2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Genesis GV80 sported a sophisticated exterior with quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. This midsize SUV was nearly 16 feet long, and its aesthetics were further enhanced by standard 19-inch wheels, although our Prestige trim model sat on 22-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, four-part taillamps mirrored the front’s quad-lamp design above the dual exhaust. The hands-free liftgate was practical yet gracefully designed, contributing to an overall elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint.

Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats were visually striking against a dash split by thin, horizontal air vents and accented with metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the distinctive two-spoke steering wheel set the GV80 apart from other luxury brands. Despite the luxurious feel, the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly perched atop the dash, breaking the otherwise seamless interior design. Nevertheless, the spacious and luxurious interior made it a delightful place to be.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, redesigned with a more rugged and substantial appearance, appeared larger and more robust than its predecessor. The new model was 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller. These size increases complemented its all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a one-inch taller ride height, 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates, transitioning from merely an appearance package to a mode with legitimate off-road capacity.

Inside, the Pilot's interior favored function over form, resulting in a practical and attractive design. Materials quality aligned well with the class standards, which had risen significantly due to fierce competition. The Pilot’s versatile, family-friendly design emphasized convenience and utility, maintaining an appealing appearance without sacrificing functional integrity.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbo 3.5-liter V6. The smaller engine produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while our tester featured the larger V6 engine, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The GV80 wasn’t particularly athletic or quick, taking around five and a half seconds to accelerate to sixty, slower than some competitors. While it handled turns adequately, it felt somewhat unrefined compared to its German peers. However, on highways, it excelled with smooth power delivery, seamless shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that primed for road roughness using a forward-facing camera. Coupled with active noise cancellation, it ensured a comfortable and quiet ride on the freeway.

The 2023 Honda Pilot introduced an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on most models, though all-wheel drive (AWD) was available and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims.

Acceleration response was quick, with minimal delay, offering adequate but not impressive power. The engine emitted a pleasant hum and growl when pushed to its limits. The brake pedal was soft, easy to modulate, and suitable for a family SUV, ensuring smooth stops. The Pilot’s handling was predictable and confidence-inspiring when driven conservatively, though it didn’t encourage sporty driving. Body roll was noticeable but manageable, and the absence of residual bouncing and rebounds highlighted its comfort-oriented tuning. The steering effort was light, ideal for tight maneuvers but too light for highway driving, resulting in a somewhat detached feel.

The off-road-capable Honda Pilot TrailSport featured an increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, adding a barely noticeable vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road readiness. While vehicles with off-road capabilities often sacrifice some on-road comfort, the Pilot managed to balance daily family use with outdoor adventures effectively.

The Genesis GV80 may have lacked in driving excitement, but it more than compensated with its luxurious features. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were enhanced in our tester with ventilated front and rear seats that offered extensive adjustability. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat featured inflatable pockets to alleviate driver fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel.

A third-row option was available but provided only 30 inches of legroom, suitable for children or short-term use. Convenience features included Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, and a tri-zone climate control system. Audiophiles could appreciate the optional 21-speaker stereo. The GV80 also offered a suede headliner and panoramic glass roof.

In terms of utility, the GV80 excelled with a substantial cargo space. Behind the second row, there were 34.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Additionally, it boasted a healthy towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The Honda Pilot’s interior focused on practicality and convenience. While the design was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, it featured a handy dash shelf. Entry-level trims had a seven-inch touchscreen, upgraded to nine inches in higher trims. Despite the Elite trim's touchscreen appearing small for the available space, it was still functional.

Primary controls were logically placed, and a large rubberized shelf accommodated two max-sized phones, supplemented by a wireless charging pad. Other storage solutions included large cupholders, a wide center console bin, and front door pockets with large cupholders.

The standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, providing a center pass-through for third-row access. The second-row offered ample space for tall adults, though the third-row was less comfortable but adequate for short trips. Behind the third row, the Pilot offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and up to 114.3 cubic feet in total, significantly more than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The Genesis GV80 came standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. Though the touchscreen was slightly out of reach for easy touch operation, the infotainment dial was also cumbersome, requiring a lengthy selection process. The dial’s top could detect handwriting, aiding in searches and navigation inputs. Despite the steep learning curve, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, albeit not wirelessly. Other features included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet.

The Genesis also featured remote smart parking assist, enabling parking maneuvers without the driver inside the vehicle, controllable via a button on the fob.

For tech enthusiasts, the Honda Pilot’s EX-L trim or higher was recommended, offering a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims featured a multi-view camera system, and the Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel.

The touchscreen was responsive, user-friendly, with large buttons, though the graphics were somewhat dated. Other features included Honda’s CabinTalk, a PA system for communication with rear passengers. The Touring and Elite trims included navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. TrailSport and Elite trims added the TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-road awareness.

The Genesis GV80 was equipped with a suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. A notable feature was the blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster, providing clear side views upon signaling. Highway Drive Assist used multiple systems for a semi-autonomous driving experience, adjusting speeds, changing lanes, and slowing for curves.

However, during testing, Highway Drive Assist struggled with sun glare, causing some lane drift. Once the sun was less intense, the system performed well, easing the stress of stop-and-go traffic. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 an overall five-star safety rating, with the IIHS giving it high marks in most categories.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but Honda anticipated top scores. It received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard Honda Sensing features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. In real-world testing, all safety features functioned as expected, with smooth adaptive cruise control and valuable off-road warnings.