2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

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 short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by its elegant lines and high-quality paint and trim, while the interior boasted a luxurious feel with real wood, metal, and leather. The dashboard was sleek and uncluttered, emphasizing width and spaciousness, with a 14.5-inch high-definition display as its centrepiece.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60 was a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely's ownership, showcasing a blend of Swedish elegance and modern innovation. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs and an upright grille adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The XC60's cabin was equipped with a portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents added to its near-luxury status.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired 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 was slightly higher at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine across its range, with varying outputs. The T5 model produced 250 hp, the T6 offered 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combined for 400 hp, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant reaching 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a secure and agile driving experience. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city for the T5 to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with the T8 capable of 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller featuring a knurled metal finish. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and climate control. The third row, available only on 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 standard sunroof.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

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 a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 also came with Genesis Connected Services, providing features like remote start and vehicle health reports. 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 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system used a tablet-style touchpad interface, with a portrait orientation resembling an iPad. The system offered smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system. While the Sensus system required a learning curve, it provided a comprehensive and customizable user experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 shared the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received five-star ratings for its T5 and T6 AWD models from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive array of safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons.