2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters from the past, giving it a classic Subaru look. The Touring trim, which was the focus of our test, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, adding a touch of sophistication. The Forester's design was utilitarian, with robust roof rails capable of supporting a tent, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Inside, the Forester Touring boasted Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, creating a traditional Subaru interior. While hard plastics were prevalent, they contributed to easy maintenance. The interior layout, with its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen, was straightforward and user-friendly, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury and elegance. Our test vehicle, the 3.5T Prestige Signature trim, featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job, enhancing its upscale appearance. The exterior design was complemented by dark chrome trim and stylish 22-inch wheels, although the black paint on the wheels made their design less noticeable. Inside, the GV80's Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was a testament to luxury, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and matte-finish wood trim. 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. While the GV80's exterior was relatively understated, its interior was a showcase of opulence and modern technology.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivered power to all four wheels. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, mimicking a traditional automatic transmission, and included a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. Most Forester trims, except the Base, came with an X-Mode off-road traction management system, offering various driving modes for different terrains. The Forester Wilderness trim, in particular, was designed for off-road adventures. During testing, the Forester Touring demonstrated its capability in adverse weather conditions, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. While the engine was adequate, it was not particularly powerful, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, achieving 25.9 mpg on the test route.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle featured the latter, providing a more exhilarating driving experience. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The GV80 offered five driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow, and had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The GV80 3.5T impressed with its athletic performance, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes. While the steering was unremarkable, the GV80 delivered a sporty and engaging driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. However, its fuel economy was lower than expected, achieving 17.2 mpg on the test route.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Premium trim provided features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims, such as the Touring, added leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's high seating position and large windows ensured excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long journeys. The Forester excelled in cargo space, offering 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and various pockets for stashing items.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, offered a luxurious interior with premium materials. However, it sacrificed passenger capacity, accommodating only four people with its second-row captain's chairs. The GV80 featured a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. Despite these features, the seats were not as comfortable as expected, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom. The GV80 provided 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the rear center console in the Prestige Signature trim limited cargo loading options.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology package included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. While the Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, often misinterpreting commands. The Forester's technology setup was straightforward, with physical controls for climate and audio functions, but it lacked a wireless smartphone charger.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the Prestige trims. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered a digital key system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Lexicon premium sound system. The voice-recognition system was intuitive and effective, and the infotainment display was visually appealing with minimal glare. The GV80's technology package was comprehensive, with a head-up display providing additional safety information.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, offering advanced driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. It included a blind-spot monitoring system with Automatic Emergency Steering, available on most trims. The Forester also offered Rear Automatic Braking, although it could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim included a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it had some lower ratings in specific tests.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided video feeds of blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80's collision-avoidance technology was effective, and it received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.