2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of style and luxury, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly rose from the dash. The GV70's dashboard featured a full touchscreen complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a tactile experience superior to touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a sense of quality and refinement, akin to a small luxury SUV. The CX-5's design was stylish, and it was built with high-quality materials. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 faced challenges with its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and a somewhat frustrating infotainment system. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 continued to appeal to those seeking a stylish and well-built vehicle.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two gas-powered engines and an electrified version. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering a balanced driving experience that combined comfort and sharp handling. The electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, generating a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It offered a range of 236 miles and featured DC fast charging capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 came with two engine options. The base 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by structural and suspension improvements, providing a firm and connected ride. The turbocharged engine offered a satisfying surge of power, although fuel efficiency could suffer with aggressive driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with ample storage options. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, but rear-seat legroom was somewhat limited, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for rear passenger comfort.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and well-built, had limitations in terms of interior space. It offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than some mainstream rivals. The front seats were improved for comfort and support, and higher trims offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the rear seat was cramped, and in-cabin storage was limited. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the control knob required memorization and focus, detracting from the overall user experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. It also included a rotary dial and helpful buttons in the center console, although the proximity of the rotary dial to the vehicle's shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system had a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, it lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward to use. The control knob required a series of twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. Despite these challenges, the system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a free three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T model's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, offering a robust suite of driver-assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner. Most features were standard, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim adding a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a rear low-speed automatic emergency braking system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a potential safety concern.