2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale Java Brown leather and cohesive design, despite some hard plastic elements.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury with its top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featuring a Matterhorn White Matte paint job and dark chrome trim. The exterior, while stylish, was somewhat understated compared to the interior's opulence. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior boasted diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents, creating a decadent atmosphere. The GV80's interior was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, underscoring its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. However, the Prestige Signature's wheel design, nearly invisible due to black paint, was less appealing than the regular Prestige model.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-liter engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more responsive driving experience. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all models came with standard AWD. The Outback excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode traction system and generous ground clearance, but the standard engine's fuel economy was disappointing, achieving only 25.6 mpg compared to the EPA's 28 mpg estimate.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model delivered satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, achieving 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's driving experience was luxurious yet communicative, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes enhanced its athleticism, though the steering was unremarkable. The GV80's two-spoke steering wheel design added a retro touch, set to change in 2025.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack, flat door sills, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's cabin provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, while the roof rack was ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage solutions in the center console.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, offered a luxurious interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. However, this configuration limited passenger capacity to four. The GV80's cabin featured premium materials, a panoramic glass roof, and triple-zone climate control. Despite its opulence, the seats were less comfortable for long trips, and second-row 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. The Prestige Signature's rear center console required careful loading of cargo.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for volume and climate settings, but other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice-recognition system was subpar, necessitating the use of smartphone connectivity. Additional tech included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in the Prestige trims. The system included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging, with the Prestige Signature adding second-row charging. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the digital key system allowed smartphone access. Most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display in the Prestige trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system added new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. The Outback's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were less impressive, with artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist, though it was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.