2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that wasn't constrained by a long legacy of design language. This allowed it to incorporate innovative styling cues while maintaining a connection with the brand's sedans. The GV80 featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The interior was luxurious, with a sleek dashboard, minimal controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had a design that required an acclimation period due to its distinctive and bold styling. Its blunt and bulbous nose, along with black windshield pillars, gave it a unique appearance. The Highlander Hybrid's design included swollen haunches and cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, which could overwhelm the overall look. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone cabin with leather upholstery and an asymmetrical dashboard dominated by a large touchscreen. However, the mix of illumination and graphics on the gauges could appear busy at night.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It featured an "E-CVT" transmission and was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While the Highlander Hybrid offered improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, it sacrificed some driving enjoyment. The drivetrain could sound strained during acceleration, and the steering felt lifeless. However, the regenerative brakes operated smoothly, and the SUV provided a comfortable and quiet ride on flat terrain.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and design. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and window shades. The third row, available only on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on 2.5T trims.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, making it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was low and lacked support, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, including remote start and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers provided an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum trim, along with an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Highlander also featured Driver Easy Speak technology, projecting the driver's voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Highlander also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system on the Platinum trim.