2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that radiated sophistication and grace, thanks to its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring over 16 feet in length, it presented a stately presence on the road. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but the Prestige trim featured impressive 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, adding to its elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats exuded luxury, complemented by thin horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the unique two-spoke steering wheel set it apart from other luxury brands. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor flaw in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was assembled with materials that made it feel more like a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The CX-5 was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, but the 2023 model still offered quality, refinement, and sophistication across its lineup. Buyers could choose between a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim, with its Rhodium White metallic paint and Caturra Brown Nappa leather, exemplified luxury, though the price was high for a compact crossover. Despite its shortcomings in rear-seat and cargo space, the CX-5 was a worthy contender in its class.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 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 nimble, it excelled in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride, although its acceleration to sixty in about five and a half seconds was slower than some competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature trims, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The CX-5's turbo engine provided a rewarding driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium. The CX-5's structural and suspension updates improved its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The turbocharged engine offered quick acceleration, though fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, providing a firm, connected ride with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. 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 adjustments, while Nappa leather upholstery added to the sumptuous feel. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. Tri-zone climate control and an optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. All trims featured a height-adjustable driver's seat, with power adjustments available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and Nappa leather upholstery were available on upper trims. However, the CX-5's interior technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were less impressive. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the control knob required memorization and focus. The CX-5's cargo space was limited, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than many rivals.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. 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 available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, the lack of a voice recognition system and the awkward physical controls made it frustrating to use. The control knob required twists and pushes, distracting from the road. Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

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 unique feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving assistance. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a robust suite of driver assistance technology under the i-Activsense banner. Most features were standard, with additional features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The CX-5 included an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night.