2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish its signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed aluminum-alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches. The interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek dashboard with minimal controls, 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 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into Volvo's lineup with familiar design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge variant distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille and model-specific features, while maintaining a subtle appearance. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. Despite its compact size, the XC40 offered clever storage solutions, enhancing its practicality without compromising on luxury.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 provided 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 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was enhanced by independent multi-link suspension and, in the 3.5T models, electronically controlled suspension with road preview. 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 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 hp and 221 lb-ft, and the T5 delivering 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model featured dual electric motors providing 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving in the Recharge model.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a centre console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. It featured a rotary gear selector, a multimedia controller with dual control capability, and an HVAC control panel with capacitive touch buttons. The second row was spacious for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The centre console included a removable trash bin, and the glovebox featured a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. Despite its compact size, the XC40 provided a well-thought-out interior with practical features like a wireless charging pad and a storage cubby for phones.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured the sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected profiles, NFC digital key functionality for Android users, and five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. The GV80 also included a head-up display, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The Recharge model lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation, and was expected to receive a Digital Key feature in the future.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. It included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.