2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic in lower trims was a drawback, especially given the vehicle's price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design with no legacy constraints. It successfully incorporated design elements from the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The GV80's design was elegant, with big wheel arches and Quad Lamp taillights echoing the front. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with authentic materials like real wood and metal, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a focus on spaciousness and technology integration.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Expedition offered impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum of 9,300 pounds for rear-drive models. Its independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride and improved handling, though the oversized wheels sometimes affected ride quality. The Expedition averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models. The GV80's fuel economy varied, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. Its power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the interior offered ample storage and comfort, especially in the King Ranch edition with heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. The Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on technology and design. Its center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design. The second row was spacious, with available power seats and window shades. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and technology, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While easy to use, it lacked the modernity of newer systems. Highlights included FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch HD screen with the sixth-generation Genesis UX, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 included Genesis Connected Services, a head-up display, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received 5-star ratings from the NHTSA in crash tests, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags and a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Highway-driving assist. The GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.