2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear echoed the quad lamp design with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the boxy hands-free liftgate added to its charm. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor annoyance, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its brick-like appearance and lack of curves. Available in two-door or four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for door removal, with optional half doors for enhanced visibility. The windshield could fold down for an open-air experience, and various top options catered to adventurous spirits. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches maintained its classic Jeep look. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The limited-edition Reign purple paint added flair, while the new Earl color offered a subtle aquamarine touch. Inside, practicality reigned with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-colored dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter, though ambient lighting and massaging seats were absent.

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 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene freeway commute.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, known for its off-road prowess, offered a range of engine options. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Torque enthusiasts could opt for the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to sixty in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided 21 miles of all-electric range. The 392 model, equipped with 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires, excelled off-road but had shortcomings in brakes and steering for on-road performance. The Selec-Trac transfer case offered a 2.72 low range, while the Xtreme Recon package increased the crawl ratio to 58:1.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing pockets, and Nappa leather seats added to the opulence. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key enhanced convenience. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system catered to comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with heated options available in the 392 or with a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were not offered. The rear seat could fit three in four-door models, but space was tight, and rear doors were small. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and center consoles. Cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece, and the Sunrider option allowed for quick front-row exposure. The soft top was removable, though rear windows could be cumbersome. The Sky One-Touch power soft top offered convenience, sliding back in 17 seconds. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

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. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present but not wireless. Wireless charging, USB ports, and outlets ensured devices stayed powered. The remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding a futuristic touch.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running Uconnect, with an 8.4-inch screen in our tester. The touchscreen interface appeared complex initially but was intuitive once familiar. Jeep's off-road pages provided valuable information for adventurers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The Wrangler offered practical tech, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket additions, but lacked digital keys and comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver 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. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control standard. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the 392 model or part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims' headlights rated Poor. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover, with no side crash rating.