2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern design, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and luxurious details like a crystal gear selector. Volvo offered both Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, catering to different preferences.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, exuded sophistication 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 in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen's placement, the GV80's interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a comfortable environment for occupants.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were available in front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and the T8 offering 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came exclusively with AWD, offering a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation provided a smooth and quiet ride, making it ideal for long commutes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heat wave, ensuring a comfortable environment.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features and touches. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, while the Nappa leather seats added a sumptuous feel. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display improved driver awareness. The XC90 came with Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with a Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available. USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app added convenience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 included a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating the menu was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 featured wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster was a standout feature. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.