2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to luxury and elegance, with its sophisticated exterior design featuring quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, exuded a stately presence. The Prestige trim, in particular, stood out with its 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its commanding look. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats added a touch of class, complemented by a dash split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured 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 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, yet it still appeared modern and appealing. The new Carbon Turbo trim, with its Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, added a fresh touch to the lineup. Gloss-black exterior detailing complemented the new color options, including Platinum Quartz and premium Rhodium White. Mazda's improvements to the CX-5 included better fuel economy for the base engine, the addition of wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a range of trims, from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo models, with prices varying from $29,300 to $40,600, plus destination charges. Despite being a compact crossover, the CX-5 felt upscale, thanks to continuous upgrades in interior materials, technology, and drivetrain, offering a premium experience at a mainstream price.

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 quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery was smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene driving experience. However, its handling was less precise compared to German rivals.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. On regular gas, it still offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration, allowing the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to shine. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its excellent outward visibility, smooth suspension, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, which improved cornering and minimized body motions. On highways, it was quiet and stable, while in the city, it felt firm and connected. The CX-5 could also handle light off-road trails with its 7.9 inches of ground clearance and had a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of sporty driving dynamics with a plethora of luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, while the tester model boasted ventilated front and rear seats with seven-way adjustability. The Ergo Motion driver's seat, with its inflatable pockets, helped reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel, and a third-row option was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 offered substantial 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 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided standard heated front seats, redesigned for comfort and support. The driver's seat offered six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature featuring premium Nappa leather. The CX-5's interior, though smaller than some competitors, was comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful features like rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders. The cabin's design and quality rivaled luxury brands, and storage space was adequate, though the cupholders were somewhat awkward. The CX-5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the 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. 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, though tactile, was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but not wireless. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, 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 cool factor to its tech offerings.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favor of traditional controls for various functions, aligning with Mazda's philosophy of minimizing driver distraction. However, the CX-5 allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were now wireless in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons, offering a straightforward interface. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carbon Turbo trim included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium feel.

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 standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. 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 2024 Mazda CX-5 came standard with essential advanced driving assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and Traffic Jam Assist. The Carbon Turbo trim lacked some of these upgrades but performed well with its standard safety systems. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it did not receive it in 2024. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.