The 2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80 : Head To Head

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 08/26/21 •  7 min read

The 2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80 are both luxury SUV crossovers with many similarities. They were released around the same time. They come with similar features, hold about the same cargo space, and even look very styled from far away. The significant difference is that they also cost roughly twice as much as each other. This article will compare all these factors to see which one deserves your money.

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The 2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80 : Comparison 

Performance & Engine

Both SUVs are powered by powerful V-shaped engines that offer incredible acceleration and performance on the road. The 2021 Genesis GV80 has a powerful aspirated engine with direct injection technology (GDI). 

It features a cylinder deactivation system allowing this car to switch between four or six cylinders. In most cases, this SUV operates with eight cylinders in more demanding tasks like climbing uphill to deliver impressive power. 

Also, the model features an electric variable valve timing system. Thus, increasing its performance and fuel economy.

2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Volvo XC90 delivers power from a turbocharged (TSI) four-cylinder engine with direct injection technology. This works with a supercharger allowing this car to produce up to 316 hp! This SUV also features a cylinder deactivation system. 

But it uses only two cylinders when cruising on the highway, thus increasing its gas mileage by turning off the other ones. When combined, both engines give you impressive performance offering great acceleration, allowing you to reach 60 mph in around six seconds. 

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2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80
The 2021 Genesis GV80 Motor | via carbuzz

Thus, if your idea of adventure is conquering mountain roads, then these SUVs will not disappoint. They are speedy despite their considerable size. 

Also, the 2021 Genesis GV80 has a more powerful engine with 500 horsepower. The 2021 Volvo XC90 offers 400 horsepower in a standard version or 600 if upgraded to an R-Design trim.

Design

For design, both  2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80 are very similar. But there’s something that makes each of them unique. For example, the orange details in Genesis look nice against a black paint job. 

Both SUVs offer exceptional comfort because of high-quality seats made from the finest materials, such as Nappa leather. The dashboard is well designed and even better equipped with two large screens at the front. 

Plus, one smaller screen between the driver and passenger seat. This allows passengers access to some functions without taking their eyes off the road.

The exterior of the 2021 Genesis GV80 has clean lines throughout its design. It comes standard with 20-inch wheels, but it can be fitted out with 22s if you desire more flair for your ride. 

2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80
2021 Volvo XC90 | Volvo

The GV80 also features LED headlights for enhanced visibility at night or during inclement weather. Additionally, there are two options available: an all-glass roof that allows tons of natural light into the cabin. 

The other option is a panoramic sunroof with similar benefits without obstructing the driver’s view through the rearview mirror. 

Inside, the GV80 features a mix of soft-touch plastics and leather. The seats are comfortable with bolsters which provide ample support for both driver and passengers alike. 

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There is more than enough room in this car to seat up to seven people. Also, it has a bench rear seat configuration that allows you to carry eight occupants at once!

The 2021 Volvo XC90 cabin is spacious, offering plenty of legroom front and back. Also, along with generous headroom, thanks to its sloping roofline design. 

Its exterior styling isn’t all about flash as it offers a sleek profile from every angle it’s viewed, making it stand out aesthetically. 

The car’s interior is beautifully designed with high-quality materials and soft leather surfaces. Volvo XC90 offers both five-passenger standard or seven passengers’ configurations.

Cargo Space and Towing Capacity

Both 2021 Volvo XC90 and 2021 Genesis GV80 are equipped with an advanced cargo management system that allows you to place various items inside your car. In the case of GV80, there’s a tonneau cover that conceals the entire trunk area when not in use. 

Also, it offers extra space for storing smaller items like groceries or some other minor item! There’s plenty of room behind the front seats, so no worries if you need more storage as it has a very large center console bin. 

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Thus, the driver can store his phone, allowing him to access it while driving. Volvo XC90 features a built-in rear air suspension, making loading & unloading heavy luggage much easier. 

Plus, there’s a hidden compartment under the back bench seat offering enough space for keeping a first aid kit.

The new 2021 Volvo XC90 SUV is a great value for buyers looking to get more cars than they paid for. The high-end trim of the vehicle offers 41 cubic feet of cargo space, and there are 73 cubic feet of cargo space available. 

This is much larger than the Genesis GV80’s 33.7 cubic foot capacity that comes standard on all trims. But what about towing? While the GV80 does not have a towing capacity, it can tow up to 8000 pounds. 

Meanwhile, the XC90 can handle only 7000 pounds of cargo or trailer weight before you run into any problems with stability.

Technology and Comfort

Technology is one of the most important reasons we prefer SUVs over other vehicles. Both 2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80 offer some interesting features! For instance, advanced adaptive cruise control which can check surrounding traffic. 

2021 Volvo XC90 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80
2021 Genesis GV80 Dashboard | via carbuzz

Also, adjusting vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front or even stop your vehicle completely if there’s no space. A Lane-keeping assistant will keep your steering wheel straight while driving on curvy roads. 

Thus, reducing the risks of getting into an accident, especially with “white-knuckle scenarios” where drivers are often distracted by heavy rain or snowfall. Both SUVs come with nine airbags.

 Plus, active safety systems like autonomous emergency braking. This allows you maximum protection against any potential dangers on the road.

Price

The first thing to consider is the price of each vehicle. As you might expect, there’s a pretty enormous gap between these two models in terms of MSRP. 

The 2021 Volvo XC90 has an MSRP that ranges from $45,500 to $64,000 before options and destination charges are added. 

That means the top-of-the-line model has an MSRP that’s almost twice as expensive as one of the most affordable models. 

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a much more reasonable choice for buyers who are shopping in this price range since it starts at $47,000 before destination charges and can go up to $67,000 depending on the model you choose.

Verdict

So which SUV should you get? Both the 2021 Volvo XC90 and 2021 Genesis GV80are well-equipped vehicles that offer advanced safety systems featuring adaptive cruise control. 

Thus, allowing the best possible protection against traffic-related accidents, especially on the road where there’s foul weather or heavy congestion. 

The lane-keeping assistant helps drivers stay focused while driving. Both SUVs feature great technology, but the thing that makes them different is their design. 

The 2021 Genesis GV80 has an aggressive look with orange details against the black paint. Volvo XC90 offers luxury through its elegant and minimalistic interior, which looks nice for a vehicle in this price range. 

With the driving experience, both cars are very similar because of the same engine power, dynamics, and steering system. So, you’ll feel like royalty when sitting behind the wheel in either of these!

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.