2023 Kia Sportage vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, reminiscent of French automotive styling. Its distinctive features, such as the bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, added a touch of class to this compact crossover. The Sportage was available in seven trim levels, including the new X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige trims. Inside, Kia opted for durable synthetic leather over traditional leather, maintaining a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob in higher trims. The driver enjoyed excellent visibility thanks to a large windshield and low beltline, while the dashboard featured an impressive two-foot display in all but the base trim. However, the interior also included some hard plastic elements, which detracted from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, exuded luxury with its Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. The cabin was adorned with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and matte-finish wood trim, creating an opulent atmosphere. The GV80's exterior, while understated in the Prestige Signature trim, featured dark chrome trim and stylish 22-inch wheels. Despite its luxurious interior, the GV80's seats were not as comfortable as expected, with the diamond-stitched surfaces feeling like bubble wrap. The GV80 offered a spacious cabin with commendable storage space, although the second-row legroom was less impressive. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the Sportage delivered a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined with FWD, and 23/28/25 with AWD. While the engine was more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the punch of the discontinued turbocharged engine, which had delivered 240 horsepower. The Sportage's X-Line and X-Pro trims added rugged visual cues and off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro featuring all-terrain tires and specific drive modes. Despite its off-road prowess, the Sportage's naturally aspirated engine struggled to keep up with turbocharged competitors on the road.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T delivered a satisfying driving experience, with swift acceleration and a sporty feel. However, it was less fuel-efficient, achieving 20 mpg in combined driving, with observed figures of 17.2 mpg. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes contributed to its athletic performance, while the P265/40R22 all-season tires provided commendable grip. The steering, though unremarkable, did not detract from the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered impressive interior space, with rear-seat legroom measuring 41.3 inches and a trunk capacity of 39.6 cubic feet, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Sportage's front seats provided ample storage space, including a cubby ahead of the shifter, tandem cupholders, and a spacious center console bin. However, the Sportage's technology, particularly the touch-sensitive HVAC controls, proved frustrating to use, as they required switching between climate and navigation functions.

In the 2024 Genesis GV80, only the 3.5T Advanced trim offered a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, reducing passenger capacity to four. The GV80's interior boasted premium materials, including leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. Despite its luxurious features, the GV80's seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the rear center console in the Prestige Signature trim required careful loading.

The 2023 Kia Sportage impressed with its technology offerings, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface on EX and higher trims, paired with a panoramic 12.3-inch driver information display on the SX trim and up. However, the wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the top-of-the-line interface puzzled many, as the base LX trim offered wireless versions. The Sportage included wireless charging, rear USB-C charging ports, navigation, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and a Harman Kardon stereo on higher trims. Despite its advanced tech, the Sportage's screen icons were difficult to distinguish, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument display in the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. The infotainment system included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot for the first time in 2024, along with wireless smartphone charging. The GV80's infotainment display was visually pleasing, with an intuitive user interface and minimal glare. The digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of standard collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige trims included the blind-view monitor and Highway Driving Assist, though these features were not available on lower trims. The 2023 Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous standard and available ADAS and safety features, such as the Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA worked well in light or slow-moving traffic but was less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed of the GV80's blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.