2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Genesis GV80

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 large wheel arches added to its elegant appearance. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch widescreen display, real wood, metal, and leather, creating a luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, despite its high price tag, maintained a more utilitarian appearance. Its styling was tough yet understated, with a need for bolder wheels to match its rugged look. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was practical and functional, with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. The interior offered decent rear-seat legroom and a well-organized dashboard with oversized climate control knobs. The cargo area was spacious, providing ample storage for everyday needs.

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 suspension system, particularly in the 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 consumed 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively during acceleration. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and several driving modes, including EV mode. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined rating of 6.0 L/100 km, and it averaged 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The SUV's suspension and steering offered a comfortable and agreeable driving experience, although the tires lacked grip during spirited driving.

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

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and reclining backrests. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered ample storage, with a 1,059-litre cargo area that expanded to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 came with Genesis Connected Services, providing features like remote start and emergency assistance. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition technology. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

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 came with 10 airbags and a suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights. The safety systems were generally effective, although some functions behaved erratically in heavy traffic.