2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Genesis GV80 and 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered markedly different aesthetic experiences. The Genesis GV80 stood out for its opulent design choices and luxurious appeal. Available in either a 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) or 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6) engine, consumers picked from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trim levels. Prices ranged from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim with a Matterhorn White Matte paint job, priced at $84,600, including destination.

Exterior-wise, the Prestige Signature models came in sophisticated color choices like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, or exclusive Mauna Red, complete with dark chrome trim and stylish 22-inch wheels. Despite its high-end finishes, the black-painted wheels made the intricate design details nearly invisible. Inside, the GV80’s Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior screamed luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, matte-finish wood trim, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid leaned more towards functionality with a subdued sense of style. The base price for the Sport Hybrid model was $33,700, and it featured black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim for a sportier look. Our CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid test vehicle, with Canyon River Blue paint and no added accessories, cost $41,175, including a $1,325 destination charge.

The exterior design was conservative but practical, characterized by a distinct front fascia resembling an "angry robot" and notable tusks framing the lower air intake. The rear quarter view was the most visually appealing angle, resembling upscale Volvo designs. Inside, the Sport Touring trim offered leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details like a metal mesh covering the dashboard air vents, alongside a sturdy, soft-touch upper dashboard pad.

The Genesis GV80’s performance options were robust. The 2.5T model produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of larger V6 engines in competitor models like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Our test vehicle, the 3.5T model, sported a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rated this setup at 20 mpg combined, although we observed 17.2 mpg in our Southern California test route. Both engine options paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, making it proficient in varying driving conditions.

The driving experience in the GV80 3.5T was notably rewarding. The SUV was quiet and composed, yet surprisingly communicative, from the city streets to the highways. The vehicle featured built-in driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow, and could tow up to 6,000 pounds. Despite the luxury focus, the GV80 displayed an athletic character with firm grip, strong brakes, and adaptive damping suspension.

Conversely, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a more complex powertrain. The hybrid system combined an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to either the front or all four wheels. According to the EPA, the Sport Touring Hybrid's fuel economy was pegged at 37 mpg combined; however, our test yielded an unsatisfactory 32.4 mpg in mountainous conditions.

Despite the unique powertrain complexities, driving the CR-V Hybrid was hassle-free. The SUV felt quiet and manageable, providing a compliant ride quality with commendable grip and brakes that held up under strenuous conditions. In general, the CR-V Hybrid offered a simple, yet engaging driving experience.

The Genesis GV80 and Honda CR-V Hybrid both offered spacious interiors but suited different needs. The GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only trim with a third-row seat, while our test vehicle in the Prestige Signature trim seated only four passengers due to its luxurious second-row captain’s chairs. Premium materials featured prominently inside, from artificial leather and standard heated front seats to premium diamond-stitched Nappa leather in the Prestige trims.

However, practical comfort was lacking. The GV80's seats felt firm and uncomfortable during long drives, and the limited second-row legroom restricted its utility. Cargo capacity was impressive, though, with 34.9 cubic feet available behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The large rear console in the Prestige Signature, however, complicated loading and unloading tasks.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in practical usability. All hybrid trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat offering excellent support, easy ingress, and egress, and comfortable seats both front and rear. The wide-opening rear doors made it a family-friendly option, especially for those with child seats. Rear legroom was generous with supportive seating and additional features like air conditioning vents and USB-C charging ports.

In terms of storage, the CR-V offered ample space. The Sport Touring Hybrid had a cargo capacity of 34.7 cubic feet with seats up and 76.5 cubic feet maximum with seats down. This made it one of the most commodious options in its class for carrying loads.

Technology was another area where the two vehicles diverged. The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured substantial technological content. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims showcased a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a subtle 3D effect, alongside a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The display, although large, was far enough to require the use of a control dial on the center console for most operations.

Standard tech features included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Genesis Connected Services. Additionally, the GV80 offered a Wi-Fi hot spot for the first time in 2024, and wireless smartphone charging was standard in the Prestige trims. The Prestige Signature trim added features like a digital key system and head-up display (HUD), making it a tech-savvy luxury SUV.

Conversely, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a more modest tech suite. The base Sport Hybrid trim featured a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a similarly sized touchscreen infotainment system. While higher trims added features, such as a 9-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in the Sport Touring trim, the basic interface and voice recognition capabilities remained lacking compared to Genesis.

Both vehicles came well-equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance features. The 2024 Genesis GV80 was decked out with systems such as Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. During our test drive, we found Highway Driving Assist effective but prone to excessive braking in heavy traffic. However, in less congested settings, it worked superbly. Importantly, the GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite receiving only a four-star rating for the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control among others. In practical tests, the system performed admirably, particularly the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. While the NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 model, the CR-V garnered a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for the previous year.