2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.29. The interior boasted a high-tech appearance with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, offering a luxurious and fragrant cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats, split dash with horizontal air vents, and metal and matte wood trim created a luxurious environment. The center console, with its three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, added to the unique design. The two-spoke steering wheel further distinguished the GV80 from other luxury manufacturers. While the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place on the dash, the spacious and luxurious interior made it a pleasant space to spend time.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. The challenge lay in creating a vehicle that excelled both off-road and on winding roads. The Range Rover Sport offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 variant delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. Early-build models featured a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, but it was temporarily unavailable. A fully-electric version was expected in 2024. The test vehicle's 395-hp inline-six offered credible acceleration to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. The Range Rover Sport's towing capacity was rated at 7,716 pounds. Fuel efficiency was better than expected, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg. The new vehicle architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35 percent, and the adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, the Range Rover Sport struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, it excelled with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

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 or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, with a 0-60 mph time of around five and a half seconds, slower than some competitors. While it handled turns adequately, it felt less precise compared to German rivals. However, the GV80 excelled on highways, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride. The forward-facing camera scanned the road to prime the dampers for rough surfaces, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, benefiting shorter passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. A massage feature, soft-closing doors, and a heated steering wheel were available. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The back seat provided excellent support but had a reclined angle. Storage space was decent, with a shallow tray under the center console and a deep bin under the armrest. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A full-size spare tire limited storage under the cargo floor, but Land Rover provided a contraption to secure smaller items.

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 reduced fatigue with inflatable pockets. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. A third row was optional but offered limited legroom. Genesis puddle lamps and a proximity key enhanced convenience, while a tri-zone climate control system ensured comfort. The optional 21-speaker stereo system, suede headliner, and panoramic glass roof added to the luxury. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet. Towing capacity was 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The automatic driver exit assist feature was difficult to disable, and the native digital assistant struggled with basic tasks like finding a Starbucks. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power, along with Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but challenging to access.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome. The dial's handwriting detection was useful for navigation and radio searches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but not wireless. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself with the driver outside, using the key fob.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond and not as smooth as expected. The steering assist technology was unsatisfactory, especially on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, with automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The system struggled with sun glare but performed well in stop-and-go traffic. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.