2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. This allowed the GV80 to incorporate innovative styling cues while maintaining a connection with the brand's sedans. The SUV's design was marked by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The Quad Lamp LED headlight array and the elegant two-box design contributed to its signature look. The interior of the GV80 was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek dashboard, a 14.5-inch high-definition display, and authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, characterized by wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The Highlander managed to look longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The introduction of the XSE trim level added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Highlander offered a near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like reclining second-row captain's chairs and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre 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 were paired 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. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T engine delivered a smoother and more powerful 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 rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it suitable for family use. The Highlander's powertrain compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, offering similar horsepower and torque. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement for those seeking a balance between practicality and sportiness.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and design. The centre console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row offered comfortable seating for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for luxury, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could move forward and backward to optimize space. The third row accommodated adults with some compromise on comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a state-of-the-art 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 utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 provided 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, enhancing the driving experience. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, provided good sound quality. However, the navigation system struggled with points of interest, making smartphone integration a valuable feature. The 12.3-inch screen offered a bright and crisp display, though some apps were limited in their display size.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered advanced features like highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. The suite also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and the Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.