2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, was a standout in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials that gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of the G37. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650, offering a range of options for consumers. The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium Nappa leather and Rhodium White metallic paint, was priced at $41,655, including destination charges.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 was a standout in the Genesis lineup, offering a sleek design with distinctive styling features like split headlights and a large grille. It balanced SUV size with luxury-car style, outperforming competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in terms of finesse. The GV70's interior was memorable, with unique details like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterpart, with a hidden charge port in the grille. The interior offered luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a unique luxury SUV experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving an EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, provided 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine offered a satisfying acceleration experience, especially on twisting roads, though fuel economy could suffer under spirited driving.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning was less sporty than some rivals. The ride quality was comfortable but not exceptional, and the Electrified model maintained similar dynamics despite its additional weight. The GV70's regenerative braking system allowed for customizable driving experiences, including one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for better comfort and support, with power adjustments and heated options available on higher trims. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including Nappa leather on the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's technology, storage, and rear-seat space were less impressive. The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than some rivals but more than some luxury models. The lack of a conversational voice recognition system and limited in-cabin storage were notable drawbacks.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than others. The cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than some competitors. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack. The stylish interior design, with features like a rotary shifter and curvaceous dashboard, limited small-item storage. The Electrified model included automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The lack of a voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it less user-friendly. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than some rivals, was user-friendly. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The system's intuitive layout and quality rotary controller made it easy to use. Genesis also included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob. The 16-speaker Lexicon audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense driver assistance features standard. Exclusive features on the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning for driving without headlights at night was a concern. The CX-5's crash-test performance was impressive, especially given its age.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, but the 2023 GV70 received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.