2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

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, ranging from 19 to 22 inches. 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, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America. Its exterior design was marked by a parametric grille that cleverly integrated LED lights, creating a unique visual signature. The Tucson's side profile borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Elantra, while the rear featured distinctive LED taillights. The SUV rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the Tucson was well-appointed, with stain-resistant cloth seats, a spacious cabin, and a dual-level cargo floor. The interior design emphasized horizontal lines and an uncluttered aesthetic, providing a sense of spaciousness and comfort.

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 suspension system included electronically controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models, enhancing ride comfort. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city, 9.5 highway, and 10.5 combined, while the 3.5T was slightly less efficient at 12.9 city, 10.4 highway, and 11.8 combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and an electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Tucson Hybrid was notably more powerful and efficient, with fuel consumption rated at 6.3 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 6.4 combined. The Tucson's all-wheel-drive system performed well in off-road conditions, and the upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power and efficiency.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring a rotary gear selector, a multimedia controller with dual control capability, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and window shades, while the third row, available only on 3.5T models, offered additional seating capacity. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's interior was designed to compete with top compact SUVs, offering a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The cabin was spacious, with more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V and RAV4. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the cargo area was generous, with a dual-level floor. The Tucson's interior was well-appointed, with heated and ventilated seats, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a focus on comfort and practicality.

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 Genesis Connected Services, providing features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency assistance. 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 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Tucson's infotainment system was integrated into a flat black plastic head unit, with touchpoints for climate and media controls. While the touchpoints were responsive, the lack of physical buttons required reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star 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, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai's safety features were extensive, rivaling those found in luxury SUVs.