Are Genesis and Hyundai SUVs the Same?
South Korean Hyundai Motor Company is producing some of the best SUVs on the market across its portfolio of brands. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis SUVs are serious competitors in several segments. Are Genesis and Hyundai SUVs any different, or are consumers getting bamboozled?
Genesis SUVs are different from Hyundai
Vehicles that share platforms often share so much in common that they’re practically indistinguishable from each other. In fact, some luxury models aren’t worth their high prices, especially compared to their non-luxury counterparts. Is this the case for Genesis SUVs? Are drivers better off just getting fully loaded Hyundai or Kia SUVs instead?
The short answer is no. Genesis is gaining recognition year over year as a competitive luxury brand capable of competing with legacy automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Though Genesis models are clearly inspired by more affordable Hyundai models, they have unique qualities that make them worth the money for drivers. How do some of the most popular SUVs from both brands contrast?
Genesis GV70 vs. Hyundai Tucson Limited
The base model GV70 and the base model Tucson have huge differences, so the best way to find common ground along with the greatest areas of contrast between the two small SUVs is to compare the GV70 to the Tucson Limited with all-wheel drive.
| Small SUV | Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Standard | Hyundai Tucson Limited w AWD |
| Starting MSRP | $44,900 | $38,010 |
| Engine | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder | 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder |
| Power Output | 300 Horsepower, 311 LB-FT of Torque | 187 Horsepower, 178 LB-FT of Torque |
| MPG | 22 City, 28 Highway | 23 City, 29 Highway |
Genesis’ small SUV may be inspired by the Tucson, but it’s a very different SUV. In fact, even the fully loaded Tucson Limited with all-wheel drive is very different from the base model GV70. The Genesis SUV has a much higher power output, thus more exciting driving dynamics.
Hyundai offers great creature comforts on the fully loaded Tucson Limited with all-wheel drive, but the degree of refinement can’t compare to the GV70’s level of opulence. Genesis is a force to be reckoned with in the luxury space.
Genesis GV80 vs. Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
The Genesis GV80 and its cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, are clearly two very different midsize SUV models. The GV80 is more expensive, but it has superior performance specs and is significantly more luxurious than even the fully loaded Palisade Calligraphy trim.
| Small SUV | Genesis GV80 2.5T AWD Standard | Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy w AWD |
| Starting MSRP | $57,450 | $53,435 |
| Engine | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder | 3.8-Liter V6 |
| Power Output | 300 Horsepower, 311 LB-FT of Torque | 291 Horsepower, 262 LB-FT of Torque |
| MPG | 20 City, 24 Highway | 19 City, 24 Highway |
The differences between Hyundai and Genesis’ small and midsize SUVs are night and day. The Palisade Calligraphy with all-wheel drive is much more similar to its Genesis counterpart than the Tucson Limited is to the GV70. That being said, the GV80 is still the better buy over the Palisade for consumers who want the more refined option. It’s praised for its quiet cabin and smooth ride.
There’s a reason Genesis models have been disrupting luxury SUV rankings. Is Genesis the most dynamic luxury brand in the automotive industry today?
