the second and third rows folded. While small-item storage was limited, the centre console storage bin was generous.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. Android users could use a digital key function, and the GV80 came with five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's tech upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo system. Standard features included satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Armada offered a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system on the Platinum trim. The steering wheel provided limited control of the infotainment system, and the analog gauges were functional but not as modern as competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features included adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by safety organizations, but it received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror, but advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist were not available.