2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 projected sophistication and grace through its exterior styling, boasting quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. As a midsize SUV stretching just over 16 feet long, it emanated a stately presence. The standard 19-inch wheels were elevated by the Prestige trim, which featured 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front's quad lamp look, adorned with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. While the hands-free liftgate had a boxier aesthetic, the SUV maintained its elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint.

Inside, the dark green color theme continued with quilted leather seats, contributing to a luxurious ambiance. The dashboard was split by thin, horizontal air vents, combined with metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials controlling the infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique flair. Despite the slight annoyance of the 14.5-inch infotainment screen appearing somewhat plunked on top of the dash, the spacious and luxurious interior remained a commendable aspect of the GV80.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered six trim levels, from the sub-$30K RAV4 LE to the luxurious RAV4 Limited, including off-road-friendly Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The Adventure trim kept the two-part face design, with the logo positioned closer to the center of the aggressive grille. This trim version included blacked-out wheels, faux skid plates, and noticeable black claddings around the wheel arches, projecting a rugged but somewhat superficial off-road readiness.

Inside, the Adventure trim sported orange accents on the seats and interior, adding vigor to an otherwise basic setup. While lacking outright luxury, the frameless rearview mirror lent a premium touch. The diverse seat options ranged from fabric in LE and XLE trims to synthetic leather (SofTex) in higher trims. Varieties of seat adjustments, dual-zone climate control, and available heated rear seats and steering wheel enhanced the RAV4's form and functionality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively in all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though not particularly quick—taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty—the GV80 excelled in highway driving. Its smooth power delivery, electronically controlled suspension, and active noise cancellation provided a serene commuting experience.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with AWD optional across all trims except Adventure and TRD Off-Road, which came with AWD standard. The sole engine choice for the gas-only RAV4 was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered unobjectionable performance though lacking in excitement. The RAV4's somewhat loud engine noise underscored its unrefined acceleration. The Adventure trim had 19-inch wheels with all-season tires, sharing most underpinnings with other RAV4 trims, while the TRD Off-Road stood out with its unique all-terrain tires and tuned suspension.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its relative lack of driving excitement with an array of luxury features. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Ergo Motion driver’s seat were notable inclusions. The Nappa leather seats exuded comfort and luxury, though the optional third row offered limited legroom. Convenience features included Genesis puddle lamps, tri-zone climate control, and a powerful 21-speaker audio system. Utility-wise, the GV80 provided class-leading cargo space: 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and an expansive 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Towing capacity was impressive at 6,000 pounds.

Conversely, the Toyota RAV4 was designed for practicality and space optimization. It accommodated five passengers, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front with the moonroof, and 39.5 inches at the back. Legroom measured at 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear. Though it offered less front-row headroom than some competitors, it provided adequate rear-leg space. Interior storage options included a front-row shelf, generous door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. Cargo space was competitive, with 37.5 cubic feet available behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. Although the touchscreen was slightly out of reach, the infotainment dial offered a “clicky” and tactile user experience. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly, alongside wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist system that operated via the key fob.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 introduced an updated infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system now featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.5-inch display available in higher trims. Our tester's Adventure trim came with an upgraded multimedia package, including an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and an 8.0-inch driver-information display. This package notably enhanced the tech offerings, aligning the RAV4 with modern expectations.

Ensuring top-notch safety, the Genesis GV80 came equipped with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with a video feed, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities on approved highways. The GV80 earned high marks from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, cementing its reputation for safety.

Equally conscientious, the Toyota RAV4 included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 added Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 garnered high safety ratings, achieving a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.