2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

The 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury and sophistication across its various trim levels: Standard, Advanced, Prestige, and Prestige Signature. The price range for the GV80 stretched from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a destination charge of $1,350. Our test vehicle was a 3.5T Prestige Signature trim, featuring an opulent Matterhorn White Matte paint job, which brought the MSRP to $84,600, including destination.

The Prestige Signature trim further stood out with its exclusive exterior colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and Mauna Red, coupled with dark chrome trim and striking 22-inch wheels. However, the near-invisibility of the wheel design due to the black paint made it less visually appealing than the Prestige model. The interior, adorned with Ultramarine Blue over Dune, displayed pure indulgence with diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, a faux-leather dashboard, matte-finish wood trim, a suede headliner, and metallic accents, making it a flagship luxury SUV for Genesis.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Dodge Hornet embodied the brand's distinctive muscle-car styling, despite not housing a V8 engine like the Charger or Challenger. The assertive front end boasted integrated heat extractors, a prominent grille with the new Rhombi emblem, and an illuminated Rhomb tail lamp spanning the vehicle's width. Available trim levels included GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus, with the GT models featuring a regular gas engine and the R/T variants showcasing a more advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Our R/T Plus test vehicle, sporting the Blacktop Package, emphasized its rugged looks with black wheels, black mirror caps, and darker badging for around $1,600.

Though the Hornet shared significant design elements with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, its blunt nose and trademark Dodge design added a unique touch. Inside, the Hornet embraced modernity, especially with the Track Pack adding Alcantara upholstery and a center stack tilted towards the driver. While the seats looked stylish, their heavily bolstered design might not cater to all shoppers, and some of the steering wheel’s buttons felt dated.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered robust performance through its two distinct powertrains. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming many V6 engines in competitor models like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Our test vehicle, a 3.5T, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Although it provided an exhilarating drive, it guzzled fuel, showing 17.2 mpg in observed conditions against the EPA’s 20 mpg combined estimate.

Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). The GV80 offered five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow, and could tow up to 6,000 pounds. Enhanced ride comfort came from the adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes in the 3.5T.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet’s performance varied significantly across its trims. The GT trim used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard AWD. The GT's fuel requirements consisted of premium gasoline, which could elevate running costs.

Our R/T test model, a PHEV, combined a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors to achieve 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the GT’s mechanical AWD, the R/T featured an electric AWD system and a six-speed automatic transmission. The R/T was roughly 425 pounds heavier but delivered remarkable power and acceleration, enhanced by a "Powershot" option that temporarily boosted output by 30 horsepower.

The Hornet R/T’s suspension adeptly balanced a cushioned ride with reduced body roll, though its heavy steering detracted slightly from overall precision. With an estimated all-electric range of about 30 miles, the Hornet R/T appealed to those with shorter commutes. However, the GT model's fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined lagged behind competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek.

In terms of interior space and functionality, the 2024 Genesis GV80 and the Dodge Hornet delivered distinct experiences. The GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat in 2024, accommodating seven passengers. The Prestige Signature offered only four-passenger seating due to second-row captain’s chairs, which restricted passenger capacities for larger families. These luxurious seats featured power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, but the limited capacity needed us to opt for a different vehicle for a family trip.

The Genesis GV80 boasted premium features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle came with a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. However, prolonged drives indicated discomfort due to seating design. Cargo space in the GV80 measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and expanded to 84 cubic feet with the back seats folded. The Prestige Signature’s fixed rear console, however, restricted easy loading.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front-seat space and visibility but compromised on rear-seat comfort. The rear seating area felt cramped and claustrophobic, exacerbated by the all-black interior despite providing 38 inches of legroom and headroom. The Hornet R/T’s battery storage reduced cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GT trims provided slightly more cargo space with 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.7 cubic feet total.

Technology-wise, the 2024 Genesis GV80 equipped future owners with ample technological advancements. While traditional analog gauges were retained in some models, the Prestige and Prestige Signature came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display featuring a subtle 3D effect. All GV80 models had a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its far placement necessitated using the dial on the center console. New additions included a Wi-Fi hotspot, Genesis Connected Services, and wireless phone charging.

The infotainment system provided wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with a voice-recognition feature that streamlined functionality. The interior experience was enhanced with a premium Lexicon sound system and a head-up display (HUD) warning of blind spots, contributing to overall safety.

In the 2024 Dodge Hornet, technology took a leap forward with a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital driver information display customizable across three zones. The Hornet's 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display, powered by UConnect 5, featured wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay alongside other user-friendly, customizable elements. Though the screen occasionally showed slow responses, it provided an upscale tech experience.

Standard tech in our test vehicle included a premium Harman Kardon audio system and wireless phone charger, though the Hornet lacked a proper slot for a wired phone connection. Customizable features and user profiles added to the convenience of the infotainment system, allowing drivers to curate their in-car experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Features included the camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). During testing, HDA proved useful but worked best in low to moderate traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided video feed in the digital instrument panel, and the HUD displayed blind-spot warnings. Additionally, Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for parking assistance both inside and outside the vehicle.

Tested by safety organizations, the GV80 garnered positive ratings: a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it scored only four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had yet to be evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Nevertheless, it came equipped with impressive standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control system in our test vehicle offered more advanced capabilities through the optional Tech Pack, enabling level 2 autonomous driving functions and intelligent speed assist.