2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Genesis GV70 truly stood out within the Genesis lineup and its competitive field. Its design incorporated distinctive Genesis features, such as split headlights and a large, shield-like grille for brand recognition. This model, however, displayed a sleeker profile compared to its larger sibling, the Genesis GV80, and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Some impressive details included an almost hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the gasoline-powered Sport Prestige trim level, and unique designs for the 21-inch wheels, although 19-inch wheels were standard.

The GV70 hit an ideal balance between SUV size, commanding presence, and luxury-car style. Competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 appeared more puffed up and tough but lacked finesse. The Porsche Macan overextended its styling cues from the brand’s cars over SUV proportions, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class relied heavily on its emblem's prestige. The GV70, in contrast, did a stellar job of marketing itself as both an SUV and a luxury brand product.

The Electrified GV70 was an excellent option for shoppers seeking an EV that flies under the radar. Though its shiny grille could be as sparkly as a disco ball, the rest of the styling remained unchanged from the gasoline models. The grille, doubling as a charge port, was particularly handy, allowing drivers to pull straight into charging stations, unlike most other EVs with ports located in less convenient spots.

Inside, the GV70 boasted one of the most distinctive interiors in any new vehicle. Featuring elements like quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, what truly stood out were the unique design touches. The climate controls and other buttons were housed in an elliptical pod, and the dashboard had a rounded cross-section reminiscent of an airplane wing. Despite some subjective opinions, it was clear that Genesis endeavored to create something unique.

In comparison, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the Mazda CX-5. However, Mazda didn’t merely add plastic body cladding; the CX-50 was 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer than the CX-5, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. Its broad-shouldered proportions were emphasized by square wheel arches and faux air vents below the headlights and taillights. Debuting a fresher design for 2023, the CX-50 outshone the unchanged CX-5 from 2017.

Available in eight trim levels for 2024, the CX-50’s lower trims had 17-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels standard on higher trims. However, styling differences between trim levels were minimal. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition amplified the CX-50’s active-lifestyle image with 18-inch all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Optional features in the Apex Package included a roof platform and splash guards, positioning the CX-50 against models like the Kia Sportage X-Pro and Subaru Forester Wilderness. Unlike its competitors, though, Mazda didn’t enhance the suspension or add drive modes suited for off-road.

The CX-50 Meridian Edition’s earthy palette, including Polymetal Gray Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint, along with Terracotta leather upholstery, completed its rugged look. Inside, the infotainment screen perched on a small shelf, similar to BMW, and the quality and fit impressed for a non-luxury brand. Mazda also minimized the use of piano black plastic, suggesting the interior would age well compared to rivals.

Mazda has been trying to elevate itself from mainstream to upscale, and while the CX-50 showed progress, there were reminders of Mazda’s traditional market positioning. Standard half-leatherette seats—leather optional—were a step above Toyota and Honda, but manual adjustments on base models indicated Mazda’s heritage.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 maintained its powertrain options from previous years. The standard gasoline model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque using premium fuel. An available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 upped the power to 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Electrified GV70 also came with standard AWD, powered by front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, fed by a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack. A "Boost Mode" temporarily increased this output to 483 hp for 10 seconds.

Luxury brands often emphasize either a sporty driving experience or unparalleled comfort. The GV70, however, didn’t fully excel in either domain. While Boost Mode in the Electrified GV70 and Sport+ mode in the twin-turbo V6 model provided impressive straight-line acceleration, the chassis tuning lagged. The GV70 felt larger, heavier, and slower through corners compared to sportier rivals such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Porsche Macan.

While reasonably comfortable, the GV70’s suspension was less refined, crashing down on road imperfections rather than gliding over them. This ride quality brought it closer to its tier within the Genesis lineup.

These dynamics were consistent in the Electrified GV70, which despite being heavier, didn’t feel more cumbersome than its gasoline counterpart. The EV version also included steering-wheel paddles for adjusting regenerative braking, accommodating both gasoline-like feels and true one-pedal driving. If buyers could manage charging and were comfortable with its EPA-rated 236-mile range, the Electrified GV70 presented no significant downsides compared to the gasoline model, maintaining an equally satisfying driving experience.

For the 2024 Mazda CX-50, all models utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base naturally aspirated engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo version delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel.

A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard across all models. The driving experience was supported by Normal, Sport, and Off-road modes, with a Towing mode on turbo models, increasing towing capacity from the standard 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds.

Despite sharing powertrains with the Mazda CX-5, the CX-50 provided a different driving experience. While the CX-5 maintained Mazda’s sporty "Zoom Zoom" spirit, the CX-50 aligned more with its segment contemporaries. It made for a competent daily driver but lacked the driving enthusiasm of the CX-5.

Our experience with the Meridian Edition’s all-terrain tires highlighted their benefits in mud or snow but revealed limited grip and higher noise levels otherwise. This additional noise, albeit expected with all-terrain tires, was compounded by roof platform wind noise at highway speeds. Otherwise, the CX-50 behaved well, suggesting that unless intending to use chunky tires and roof platforms, other models might be better suited.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered interior space comparable to its rivals. While it had slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, it wasn’t a significant issue given the Genesis’ streamlined roofline. The Genesis outmatched the BMW and Mercedes in front-seat legroom by a fraction but conceded marginally to the Audi. In the second row, the GV70 provided slightly more legroom than the X3 and marginally less than the Q5 and GLC.

Cargo space in the Genesis stood at 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up, surpassing the Mercedes at 21.9 cubic feet, slightly bettering the BMW’s 28.7, but trailing the Audi’s 29.5 cubic feet. With seats folded, the GV70’s 56.9 cubic feet lagged behind all its German competitors.

The Electrified GV70 had to accommodate battery packs, yet this barely affected interior space. First-row legroom remained unchanged; second-row legroom reduced by 0.6 inches, and headroom decreased by an inch and 0.8 inches in the first and second rows, respectively. Cargo space varied by only about a cubic foot between gasoline and electric models whether seats were up or down.

A downside to the GV70’s stylish interior was reduced small-item storage, although Genesis included a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls. The Electrified GV70’s automatic side bolsters in Sport mode enhanced occupant security during dynamic driving, an unusual feature in this price range.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered passenger space similar to its CX-5 sibling but with slightly less headroom and more legroom in both rows. It had notably less headroom compared to the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester, and closely matched these competitors in legroom, though the CX-50 exceeded the Toyota RAV4 by two inches in rear-seat legroom.

Cargo space in the CX-50 stood at 31.4 cubic feet with rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them down. While this was three cubic feet less than the CX-5’s maximum, it offered more space than its sibling with the second row up. Both Mazdas trailed their competitors in cargo capacity, but the Subaru Forester had marginally less space with its rear seats in place.

An available power liftgate facilitated cargo-area access in the CX-50, though otherwise, it didn’t meaningfully add functionality to support its rugged appearance. The cargo area wasn’t designed for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform could be inconvenient for shorter individuals.

The 2024 Genesis GV70’s infotainment system borrowed heavily from the Hyundai parts bin, which meant it wasn’t as elaborate as systems from rivals like BMW or Mercedes-Benz. However, this simplicity worked in its favor.

Every GV70 model included a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher trims boasted a 12.3-inch unit with a nostalgic 3D effect. Additionally, a 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available.

The interface’s user-friendly design, with large functional tiles on the touchscreen, allowed easy access by both driver and front passenger. The rotary controller on the center console, feeling more substantial and refined than BMW’s iDrive or Mercedes’ MBUX controllers, offered an intuitive alternative navigation method.

Genesis' tech suite also included a fingerprint scanner to activate individual driver profiles and digital key functionality, letting a phone replace the key fob for locking/unlocking doors and starting/driving the car.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen—but it was not a touchscreen. Instead, Mazda utilized a tactile rotary controller and buttons on the center console to navigate menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included, but Android Auto required a wired connection, accommodated by dual front and rear USB ports. Higher trims added wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Mazda’s non-touchscreen approach demanded some adjustment, but once acclimated, drivers found the rotary controller intuitive. Positioned near the shifter, it was conveniently reachable from the driver’s seat and provided tactile feedback, facilitating use without eyes leaving the road.

However, the infotainment system itself felt dated, with basic graphics and limited advanced functions, appealing more to buyers who preferred simplicity over technical complexity.

For 2024, gasoline models of the Genesis GV70 achieved the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award, with the Electrified GV70 earning the same accolade for its 2023 version. The NHTSA had yet to release complete 2024 ratings but did publish four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models. The 2023 GV70, identical in structure, received a five-star overall rating, although the Electrified model hasn't yet been rated by the NHTSA.

All GV70 models, electric or gasoline, featured a comprehensive suite of safety functions. Standard safety equipment included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, parking assist sensors, and Highway Driving Assist, which merged adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

A more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system provided automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Safety features extended to when the car was stationary, with safe exit assist preventing exits into oncoming traffic and a radar-based rear occupant alert sensitive enough to detect a child or pet’s breathing.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was recognized as a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though just shy of the highest honor. The SUV received "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention during daytime pedestrian tests. However, it earned only a "Basic" score for nighttime pedestrian detection and an "Average" rating for standard headlights.

The NHTSA rated the CX-50 with a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but full ratings including side-crash and overall assessments were pending.

Mazda equipped the CX-50 with a robust suite of safety tech. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and lane-departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and emergency lane-keeping with road-keep assist. Optional additions encompassed rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system, though all essential features were standard.