2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

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. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but the Prestige trim boasted impressive 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor flaw, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, particularly in the Wilderness trim, showcased a refreshed front fascia and LED fog lights, maintaining its familiar look post-2023 facelift. The Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT tester, described as a "green-tinged dark khaki," was surprisingly appealing. The Outback trims varied in black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring tasteful chrome accents. Wheel designs differed by trim, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and matte black versions for the Wilderness trim. The interior of the top-trim test car exceeded expectations with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel. The Outback Limited featured standard leather seating, while the Onyx Edition and Wilderness had StarTex synthetic leather, and base and Premium trims came with cloth seats.

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 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions using a forward-facing camera. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it smooth and quiet.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to Subaru's style, was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine. The standard engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds. The Touring XT test car had the more powerful engine, which managed the vehicle's weight better than the base engine. The CVT mimicked the sound and feel of eight distinct gears, and the brake pedal, aided by an electronic booster, felt responsive. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increased to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. 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 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, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and an optional 21-speaker stereo system. The suede headliner and panoramic glass roof were nice touches. 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 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, offered ample interior space. It provided more front-row headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and slightly less rear-seat headroom than the RAV4. The Outback excelled in front-row legroom and surpassed the RAV4 in rear-seat legroom. Cargo volume was 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting with the Premium trim. Heated rear seats were available on the Limited trim, while ventilation was exclusive to the Touring trim. The heated steering wheel began with the Onyx Edition. The hands-free power liftgate was optional on the Premium trim and standard on higher trims. Raised roof rails with retractable cross bars were standard, with cross bars easily stowed when not needed.

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 head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. The menu structure was inconsistent, with a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the car to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, using the key fob.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured a CD player, USB-C and USB-A ports, and an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform appeared dated, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity starting with the Premium trim. Climate controls were managed through the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim. Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system on most trims, except the base model with four speakers and Premium with six speakers.

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, rear cross-traffic alert, 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, with automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The system struggled with sun glare but performed well otherwise. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 five stars overall, with the IIHS rating it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention, though headlights and the LATCH system received Acceptable ratings.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it fell short of the 2023 model's Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA gave both the 2023 and 2024 models five stars overall. The 2024 Outback improved safety features, with reverse automatic braking standard from the Onyx trim. The EyeSight suite included adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. A backup camera and high-beam assist were standard.