2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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 elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with uniform panel gaps and a choice of 19-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin, with a minimalist dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully redefined Volvo's image while retaining its traditional design elements. The XC90 maintained a boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing. Its LED headlights featured the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" design. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery. The cabin was designed for comfort, with available features like an Orrefors crystal shifter and a spacious feel enhanced by an optional power sunroof.

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 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 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 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The T5 was turbocharged, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 added supercharging for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, though the hybrid struggled with acceleration on electric power alone. The XC90 had a towing capacity of 2,250 kg.

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 available power seats and window shades. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing capacity to seven passengers. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and a standard sunroof.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious due to its upright roof profile and optional power sunroof. The Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats up, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

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. It offered cloud profiles, over-the-air updates, and an NFC digital key for Android users. The GV80 included Genesis Connected Services for five years, with features like remote start and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available, along with a Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with standard USB ports and an available Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The touchscreen was intuitive, though some text was hard to read while driving. The XC90 included a wireless charging pad, though it was small for most phones.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered Highway Driving Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's front-crash prevention tech received top ratings, though its pedestrian detection was rated lower.