2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota offered a variety of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. With seating for seven or eight passengers, the Sienna provided flexibility, though the eight-seater option was limited to the LE and XLE trims. The minivan's design cleverly accommodated three car seats across the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

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 interior was a showcase of opulence, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a 3D digital instrument cluster. Despite its luxurious appeal, the GV80's exterior design was understated, with the wheel design almost disappearing against the black paint. The GV80's cabin was equipped with advanced technology, including ambient lighting and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. However, the Prestige Signature trim's limited seating capacity of four, due to the second-row captain's chairs, was a drawback for those needing more passenger space.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful compared to competitors, it offered a nimble and enjoyable driving experience, especially in urban settings. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver, though its acceleration was less impressive. The minivan offered several driving modes, but the EV mode was largely ineffective, and the Sport mode did little to enhance the driving experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. Our test vehicle, equipped with the V6, provided a satisfying performance, though it was less fuel-efficient, achieving 17.2 mpg in real-world conditions. The GV80's eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system contributed to its athletic feel, while the adaptive damping suspension and upgraded brakes enhanced its driving dynamics. Despite its sporty performance, the steering was unremarkable, though it didn't detract from the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and bins, including a large open cubby below the center console and a long shelf across the dashboard. The minivan's spacious design offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and adjustable tracks for added comfort.

In the 2024 Genesis GV80, only the 3.5T Advanced trim offered a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim was limited to four passengers due to its luxurious second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. Despite its opulent design, the seats were less comfortable for long journeys, and the rear seats offered limited legroom. The GV80 provided 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the rear center console in the Prestige Signature trim required careful loading.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but dated, featuring an older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the interface was functional, it lacked the modernity of newer systems and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The Sienna's technology package included seven USB ports and a 12-speaker JBL audio system, which delivered good sound quality.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required the use of a control dial on the center console. The GV80's infotainment system included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired smartphone integration. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D effect, and the GV80 offered a digital key system and a head-up display. The infotainment interface was intuitive, and the voice-recognition system was user-friendly, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna's safety technology was robust and reliable.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 also offered a wide array of advanced safety features, such as a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's safety systems were sophisticated, with the Blind-Spot View Monitor providing a video feed of the blind spots and the Highway Driving Assist offering a semi-autonomous driving experience. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test for driver and passenger seating positions.