2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further accentuated by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large aluminum-alloy wheels, which varied in size depending on the trim level. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather. The GV80's cabin was both spacious and technologically advanced, offering a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer was built on a rear-drive platform, giving it a long and tall hood, a rakish roofline, and a tapering greenhouse for an athletic appearance. The Explorer's design included blacked-out roof pillars, creating a "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers offered a mix of quality materials, though some elements hinted at the base trim. The Explorer's cabin was generally comfortable, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated seats, but the third-row seat was best suited for children due to its limited space. The Explorer's design emphasized practicality, though it lacked some storage solutions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft 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 consumed 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base engine was a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Explorer also offered a hybrid option with a 3.3-litre V6, producing a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel consumption of 9.6 L/100 km combined. The top engine was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, available on the ST and Platinum trims. This engine provided robust performance but at the cost of higher fuel consumption, rated at 11.8 L/100 km combined. The Explorer's ride was solid, with good off-road capability, especially in the Timberline trim.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a centre console featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row was standard on 3.5T models, offering seating for seven. The third-row seats were power-folding, adding to the GV80's practicality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the option of a second-row bench seat for five-passenger capacity. The front seats were comfortable, with available massaging features, while the second-row seats offered good space. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult for adults to access. The Explorer's cargo space was generous, with 528 litres behind the third row and up to 2,132 litres with all rear seats folded. Storage solutions within the cabin were limited, though the Explorer included practical features like a hands-free power liftgate.

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 included a head-up display, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, available with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced compared to newer systems, and the larger touchscreen felt like an afterthought in the Explorer's design.

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 with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, 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 2022 Ford Explorer also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Explorer's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions for added safety.