2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two distinct models: the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S featured a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged version capable of up to 250 horsepower. Both models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was upscale and elegant, with quality materials and a tasteful combination of colors, making it resemble an entry-level luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with the latter featuring a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The GV80's Prestige Signature trim, with its Matterhorn White Matte paint, exuded luxury. The exterior, while stylish, was somewhat plain compared to the Prestige model. Inside, the GV80's Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. Despite its luxurious interior, the GV80's exterior design was less impressive than expected.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five additional horsepower, totaling 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This improvement resulted in better fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's ground clearance was eight inches, and it featured an Off-Road traction assist function. Weighing 3,525 pounds, the CX-30 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration, though it occasionally felt flat-footed in heavy traffic. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range, averaging 23.6 mpg during testing. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering, but its suspension struggled with speed bumps.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model, with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80 offered five driving modes and had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension. The GV80 provided a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The steering, while unremarkable, was comfortable for long drives. The GV80's performance was marred by its thirst for fuel, averaging 17.2 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat offered only four-way manual adjustment. Rear legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, it lacked nooks, nets, or underfloor storage.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat. The Prestige Signature trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, limiting passenger capacity to four. The GV80's interior boasted artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. Despite these features, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: the lack of a touchscreen display, non-conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The controls required quick glances, causing driver distraction. The system lacked natural voice recognition, making it challenging to use. The absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient for adjusting radio stations. Despite these shortcomings, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged the use of the center console control dial. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot in 2024. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding it in the second row. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was graphically pleasing. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and an E911 emergency notification system. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, an adaptive front lighting system, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The forward-collision system worked effectively, though it occasionally seemed excessive.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, 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, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger seating positions.