2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a unique identity, blending the design elements of its sedans with the SUV form. The GV80 featured a striking two-box design with a long hood and a distinctive trapezoidal grille, complemented by the brand's signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather, creating an elegant and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline pickup, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's styling was updated to give it a tougher look, especially in the new TrailSport trim, which aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. The interior was spacious, with large, comfortable seats and ample storage, making it practical for everyday use. The Passport's design focused on functionality, with features like a power liftgate and generous cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

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 were paired 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 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Passport's V6 was smooth and responsive, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 11.3 L/100 km. The Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing the SUV's handling on various terrains. While the Passport excelled on paved roads, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged SUVs.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though the space was limited. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a sunroof and three-zone climate control.

The 2022 Honda Passport boasted a spacious interior with large doors and a low step-in height for easy access. The front seats were comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated options. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim offered ventilated front seats. The Passport's interior was practical, with plenty of storage options and a generous cargo area measuring 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with them folded. The SUV's design prioritized comfort and utility, making it suitable for long road trips and daily commutes.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art 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 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 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system. HondaLink connected services offered a WiFi hotspot, but the system lacked the advanced features found in the GV80. The Passport's technology was functional but not as sophisticated, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.

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 equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, 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 safety and convenience.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat reminder system. However, some of the driver-assist functions were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist drawing negative attention. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in a frontal collision, which earned four stars. The IIHS gave it top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.