2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive, functional, and versatile, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing attraction, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set, maintaining certain brand-recognition styling features like split headlights and a large shield-like grille. It was sleeker than its larger sibling, the GV80, and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. The GV70 featured standout details such as a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. It struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as the gasoline models, with a shiny grille housing the charge port. The interior was distinctive, with traditional luxury touches and unique details like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller, making it memorable and different.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, instilling confidence when driven conservatively, though it didn't encourage sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by an inch and featured all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road capability without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered vigorous straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals, feeling bigger and heavier through corners. The suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash on bumps. The Electrified model maintained competence without feeling more ungainly than the gasoline version, offering adjustable regenerative braking and a 236-mile range.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. Entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The interior included logically placed controls, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wide center console bin. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with clever solutions like the stowable second-row center seat, providing a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 114.3 cubic feet available, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than some competitors. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats in place, better than some rivals but less than others. Folding the rear seats provided 56.9 cubic feet. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar interior space, with minor reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design limited small-item storage, but included features like a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls. The Electrified model featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk, navigation, Bose premium audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available on higher trims, with the TrailSport and Elite trims offering the TrailWatch camera system for off-roading.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a rotary controller offering a high-quality feel. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with adaptive cruise control maintaining smooth gaps to other vehicles.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the gasoline model received four-star frontal and rollover ratings, with the 2023 model earning a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and more. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering, with an available Highway Driving Assist 2 system adding automated lane-change capability. High-tech safety features included safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.