Compare the2026 Land Rover DefenderVS 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The Land Rover Defender’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Genesis GV80 Coupe does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Defender and the GV80 Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Defender second among large premium suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The GV80 Coupe isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Defender has more powerful engines than the GV80 Coupe:

As tested in Motor Trend the Defender P525 5.0 supercharged V8 is faster than the GV80 3.5 e-Supercharger 3.5 turbo/supercharged V6 hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the Defender 110/130 gets better mileage than the GV80 Coupe:

The Defender has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the GV80 Coupe (23.8 vs. 21.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Defender stops shorter than the GV80 Coupe:

For better traction, the Defender’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GV80 Coupe (275/45R22 vs. 265/50R20).

The Defender has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the GV80 Coupe; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Defender 110’s wheelbase is 2.7 inches longer than on the GV80 Coupe (119 inches vs. 116.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Defender is 2.1 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the GV80 Coupe.

The Defender 110 V8 handles at .81 G’s, while the GV80 3.5 e-Supercharger pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Defender 90’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the GV80 Coupe’s (38 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Defender 110 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV80 Coupe (9 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Defender to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Defender 110 OCTA’s minimum ground clearance is 4.6 inches higher than on the GV80 Coupe (12.7 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Land Rover Defender may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 350 pounds less than the Genesis GV80 Coupe.

The Defender 130 offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the GV80 Coupe can only carry 5. The Defender 90 offers optional seating for 6.

The Defender 110’s cargo area provides more volume than the GV80 Coupe.

The Defender 130’s cargo area provides more volume than the GV80 Coupe.

The Defender’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the GV80 Coupe’s (7715 vs. 6000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Genesis GV80 Coupe is only 6000 pounds. The Defender offers up to a 8200 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the Defender uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GV80 Coupe, the Defender has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Defender to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Defender has a standard rear wiper. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Defender offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Defender second among large premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The GV80 Coupe isn’t in the top three.

Motor Trend selected the Defender as their 2021 Sport Utility of the Year. The GV80 Coupe has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Defender as the 2021 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The GV80 Coupe has never been chosen.

The Land Rover Defender outsold the Genesis GV80 by 14% during 2024.