2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Ford Bronco

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 vehicle's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, including aluminum-alloy wheels and uniform panel gaps. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, all contributing to a sophisticated and spacious cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with features like large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare tire. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco was equipped with modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and a large infotainment touchscreen, making it a versatile choice for both adventure and everyday driving.

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 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was enhanced by an electronically controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models, providing a smooth driving 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 slightly higher at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2022 Ford Bronco featured a base 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident in its ability to tackle challenging terrains, with features like a two-speed transfer case and various drive modes. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Bronco offered a surprisingly smooth ride on pavement, making it a versatile performer.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring a rotary gear selector, a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and available luxury features like power window shades and a sunroof. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, although the third row was not available on the 2.5T trims.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top providing up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard top increased these figures to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its practicality for both everyday use and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system supported cloud profiles and over-the-air updates, while Android users could utilize a digital key function. The GV80 also offered Genesis Connected Services, providing features like remote start, emergency assistance, 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 2022 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a forward-looking trail camera for better visibility. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Bronco also featured a Trail Turn Assist for sharper turns and a range of off-road apps, making it a tech-savvy choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received a four-star frontal crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS for frontal, side, and roof strength tests. It also featured dual-stage front and side airbags, along with side-curtain airbags and a rollover sensor.