2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 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 few bold paint colors and wheel designs. 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 in the 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 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. The test vehicle, a 3.5T in Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing its MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature models came in exclusive colors with dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels, though the wheel design was somewhat obscured by black paint. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The GV80's flagship status was underscored by ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display. While the Prestige Signature trim exuded luxury, the regular Prestige model was deemed equally attractive. The GV80's interior was luxurious, but the seats were criticized for being uncomfortable on long trips, despite their advanced features.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It was designed to excel both off-road and on winding roads, a challenging feat. The SE and SE Dynamic models featured 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. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Autobiography P440e came with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 was available for early 2023 models but was later discontinued. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The P400 drivetrain was fuel-efficient, averaging 22.3 mpg on a test route. The SUV's architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned rivals from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with advanced suspension and technology, boasting impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The 3.5T provided satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, averaging 17.2 mpg on a test loop. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured five driving modes and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience. It was quiet and composed, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The GV80's steering was unremarkable but didn't detract from the driving experience. The two-spoke steering wheel design was comfortable for long drives. Overall, the GV80 was more athletic than expected, with a sporty feel and effective braking performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard 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 31.9 cubic-foot cargo area and a maximum of 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The full-size spare tire limited storage under the cargo floor, but Land Rover provided a contraption to secure smaller items.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature had four seats with captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The test vehicle had a panoramic roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. The rear captain's chairs offered Relax Mode and power-operated shades. However, the seats were criticized for being uncomfortable on long trips. The GV80's cabin had commendable storage space, with 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear console limited cargo loading.

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. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, and connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The digital assistant struggled with voice commands, failing to provide accurate directions. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless charging pad was included but difficult to access.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument display in Prestige trims, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available for the first time. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the display was intuitive and glare-resistant. The GV80 featured a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display in Prestige trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less smooth and reliable than expected, especially on freeway curves.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a range of advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist worked well in light traffic but was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.