2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that wasn't constrained by a long legacy of design language. It managed to blend innovation with the brand's emerging signature looks, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant design elements like a long hood and short front overhang, while the interior boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a focus on horizontal lines to enhance spaciousness. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to its luxury appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Corsair replaced the older MKC model and was built on the new C2 platform shared with the Ford Escape. Lincoln succeeded in differentiating the Corsair from its Ford counterpart, offering a refined design with slab sides and blacked-out rear pillars. The interior shared design cues with other Lincoln SUVs, featuring a flowing dash and "Piano Key" shifter buttons. However, the Corsair's fit and finish didn't quite match the higher-end Lincoln models, with more hard-touch materials present. The Corsair's design was geared towards a more mature audience, though it offered lighter interior palettes for younger buyers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an AWD option. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T models had a curb weight between 4,506 and 4,850 lbs, while the 3.5T models weighed between 4,907 and 5,104 lbs. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, and the 3.5T AWD at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came with a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exclusively paired with AWD. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter providing a sportier driving experience. The Corsair's suspension was designed to absorb road imperfections, though it allowed some road noise. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined 266 hp and an efficiency rating of 78 MPGe in electric mode.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80 offered a comfortable second row with power-adjustable seats and luxury features like power window shades and three-row climate control. A third row was available on specific models, increasing passenger capacity to seven.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair provided a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage space. However, the pronounced lip when entering or exiting the vehicle was a notable downside. The Corsair's second row featured reclining and sliding seats, offering impressive legroom for a compact SUV. Cargo space measured 27.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Corsair came standard with a power liftgate and offered a hands-free option.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable split-screen displays. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 provided three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel premium audio system, and a head-up display. The HUD offered crisp graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for automated parking.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus when equipped with high-feature headlights. It came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a range of driver aids. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus suite added features like adaptive LED headlights, surround-view parking cameras, and reverse automatic braking.