2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Genesis GV80

In the past, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered shoppers a choice between the 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) and 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6) models. The options didn’t end there; buyers could select from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trim levels. Pricing ranged from $57,700 to $81,750, excluding a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle was the top-tier GV80 3.5T Prestige Signature, featuring an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job that increased the MSRP to $84,600, including the destination fee.

Prestige Signature trims arrived in three exterior colors: Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and the exclusive Mauna Red, all complemented by dark chrome trim and an elegant 22-inch wheel design, almost camouflaged by the black paint. Despite the allure, some found that the Prestige Signature version wasn’t necessarily more attractive than the Prestige model, given the unseen details of the wheels.

Externally plain, the test vehicle's interior was distinguished by an Ultramarine Blue over Dune color scheme. The inside felt luxurious with diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, an artificial leather-wrapped dashboard, matte-finish wood trim, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Features like ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system highlighted the GV80’s status as Genesis' flagship SUV. Despite this, many suggested opting for the standard Prestige trim over the Prestige Signature.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura MDX's appearance was notably well-crafted. Flanking the large shield grille were rakish headlights and intake vents that accentuated a modern, refined presence. Inside, although high-tech, the center console was packed with controls, making it quite busy and harder to operate.

In addition to its base model, the MDX had various trims labeled as packages, including the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. It also featured the higher-performing MDX Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features for the MDX included tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats.

The Technology Package added ambient cabin lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec trim had a sportier vibe, with unique styling touches, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and ventilated front seats, as well as an in-cabin intercom system. The Advance package included a heated steering wheel, more USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 MDX Type-S built on these features, encompassing the Technology and A-Spec packages while introducing a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which were firm and refreshing. However, while the MDX's interior details were thoughtfully designed, many found the center stack of controls to be more cumbersome and less intuitive compared to the GV80.

In 2024, the GV80 2.5T was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. These specs were commendable, surpassing the power of larger V6 engines in some rivals, including the Acura MDX. Our 3.5T test vehicle featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, providing an engaging driving experience but with notable fuel consumption. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, although we recorded 17.2 mpg on a Southern California test route.

Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV80 boasted five driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow—and offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model also included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, enhancing its robust performance and athletic handling.

On the other hand, the Acura MDX's standard engine was a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, with power routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or Acura’s available Super-Handling AWD system.

The 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Advance model, which we drove, showcased strong acceleration due to its turbocharged powerplant. Though not abrupt, the acceleration was consistent, offering sufficient power for common driving scenarios. The Type-S trims also featured Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension that automatically leveled, enhancing the vehicle's agility and comfort. With a range of driving modes controlled by a large central dial, the MDX Type-S was versatile but particularly excelled on boulevards and highways with its refined, somewhat firm ride.

The GV80 was applauded for its quiet, composed ride, superior road grip thanks to its adaptive damping suspension and all-season tires, and sporty drive feel. Despite this, its steering was noted to be unremarkable but not negatively so. Conversely, the MDX balanced comfort and sportiness, handling corners adeptly despite its weight and having a responsive steering system akin to a luxury sedan. However, its towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds, short of the GV80’s capacity.

In 2024, only the GV80 3.5T Advanced offered a third-row seat, a feature previously available in the Prestige trim. The Prestige Signature further limited seating to four due to power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs separated by a large console. The GV80’s luxurious interior couldn’t compensate for its limited seating, requiring us to leave it at home for a family trip to Santa Monica.

Depending on trim, the GV80 offered different upholstery choices—artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather. Standard amenities included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door window shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle featured a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, ventilated front seats with massage programs, and power-adjustable thigh support and side bolsters. The heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs offered a one-touch Relax Mode and power-operated side window shades. Despite these luxurious touches, the GV80's seating proved less than comfortable on long drives, with insufficient back recline in the rear seats.

Regarding cargo space, the GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. However, the Prestige Signature's rear center console complicated loading larger items.

The Acura MDX, standard with three rows, provided a more functional interior. The first two rows were comfortable, though the third row suited children best. The MDX offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which increased significantly to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The maximum cargo space was 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Additionally, the MDX had a handy under-floor storage area and a standard power liftgate, with a hands-free power liftgate available on higher trims.

Our Type-S Advance test vehicle's second-row bench featured a fold-down center console with integrated cupholders. While captain’s chairs weren’t available, the fold-out center allowed for easier third-row access. Internal storage solutions were abundant, though the center console’s controls were criticized for their complexity. The shifter was a row of buttons more cumbersome than traditional designs, detracting from the otherwise thoughtfully designed interior.

The Genesis GV80 in 2024 retained traditional analog gauges, set to transition to a digital display in future models. The Prestige and Prestige Signature models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a subtle 3D effect. All GV80 models came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display notably far from the driver, necessitating the use of a center-console control dial.

Standard infotainment features included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 offered Genesis Connected Services and a new Wi-Fi hotspot feature for 2024. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding a second-row charging pad.

The GV80’s infotainment system was intuitive, with easy voice-recognition and simple graphical displays. The vehicle also included a digital key system for smartphone use and a Lexicon premium sound system, set to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen in future models. The Prestige trims included a head-up display showing blind-spot warnings.

In contrast, the Acura MDX’s infotainment proved a challenge. The 12.3-inch display wasn’t a touchscreen, requiring control via a highly unintuitive touchpad. Despite this, the MDX's tech features shone in other areas. It offered standard wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also included multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging.

Innovative placements, such as the hidden charging ports in the center console and a handrest above the touchpad, showed thoughtful design. Yet, the overall frustration with the touchpad interface made the system difficult to recommend.

The Genesis GV80 offered numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features. These included a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA), combining adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and lane-change assist.

During extensive testing of the HDA system, it worked well in lighter traffic but proved less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic due to unpredictable braking and acceleration. Nonetheless, it performed admirably in slower-moving traffic. Other notable safety tech included the Blind-Spot View Monitor, displaying live video feeds within the digital instrument panel, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist for autonomous parking.

The GV80 earned top safety marks, achieving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact tests.

For the Acura MDX, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features came standard. These included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Advance package featured a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display.

The 2024 MDX wasn’t yet rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 MDX’s scores were applicable, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Despite this, the distracting infotainment system remained a safety concern, requiring drivers to look away from the road while using the touchpad.