The gorgeous 2021 Genesis GV80 could pass for a six-figure SUV.
Pros Handsome exterior Sumptuous interior Supremely quiet Roomy rear seats Attention to detail
Cons Console dial confusion Insecure active lane control Infotainment dial Touchscreen distance
With a sumptuously appointed and whisper-quiet cabin, the 2021 GV80 is exactly the flagship SUV the Genesis brand needs to be taken seriously by American consumers.
Pros Lovely interior ambience, standard high-tech features, agile handling.
Cons Cramped third-row passenger space, no diesel engine for the U.S., heavily weighted steering feel.
Genesis' first SUV, the 2021 GV80, launches on a new platform shared with the new 2021 G80 midsize sedan. Behind the GV80's polarizing mug are new engines that put the power down with RWD or AWD.
Pros Opulent interior Comfortable ride Generous standard equipment
Cons Cramped optional third row
The 2018 BMW X2 has agile handling to match its sleek looks, and while it gives up some interior space for the low roofline, it still retains some crossover utility.
Pros Sprightly acceleration Agile handling Stylish design Efficient for a crossover Good backseat space
Cons Interior space is compromised A front-drive BMW? Pricing creeps up quickly Most safety features are optional and pricey
Boldly styled on the outside, the X2 shares its underpinnings with the already excellent X1. A 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive. The fun-to-drive X2 went from 0–60 in 6.4 seconds in our testing. Connectivity options include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay. Available safety tech includes lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automated emergency braking.
Pros Attractive inside and out, nails the fun-to-drive quotient.
Cons Stiff ride, road and suspension noise, high as-tested price.
One of the nicest-looking BMWs of late also happens to be one of the most affordable, but despite its gorgeous design, it's far from perfect.
Pros Exterior design Driving dynamics Interior fit and finish Spacious for its size Very competent powertrain Great ride comfort (Adaptive Suspension), infotainment system
Cons Misses out on full autonomous emergency braking Apple CarPlay optional and an ongoing cost Interior carry-over from X1 showing its age
