2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E was a bold move by Ford, blending the iconic Mustang styling with a five-door electric crossover SUV. Despite initial skepticism, this decision proved wise, as the Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, and tri-bar taillights, resonated with consumers. Its long, narrow, and tall dimensions might have seemed unusual, but the visual connection to the legendary pony car contributed significantly to its popularity. Since its debut in 2021, Ford produced over 150,000 units, offering various trims like Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT, with prices ranging from $45,995 to $63,995, plus a destination charge. The GT trim, in particular, stood out with its aggressive styling, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille, making it a formidable competitor in the EV market.

Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury, with artificial leather and synthetic suede sport-bolstered seats adorned with copper stitching. The cabin's high-end look was enhanced by fabric on the dashboard, door panels, and speaker grilles, paired with metallic and gloss-black trim. Two rectangular display screens added to the sporty, upscale, high-tech ambiance. The Mach-E GT seamlessly blended past, present, and future elements, offering a compelling package of style, quality, and technology.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a different kind of luxury, with a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, each available in Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trims. Prices ranged from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a destination charge. Our test vehicle, a 3.5T in Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim boasted exclusive exterior colors, dark chrome trim, and stylish 22-inch wheels, though the black paint obscured their design details. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored the GV80's flagship status. While undeniably luxurious, the Prestige Signature's exterior design didn't surpass the Prestige model, and the interior comfort left something to be desired, with seats that felt more like bubble wrap than plush cushions.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of configurations, with standard-range and extended-range battery packs and single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD systems. Power output varied from 266 to 480 horsepower, with torque ranging from 317 to 634 lb-ft, and driving range spanning 224 to 312 miles. The Mach-E GT, equipped with an extended-range battery and AWD, delivered 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The EPA estimated a 270-mile range, which dropped to 260 miles with the GT Performance Edition package, offering 634 lb-ft of torque and additional performance enhancements. The Mach-E GT featured Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. One-pedal driving was available, though the system's regenerative sensitivity couldn't be adjusted. The Mach-E GT impressed with its speed and driving dynamics, though the steering lacked engagement. The ride quality was firm, but the Performance Edition package promised a more satisfying experience. During testing, the Mach-E GT achieved 2.7 miles per kWh, surpassing the EPA's estimate of 40 kWh/100 mi.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T provided more satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, with an observed 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, offering five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. The GV80 had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T featured upgraded brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip. The steering was unremarkable, but the two-spoke design of the steering wheel provided comfort during long drives. The GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings, though seat comfort was an issue on longer trips.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV design, offered practicality alongside its iconic styling. It accommodated up to five passengers and provided 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The GT trim featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with Miko synthetic suede inserts. The Performance Edition package added performance seats with unique upholstery. A tiered center console offered ample storage, and the rear seats provided comfort for passengers, with a panoramic glass roof enhancing the airy environment. The Mach-E's cargo space measured 29.7 cu-ft behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.7 cu-ft with the seats folded. The front trunk added 4.7 cu-ft of storage, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature offered seating for four with second-row captain's chairs. The lack of passenger capacity limited its practicality for family trips. Depending on the trim, the GV80 featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats felt uncomfortable on long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear console required careful loading of cargo.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation, running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E also had a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, controlled via a center console dial. It included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with wireless smartphone charging available. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing graphical interface. The digital key system allowed smartphone-based vehicle access, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature included a head-up display, enhancing safety with blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology, including BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist. During testing, BlueCruise performed well but required constant monitoring. The Mach-E received top safety marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact ratings.