2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 offered a turbocharged engine option that delivered impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda's decision to eventually phase out the CX-5 in favor of the redesigned CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of its G37 sedan and coupe. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650, offering a range of options for consumers.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 was a luxury SUV that exuded opulence and sophistication. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle, in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job and a lavish Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. The cabin was adorned with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, matte-finish wood trim, and metallic accents, creating an atmosphere of luxury. The GV80's exterior design, while elegant, was not necessarily more attractive than the Prestige model. The SUV's interior was equipped with advanced technology, including ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for infotainment. Overall, the GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, though some might prefer the regular Prestige trim over the Signature version.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model, the 2.5 S, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The more powerful 2.5 Turbo variant boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. This engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel. The CX-5's structural and suspension improvements, along with its responsive transmission, made it a joy to drive, especially on winding roads.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices as well. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's driving experience was characterized by its quiet and composed ride, swift acceleration, and commendable grip on mountain roads. The adaptive damping suspension and larger front brakes enhanced its performance, making it more athletic than expected. However, the steering, while unremarkable, did not detract from the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. It offered a range of features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with a cramped back seat and smaller cargo area compared to some rivals. It provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a more spacious interior, though the Prestige Signature trim limited passenger capacity to four due to its captain's chairs. The GV80 featured a range of seating options, including heated and ventilated seats with massage functions. However, the seats were not as comfortable as expected, and rear-seat legroom was limited. The GV80 provided 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Prestige Signature's rear center console required caution when loading cargo.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics. However, its lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it frustrating to use. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged the use of the center console's control dial. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80's voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the display's graphics were pleasing. The SUV also offered a digital key system, a Lexicon premium sound system, and a head-up display (HUD) for added convenience and safety.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The CX-5 received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the lack of a warning message for nighttime driving without headlights was a concern.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's collision-avoidance technology was complemented by a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The SUV's safety features provided peace of mind, though Highway Driving Assist was less effective in heavy traffic.