2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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 echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats, metal, and matte wood trim created a luxurious atmosphere. The center console, with its three large dials, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added to the distinctiveness. However, the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash, slightly detracting from the otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, offered a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, aligning with its practical, safe, and sustainable luxury SUV image. The Ultimate trim of the Recharge T8 model featured a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob. Volvo allowed for customization in paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning customers. Despite its dated design, the XC90 maintained a luxurious feel with its attention to color and materials.

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 lb-ft of torque, or 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 with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable freeway commute.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with a ground clearance of up to 9.9 inches. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates. Despite its power, the XC90 was more of a luxury SUV than a performance one, with firm ride quality and less thrilling handling.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Ergo Motion driver’s seat. The interior was spacious, with a third-row option, though legroom was limited. The GV80 offered a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, and a panoramic glass roof. It boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The Ultimate trim added features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 offered a commanding driving position and good sightlines, though the climate control struggled in hot conditions. It seated seven or six with captain’s chairs, with adequate interior storage and up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seat folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also offered remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The system was more intuitive than previous versions, and the digital voice assistant was generally effective. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a head-up display.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It featured a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some competitors. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it struggled with certain road conditions during testing.