2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring over 16 feet in length, it presented a stately appearance, especially in the Prestige trim with its 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant, aesthetic. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the matte Brunswick Green exterior, while the dash featured thin horizontal air vents and a mix of metal and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite the slightly awkward placement of the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a tougher appearance with its aggressive styling, including a frowning front and angular gray body cladding. The TRD Off-Road model, which topped the lineup, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and additional option packages, bringing its MSRP to $41,925. The RAV4's interior focused on practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and rubber-lined areas. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The cabin comfortably accommodated four adults, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports enhancing passenger comfort. The RAV4 offered a competitive cargo space of 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Off-Road model featured standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Multi-Terrain Select offered various driving modes, but the TRD Off-Road did not improve ground clearance or approach and departure angles. Despite its off-road capabilities, the RAV4 was noisy at freeway speeds, and the engine sounded loud and unrefined. However, the eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine's reliability were notable. The TRD Off-Road model achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 26.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features and spaciousness. 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 features, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space of 34.9 cubic feet, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 focused on practicality, with storage options and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The optional Weather package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also offered 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.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Various connected services plans were available, including Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect. The RAV4 also offered Wi-Fi Connect and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. The infotainment system had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a digital rear-view mirror but lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

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. The GV80 featured a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, though the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed adequately, though the latter struggled on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.