2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring just over 16 feet long, it presented a stately appearance, especially with the 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The quad lamp design was mirrored in the rear with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the SUV maintained an elegant look, particularly in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the dash featured thin horizontal air vents. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though 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.

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective changes. Updated headlight and grille designs, along with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the vehicle a fresh face. The test model in "Pluton Blue" paint looked sharp. Inside, new interior colors like "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green" were introduced, though the test model featured a standard black interior. The most noticeable change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, comprising a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The Seltos offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the base LX with 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen to the range-topping SX with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a Bose premium stereo system. The SX Sunroof Package added a power sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, and ventilated front seats, enhancing the overall appeal.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive, offering 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 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled at highway driving, providing smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. However, its acceleration to sixty in about five and a half seconds was slower compared to some competitors, and it felt less precise in turns than its German rivals.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations. The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The turbocharged engine offered decent acceleration, though there was some turbo lag at lower speeds, which could be mitigated by switching to Sport mode. The Seltos also featured 7.3 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, while the tester included ventilated front and rear seats with Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation pockets. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. 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 and entertainment. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, the GV80 offered ample utility. It also boasted a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim offered a hands-free power liftgate as part of an options package. The Seltos featured an upright seating position with ample headroom, ensuring good driver visibility and rear legroom. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the front center console had a tray for small items. The SX trim came with a removable cargo cover, adding to its practicality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience, albeit with a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding a touch of convenience.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with logical layouts and responsive screens. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume, tuning, and climate, enhancing usability. The SX trim featured an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing smartphone-based access and sharing.

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. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving assistance. The system performed well, though it struggled with lane markings in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist. The Seltos also featured a junction-turning function for forward collision warning and a drive-away warning to alert distracted drivers.