2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

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 design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant look. 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, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor flaw, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a comfortable environment.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it visually with other Land Rover models. However, its interior diverged, offering a more durable and adventure-ready feel akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with softer materials. Available in three body styles—two-door 90, four-door 110, and extended-wheelbase 130—the Defender offered various trims, including S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S, our test model, featured the County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics, embracing a retro aesthetic. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, partial leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system. The X-Dynamic SE and X trims offered additional styling touches and features, while the Carpathian Edition and Outbound trims catered to those seeking modern or spacious configurations.

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 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 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 and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, generating 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 450 lb-ft, and 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, respectively. All engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender's towing capacity reached up to 7,716 pounds with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder powertrains. The most powerful V8 in the Defender 110 Carpathian Edition accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system, making it highly capable on various terrains.

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 our tester included ventilated front and rear seats with seven-way adjustability. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation pockets. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third row was optional, 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. The GV80 boasted significant cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality with soft-touch materials, grip handles, rubberized floors, and ample cargo compartments. The multifunctional climate control dials required an extra button press, but the grip shifter and supportive seats enhanced the driving experience. Seating capacity varied from five to eight passengers, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children. The Defender 130 provided more space, but still fell short of full three-row adult-friendly seating. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 76.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row version. The Defender 90 provided 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, along with wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in and out of tight spaces without the driver in the car, using the key fob to control the vehicle.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, which, while smaller than some competitors, suited the Defender's utilitarian nature. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup and home buttons on the touchscreen's rails facilitated easy navigation of features like Apple CarPlay.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard 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 used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. 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 Land Rover Defender offered an extensive list of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive, but could be deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, which is common for high-end vehicles.