2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim. The center console, with its three large dials, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel, added to the luxurious feel. However, the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash, slightly detracting from the otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, took Mazda's elegant design language to a larger scale, stretching over 200 inches. Its imposing presence was marked by a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The tasteful chrome trim added to its elegance. Inside, top-shelf models boasted interiors rivaling luxury brands, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic. The CX-90 offered 11 trim levels across three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and the performance-oriented Turbo S. The interior design was stylish and comfortable, with a focus on quality materials and a spacious layout.

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 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, the GV80 excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and smooth ride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S version offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Turbo S impressed with its exceptional exhaust note and driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 26 miles. Both models handled corners brilliantly, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered luxury touches like heated and ventilated seats, an Ergo Motion driver’s seat, and Nappa leather upholstery. A third row was available, though legroom was limited. Features included Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, tri-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker stereo system. The GV80 boasted 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided various seating configurations, with lower trims seating eight and higher trims offering captain’s chairs. The Turbo S had a two-seat third row, with cargo space measuring 75.2 cubic feet in two-seater models. The CX-90 featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. While not as spacious as some competitors, it offered a comfortable and well-designed interior.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system had a learning curve, with a dial for navigation and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wireless. The GV80 included remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself with the driver outside.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the system had quirks, it offered personalization software using facial recognition for driver settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless capability in higher trims. The rotary controller worked with these systems, but touch controls were available for them.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A video feed of the blind spot was displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured i-Activsense, with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The CX-90’s cruising and traffic support blended lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. While not yet crash-tested, it was expected to perform well based on the CX-9’s ratings.