2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, featured 4WD, a striking Rapid Red paint, and a Premium Technology package, bringing the total to $59,880. Despite its high-end status, the King Ranch's visual distinction was subtle, with unique emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a sleek roofline, creating an athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch offered exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding, though the interior materials varied in quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, complemented by a matte Brunswick Green paint job. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats and a dash with metal and matte wood trim created a luxurious atmosphere. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was part of a spacious and luxurious interior, making the GV80 a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base models came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD as an option. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid option, available for the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and achieving 27 mpg. The top-tier ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, offering a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with AWD and two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, and lacked the agility of some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The active noise cancellation added to the serene driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch trim included features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered luxury touches like heated and ventilated seats, an Ergo Motion driver's seat, and Nappa leather upholstery. A third row was available but had limited legroom. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the comfort. The GV80 boasted 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought, while the smaller screen integrated well with the interior. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system was outdated, struggling with navigation and music requests. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wireless. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside. The vehicle also offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centering assist occasionally disengaged on curvy roads.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The digital gauge cluster displayed a video feed of the blind spot, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist used cameras and radar for semi-autonomous driving on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Good rating from IIHS for crashworthiness.