2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from the hatch to the upright tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, exuded luxury with its Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. The cabin was adorned with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and matte-finish wood trim, creating a decadent atmosphere. The exterior, however, was less striking, with the wheel design nearly obscured by black paint. The GV80's interior was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as Genesis's flagship SUV. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Prestige Signature trim's exterior did not surpass the regular Prestige model in attractiveness. Overall, the GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, though the Signature trim's enhancements were not deemed necessary for a premium experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exclusively available with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5 models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, making initial acceleration sluggish. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, instilling confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road noise, providing a calm cabin environment.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model delivered satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, with an observed 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured five driving modes and could tow up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, offering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip. The steering was unremarkable but comfortable for long drives. The GV80's driving experience was luxurious yet communicative, making it a capable road-tripper despite some seat comfort issues.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional and user-friendly. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. The Q5 offered good outward visibility, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Sportback model. Compared to competitors, the Q5's cargo capacity was competitive, though not class-leading.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim offered seating for four with second-row captain’s chairs. The GV80's interior featured various materials, including artificial and premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle included a panoramic roof, triple-zone climate control, and massage programs for the front seats. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear console required careful loading of cargo.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. However, the system took time to boot up, and Apple CarPlay activation was slow. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required using a control dial on the center console. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot in 2024, with wireless smartphone charging standard. The Prestige Signature added second-row charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing display and intuitive interface. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on higher trims.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The HDA system worked well in light traffic but was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80's Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for autonomous parking, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.