2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV that measured just over 16 feet in length. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its commanding presence. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, while the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a split dash featuring thin horizontal air vents. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a distinctive touch. Despite the 14.5-inch infotainment screen appearing somewhat out of place atop the dash, the spacious and luxurious interior provided a comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant styling departure from its predecessors, adopting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks contributing to its muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights evolved into three L shapes for a modern, aggressive look, while the blockier rear end mirrored the bold front fascia. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured special Sport styling with black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch black wheels. Inside, the design followed the direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents. The materials in the Sport Touring cabin felt high-quality, with attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, achieving a more premium feel.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted for road conditions using a forward-facing camera. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and smooth freeway commute.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, capable of reaching speeds up to 115 mph. The hybrid setup provided more power without sacrificing efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ, adjusting accelerator response and utilizing the updated Real Time AWD system. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, offering a one-pedal driving experience and enhancing fuel efficiency. The front-wheel drive CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features and ample space. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats, with the Ergo Motion driver’s seat offering fatigue-reducing adjustments. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel, and a third row was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. A tri-zone climate control system and an optional 21-speaker stereo system catered to comfort and entertainment, while a suede headliner and panoramic glass roof added elegance. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, translating to increased interior volume. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with them folded, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, optimizing headroom and cargo space. The interior included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console providing best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly, and included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and outlets. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding convenience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to preferences for physical controls, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen featuring volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda’s smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing visibility. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard, with improvements for smoother operation. New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic monitor were standard, with parking sensors on higher trims. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with structural enhancements and increased visibility contributing to its safety credentials.