2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with an oversized air intake and vent designs, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with optional 20-inch wheels, further enhanced its exterior charm. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was set to join the lineup, offering exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out with its sleek design, balancing brand recognition with unique styling elements. It featured split headlights and a large shield-like grille, maintaining the Genesis identity while offering a sleeker profile than its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's standout details included a hatchback-like rear window profile and distinctive exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim. Its design effectively combined SUV presence with luxury-car style, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70 retained the same styling, with a shiny grille housing the charge port, making it a discreet choice for EV shoppers. Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive interior with luxury touches and unique design elements, such as an elliptical pod for controls and a rounded dashboard.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. It was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant provided between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Despite its firm ride quality, the CX-50 excelled in handling, feeling more like a sporty wagon than an SUV. It offered various driving modes, though differences were subtle, and its off-road capabilities were commendable, albeit lacking a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 was also available, delivering 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 a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" offering 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 provided strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the BMW X3. The ride quality was competent but not exceptional, and the Electrified model maintained similar dynamics despite its additional weight. The GV70 also offered adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort in various conditions. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. Cargo space was adequate, with 31.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, storage options within the cabin were limited, and the load floor was narrow between the wheel wells.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. Its 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space was better than the Mercedes but less than the Audi. Folding the rear seats provided 56.9 cubic feet, less than its German competitors. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design, featuring an orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage. However, a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls were included. The Electrified GV70 also featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base model featured an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims included a 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons and knobs, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the screen's distant placement remained a drawback. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and an Active Driving Display projected essential data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were also available. The touchscreen's intuitive layout and accessible positioning made it user-friendly, and a rotary controller on the center console provided an alternative input method. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob for unlocking and starting the vehicle.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, though the IIHS had not yet rated it. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with most features standard across the lineup. The top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim included exclusive features like Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While the driving assistance systems generally worked well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, necessitating manual braking.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. The NHTSA had not published complete ratings for the 2024 model year, but the gasoline GV70 received four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering. A more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system was available, adding automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.