2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that wasn't constrained by a legacy of design language. It successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array, which were also seen in the G80 sedan. The GV80's design was elegant, with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by aluminum-alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches. The interior was luxurious, featuring real wood, metal, and leather, with a sleek dashboard and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The GV80's design was a testament to Genesis's ability to innovate without the burden of a long-standing legacy.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its unique styling that diverged from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70 offered six grades in Canada, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades receiving a sportier design with dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern. The GV70's interior was designed with the driver in mind, featuring intuitive controls and a focus on ergonomics. It offered a wide range of colour combinations, with more than 100 different options available, including exclusive matte paints for the Sport grades. The GV70's design was a bold statement of Genesis's commitment to stand out in the crowded SUV market.

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 came 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 and an electronic limited-slip differential. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T engine offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel consumption estimates for the 2.5T were 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 2022 Genesis GV70 also offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 being the focus of the test. This engine produced 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's all-wheel-drive system prioritized the rear axle, with up to 50% of torque transferred to the front wheels when needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 featured Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with Sport+ delivering aggressive performance. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feedback, and the GV70's turning radius was notably tight for urban environments.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a concave design. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious, with power rear seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50.

The 2022 Genesis GV70's interior was driver-focused, with a tall centre console separating the driver from the front passenger. The dial-based gear selector and infotainment controls were within easy reach. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher grades. The rear space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual window sunshades. Cargo volume behind the second row was 819 litres, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was connected to the cloud for over-the-air updates and allowed individual user profiles. An NFC digital key function was available for Android users. The GV80 came with five years of Genesis Connected Services, offering features like remote start and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were standard on higher trims. The premium audio system was a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 also featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capabilities. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster with Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor system. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance and safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Highway Driving Assist were also included. The GV80 offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication, but the GV70's safety systems were considered high-quality.