2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Customers were drawn to its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which the Discovery lacked. The Defender's design was a nod to classic truck aesthetics, with its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors set parallel to the ground. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by tasteful accents that paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of options for buyers. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior was more utilitarian, focusing on function and durability with materials like rubber and plastic, although it did not match the opulence of a Range Rover.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV was stately, with a length of just over 16 feet. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, adding to its elegant appearance. The interior continued the theme of luxury with quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin, horizontal air vents. The center console was highlighted by three large dials, and the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. While the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place, the interior was spacious and luxurious, making it a pleasant environment for occupants.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a beast off-road, with its uncanny grip, incredible wheel articulation, and generous clearance. The air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, although most owners would not fully utilize its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the four-cylinder engine was less powerful at 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, it excelled at highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation contributed to a comfortable and quiet ride. However, the GV80's performance in turns was less precise compared to its German rivals.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was exceptional as an everyday SUV, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The 130 model could accommodate up to eight passengers, with features like a separate moonroof, air vents, and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender also boasted features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it highly versatile.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with 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 features, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. While a third row was available, legroom was limited. The GV80 featured a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, and a panoramic glass roof. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded. The GV80 also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered greater legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and navigation. The Defender S trim added heated 12-way power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. Additional features included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80 featured a blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist, which provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 five stars overall, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.