2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. This allowed the brand to innovate while still incorporating signature styling cues from its sedans. The GV80's design was characterized by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's elegant two-box design was complemented by Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights, and large aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained its established design with subtle updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The interior remained largely unchanged, with the Signature trim offering premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, enhancing the driving experience. The CX-5's design updates aimed to elevate its status as a premium brand, with body-color lower exterior trim on the Signature trim further emphasizing this ambition.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an AWD option. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T models had a curb weight between 4,506 and 4,850 lbs, while the 3.5T models weighed between 4,907 and 5,104 lbs. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, and 21/25/22 with AWD. The 3.5T AWD was rated at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The Turbo model also had standard AWD and returned 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, further improving the driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology, design, and ergonomics. The center console and stack included a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. The 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The interior included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was challenging due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, but storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of features, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, and the Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. While lacking a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda Connected Services offered a three-year trial, excluding WiFi, which was free for three months. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was included, providing satisfactory audio quality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The SUV came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also included, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 boasted a robust i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.