2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Kia Sorento

When examining the 2024 Genesis GV80, buyers had the option between the 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) and 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6) models. Trim levels included Standard, Advanced, Prestige, and Prestige Signature, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination fee. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the Prestige Signature trim, featured Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing its cost to $84,600.

The Prestige Signature model of the GV80 was available in Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and Mauna Red, all paired with dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheel designs. Despite its upscale features, we didn’t find the Signature model more visually appealing than the regular Prestige, largely due to the nearly invisible wheel details.

Inside, the GV80’s Ultramarine Blue and Dune interior exhibited a luxurious feel with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a faux leather 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 reinforced the GV80’s high-end status. However, we suggested sticking with the regular Prestige trim for a better value.

In 2024, the Kia Sorento underwent its first significant visual update since its 2021 debut. Drawing design cues from the popular Telluride and new EV9, the revised Sorento featured a robust front end, new taillights, and an upscale, modern cockpit. The new front design, with vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like DRLs, made the Sorento appear larger and more imposing. There were also subtle rear updates with redesigned bumpers and taillights on higher trims. New wheel designs complemented the exterior changes.

Trim levels for the Sorento included LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, with the off-road-inspired X-Line and new X-Pro packages offered on higher trims. The X-Line and X-Pro provided a rugged aesthetic with blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint options, making them cleaner-looking alternatives to competitors like the Subaru Outback Wilderness.

Inside, the Sorento received a new dashboard and interior tweaks, including a horizontally expansive dash reminiscent of the EV9. A single pane of glass combined the gauge cluster and infotainment screens, with twin 12.3-inch displays standard on higher trims. Materials throughout the cabin felt more upscale, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching adding a touch of luxury.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered robust performance, particularly in the 3.5T model. The base 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some larger V6 engines in competitors like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Our test vehicle, the 3.5T, had a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, this engine was thirsty, achieving 17.2 mpg in real-world testing against an EPA estimate of 20 mpg combined.

Both engines in the GV80 were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering five selectable driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. The GV80 had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and adaptive damping suspension for enhanced handling.

During our test drive, the GV80 3.5T provided a rewarding experience with swift acceleration and a good sense of the road surface, despite a somewhat firm ride. It excelled in diverse driving conditions, from urban settings to mountain roads, showcasing commendable grip and braking performance.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled with the Sorento’s weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite turbo engines’ noisy nature, they offered improved acceleration and passing power.

Front-wheel drive was standard on the Sorento, with all-wheel drive available as an option. AWD models, particularly those with the X-Line package, gained additional ground clearance (up to 8.2 inches) and styling enhancements without compromising on-road performance.

The Sorento felt bigger from behind the wheel but didn’t sacrifice handling, offering confident cornering and well-weighted steering. The brakes were effective with minimal fade. The X-Line and X-Pro models stood out for their off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro’s reduced wheel size and all-terrain tires providing a smoother ride and better grip in challenging conditions.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model to offer a third-row seat, with the Prestige Signature accommodating only four passengers due to its power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. This limited passenger capacity made it less practical for larger families.

The GV80 featured various levels of leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door window shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test model also included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage and power adjustments. However, the seats were firm and uncomfortable on longer journeys.

With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, the GV80 offered ample storage. The Prestige Signature’s rear center console required careful loading to avoid damage.

The 2024 Kia Sorento maintained its comfortable cabin for the first two rows but had a tight third row with 29.6 inches of legroom. Despite this, it offered advantages over smaller three-row SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan and wasn’t much less roomy than larger alternatives like the Toyota Highlander.

With 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 41.7 inches in the second row, the Sorento provided more usable space than most two-row SUVs in its class. The seats were comfortable, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated options. Though the third row was cramped for adults, it was suitable for children and provided flexibility for occasional extra passengers.

The Sorento’s cargo capacity included 12.6 cubic feet with the third row up, 38.5 to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 72.1 cubic feet with both rows down. This was competitive in its class, with higher trims also featuring a power liftgate.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 retained analog gauges for one more year, with upcoming models set to transition to a digital instrument display. Prestige and Prestige Signature trims featured a 12.3-inch digital display with a 3D effect.

All GV80 models came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, controlled via a dial on the center console. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Starting in 2024, a Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding second-row charging.

Streaming music via Bluetooth was easy, and the voice-recognition system was user-friendly. A digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims featured a Lexicon sound system, replaced by Bang & Olufsen in 2025. Prestige trims also included a head-up display showing blind-spot warnings.

The Kia Sorento’s new twin-screen setup integrated a 12.3-inch infotainment screen into the dashboard, with SX and SX-Prestige trims adding a second 12.3-inch gauge cluster display. The updated software, Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCnC), prioritized popular features and simplified operation.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. All trims offered numerous USB-C outlets and an auxiliary jack. The Bose 12-speaker surround sound system on SX-Prestige models provided impressive audio quality, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed keyless access and control via smartphones or NFC cards.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, such as a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist, though it could be less smooth in heavy traffic.

The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds of blind spots during lane changes, while the HUD and standard blind-spot warning provided added safety. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed autonomous parking, even with the driver outside the vehicle.

The GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite four-star ratings for driver and passenger frontal impacts.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured Kia’s updated Drivewise suite, with standard adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, intersection assistance, lane-following and keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Advanced options included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes.

Kia’s adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behavior, though extreme weather conditions could obstruct sensors. Optional safety features included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror on SX-Prestige trims.

The 2024 Sorento received “Good” ratings in several IIHS tests, though its LATCH system earned an “Acceptable” rating. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model but previously rated the 2021-2023 models with four stars overall.