2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophistication and elegance, with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, exuded a stately presence. The standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its grandeur. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the dashboard featured thin horizontal air vents. The center console was dominated by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a distinctive touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor flaw in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself with a sleek design that balanced brand recognition and individuality. It retained Genesis's signature split headlights and large grille but offered a more streamlined profile than the GV80. Notable features included a hatchback-like rear window, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV presence and luxury style, outperforming competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70 maintained the gasoline model's styling, with a shiny grille housing the charge port for convenient charging. Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive design with quilted Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, and unique details like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller. The dashboard's rounded cross-section added a touch of innovation, making the interior memorable.

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 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. 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 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 offered standard AWD with front and rear electric motors producing a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 delivered vigorous straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals. The suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash over bumps. The Electrified model, despite its additional weight, maintained similar driving dynamics to the gasoline version. The steering-wheel paddles allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, offering a range of driving experiences.

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 features, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort, while the 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. Towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than others. The GV70's 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space was better than some competitors, though less than the Audi Q5. Folding the rear seats provided 56.9 cubic feet of space. The Electrified GV70's battery pack had minimal impact on interior space. The stylish interior design, with its orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage, but a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls were included. The Electrified GV70 featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by 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, though tactile, required cycling through icons. Handwriting detection on the dial was useful for navigation and radio searches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the car to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than some rivals, was user-friendly. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen's intuitive layout and the rotary controller's high-quality feel made operation easy. A fingerprint scanner enabled individual driver profiles, and a digital key allowed phone-based access and operation.

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 aid, with automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2024 Genesis GV70, both gasoline and Electrified versions, received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, but the 2023 GV70 received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. High-tech safety features included safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.