2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Genesis GV80

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 GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with uniform panel gaps and a choice of aluminum-alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and metal accents, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood, paying homage to its heritage while embracing modern design elements. Rounded corners and recessed LED headlights gave it a distinct personality, and its larger size improved interior space and ergonomics. The Defender's interior combined ruggedness with functionality, featuring exposed metal and screws, along with a mix of leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design emphasized practicality, with ample storage options and the ability to handle off-road conditions without compromising on-road 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 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's suspension system, particularly in the 3.5T models, featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 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 Land Rover Defender introduced a new V8 engine producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It joined the existing 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 hp and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain with 395 hp. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The V8 model included an electronic active rear differential and unique suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender provided a comfortable on-road experience, with effective noise insulation and stability in crosswinds. The Defender's off-road prowess was supported by features like a 4WD system with low range and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a centre console featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and climate control options. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, although the third row was not available on 2.5T trims. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like power rear-door closure and a standard sunroof.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 provided options for two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the Defender 110 offering up to 1,875 litres with the rear seats folded. The Defender's interior emphasized functionality, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. The design allowed for easy access to controls and ample storage, both inside and outside the vehicle, with options like a roof rack and cargo boxes.

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 user-configurable split-screen displays and cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 also provided Genesis Connected Services for five years, including remote start and emergency assistance. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with a standard Pivi Pro infotainment system featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system's graphics and menu layouts were user-friendly, although the touchscreen required a firm touch. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a head-up display.

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, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance 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 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist technologies like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which is common for luxury vehicles. While some non-luxury brands offer more standard safety features, the Defender's offerings were in line with other luxury brands.