2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. Despite these updates, the interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added a touch of flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior ambiance was somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint job. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats, metal, and matte wood trim, along with the unique two-spoke steering wheel, created a luxurious atmosphere. The center console, with its three large dials, added a distinctive touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place atop the dash. Despite this minor annoyance, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment for occupants.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger alongside the turbo. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering standard FWD or optional AWD, and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by the optional air suspension, emphasizing luxury over performance. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered AWD with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly athletic or nimble, the GV80 excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a smooth and quiet freeway commute. The GV80's acceleration to sixty in about five and a half seconds was slower than some competitors, and its handling felt less precise compared to German rivals. However, its highway performance and comfort made it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive stance in passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was about average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, at 21.1 cubic feet with the seats up and 49.3 cubic feet down. Despite offering less cargo space than most similarly sized luxury crossovers, the XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with our tester featuring ventilated front and rear seats and the Ergo Motion driver's seat to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 boasted Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and an optional 21-speaker stereo system. The suede headliner and panoramic glass roof added to its luxury appeal. The GV80 offered substantial utility, with 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Android-specific features, such as Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air software updates. While Android users could sync their profiles with the car, iPhone compatibility was also promised, though without the added functionality. The system's graphics were praised, and the new layout with sideways swiping was found to be sensible.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, and the dial, though "clicky," was cumbersome for cycling through icons. The dial's handwriting detection was useful for navigation and radio searches, but the menu structure was inconsistent, presenting a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though not wirelessly. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the car to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding a cool factor to its tech offerings.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not yet received crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model, but the 2021 model earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, was available as an option.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. While it struggled with sun glare, it performed well in other conditions. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a five-star overall safety rating, and the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention, though the headlights and LATCH system received Acceptable ratings.