2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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 different needs. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior focused on function and durability, with a mix of rubbers and plastics, exposed screws, and a basic design that maintained its hardcore character.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury and sophistication. Available in 2.5T and 3.5T models, the GV80 offered a range of trims, with prices starting at $57,700. The top-tier Prestige Signature trim, which we tested, featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job and a luxurious Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. The interior was a showcase of opulence, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display. Despite its luxurious appeal, the GV80's exterior design, particularly the wheel design, was less impressive. The GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, but the Prestige Signature trim's additional features did not significantly enhance its attractiveness over the regular Prestige model.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a beast off-road, with its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any terrain, although most owners likely didn't utilize its full off-road capabilities. The Defender's permanent four-wheel drive and Terrain Response 2 system were designed for serious off-road performance, but on-road, the vehicle's performance was less refined. The Defender exhibited excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise, making it feel more like a rugged off-roader than a luxury vehicle. However, its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided a powerful performance, 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 of torque, providing a seamless driving experience. The fuel economy varied, with the four-cylinder rated at 17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, the six-cylinder at 18/23/20, and the V8 at 14/19/16 mpg.

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 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model, which we tested, provided a more satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, with an observed 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The GV80 offered five driving modes and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a luxurious yet sporty driving experience. The GV80 was quiet and composed, with swift acceleration and a good sense of the road surface, although the steering was unremarkable.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was not only a formidable off-road vehicle but also an exceptional everyday SUV. It offered unmatched seating configurations, with the two-door model seating six and the larger 110 and 130 models offering optional third-row seating for up to eight passengers. The interior was designed for functionality and durability, with large glass windows, including "alpine lights," and a variety of seating options. The Defender 130 provided up to 77 cubic feet of cargo space with the third and second rows folded, while the 90 and 110 models offered 58 and 34 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender also featured a range of practical options, such as off-road or all-season tires, a metal roof rack, a console refrigerator, and a heated windshield.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, offered a more luxurious interior with a focus on comfort and technology. The GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with 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 was adorned with premium materials, including diamond-stitched Nappa leather and a suede headliner. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle also had a panoramic glass roof and triple-zone climate control. However, the seat comfort was a concern during long trips, and the rear seats didn't recline far enough for a truly relaxing ride. The GV80 offered up to 84 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, but the Prestige Signature's rear center console limited the ease of loading items.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender came equipped with two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro, with options for either a 10-inch or an 11.4-inch display. Both screens were user-friendly, with the larger screen offering better legibility. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation. The Defender also offered heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors as standard. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a locking rear differential, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, a self-steering highway assist was not available.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a more advanced technology package. All models came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a subtle 3D appearance. The GV80 also introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot for the first time in 2024. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding this feature in the second row. The GV80's infotainment display was praised for its pleasing graphics and intuitive user interface. Additionally, the GV80 was equipped with a digital key system, allowing drivers to unlock and start the SUV using their smartphone. Most trim levels featured a Lexicon premium sound system, with the Prestige Signature offering Bang & Olufsen components.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for its solid structure. Standard safety features included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Defender did not offer a self-steering highway assist.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. During our test drive, the Highway Driving Assist system worked well in light or dense, slow-moving traffic, but was less effective in moderate to heavy traffic at higher speeds. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Remote Smart Parking Assist system allowed the GV80 to park itself in parallel or perpendicular spaces, even when the driver was outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-star rating for the frontal-impact test.