2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

When considering the 2024 Genesis GV80, shoppers were faced with a choice between two engines: the 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) and the 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6). Buyers could then select from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trim levels, with prices spanning from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. In our case, the test vehicle was a 3.5T in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, including the optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job, making the total cost $84,600 with destination.

The Prestige Signature trim stood out with exterior colors such as Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, or exclusive Mauna Red, paired with dark chrome trim and stylish 22-inch wheels that appeared nearly invisible due to their black paint. However, the plain exterior of the test vehicle contrasted sharply with the opulent Ultramarine Blue over a Dune interior. This cabin exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a dashboard wrapped in artificial leather, matte-finish wood trim, and metallic accents. The ambient lighting, 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen infotainment system reinforced the GV80's status as Genesis' flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban has a long history, entering its 90th year as an automotive icon. Despite its substantial size, the Suburban blended seamlessly into traffic. Measuring 18 feet 10 inches long and standing over six feet tall, the Suburban was undeniably huge. However, its familiar presence on the road made it less of a novelty and more of a common, respected sight.

Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Basic amenities like automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights and taillights, and tinted windows were standard across all trims. The wheels ranged from handsome 18-inch alloys on the LS to sizeable 22-inch wheels on the High Country. However, some features, such as power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof, were optional even on the top trim.

Inside, the Suburban's cabin provided ample space and comfort. Except for the base LS trim with cloth seats, all other trims featured leather upholstery. The Premier trim and High Country allowed for luxurious brown leather interiors. The test vehicle included a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and three-stage heating and ventilation for the front seats. Yet, despite these premium features, the top-spec Suburban's interior felt surprisingly pedestrian.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The latter, in the tested vehicle, provided satisfying performance but proved thirsty, averaging 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's estimate of 20 mpg in combined driving. Both engines mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). The GV80 featured five driving modes and boasted an 8.1-inch ground clearance with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.

The GV80 3.5T delivered an unexpectedly rewarding driving experience. It was quiet and composed while maintaining a good sense of the road surface. Swift acceleration made freeway merging and passing easy, although the driver was more aware of road surface irregularities than preferred. The SUV's P265/40R22 all-season tires provided commendable grip, and its adaptive damping suspension, powerful V6, and AWD system made it surprisingly athletic. The only drawback was the steering, which was unremarkable yet unobtrusive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, on the other hand, offered three engine choices: two V8s and a straight-six diesel. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and could tow up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The more powerful 6.2-liter V8, available on select trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering effortless acceleration. The third option, a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, along with superior fuel economy. Notably, the diesel engine was $1,500 cheaper than the V8 on the High Country trim.

The Suburban's transmission was a 10-speed automatic, praised for its decisive shift points. While the electronic button-style shift mechanism might have annoyed some drivers, it freed up space in the center console. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) came standard on most trims, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available as an option. The Suburban's height-adjustable air suspension handled various road conditions well, but drivers had to account for the vehicle's substantial size and weight, which resulted in noticeable body roll and extended braking distances.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only trim with a third-row seat, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Prestige Signature, however, was limited to four people due to its second-row captain's chairs. This limitation led to leaving the GV80 at home for certain family trips. The GV80's interior featured materials like artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather, depending on the trim. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door window shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. However, despite these features, the GV80's seats were criticized for being uncomfortable on long trips.

Cargo space in the GV80 was 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Prestige Signature's large rear center console, however, required caution when sliding items into the SUV.

Conversely, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, a key selling point. It offered 41.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded – far surpassing competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban’s enormous cargo capacity made it ideal for families needing substantial space for comprehensive road trips and heavy cargo.

Moreover, the Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank allowed for extensive driving range, especially with the diesel engine, capable of achieving roughly 650–700 miles of highway driving between fill-ups.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display across all models, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital key system allowed smartphone-based vehicle access and start. The Prestige Signature added wireless charging for the second row. The Lexicon premium sound system was standard on most trims and was set to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen in 2025. A head-up display (HUD) showing blind-spot warnings was included in the Prestige trims.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system (8-inch on the base LS). The system featured Google Built-in, allowing users to access apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant without needing to pair their phone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a rear-seat entertainment system was optional. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system, though good, lacked the richness of higher-speaker setups available in competitors.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist. The GV80 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), albeit with four-star frontal-impact ratings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver feature. Super Cruise, Chevrolet's semi-autonomous driving tech, was available on the Premier and High Country trims as part of the Advanced Technology Package.