2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Prices varied from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featuring an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job, bringing the MSRP to $84,600, including destination. The Prestige Signature models came in exclusive colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and Mauna Red, paired with dark chrome trim and a 22-inch wheel design. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Prestige Signature's exterior was relatively plain, but the interior was lavish, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display, underscoring its status as a flagship Genesis SUV.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, connecting it visually to other Land Rover models. The interior, however, was more rugged and adventure-ready, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more soft-touch materials. Offered in three body styles—two-door 90, four-door 110, and extended-wheelbase 130—the Defender came in various trims, including S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S test vehicle featured the County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics, embracing a throwback style. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, with options for premium Windsor leather upholstery and a power-retractable cloth roof.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some rivals' larger V6 engines. The 3.5T test vehicle featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying performance but with a thirstier fuel consumption, achieving 17.2 mpg on a Southern California evaluation loop. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender's towing capacity reached up to 7,716 pounds with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder powertrains. The most powerful V8 in the Defender 110 Carpathian Edition accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the Defender X featured an adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system for impressive off-road capabilities.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature held only four people due to its power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs. The GV80 featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof and triple-zone climate control, but the seats were uncomfortable on long trips. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the rear center console in the Prestige Signature required careful loading.

The Land Rover Defender blended luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity ranged from five to eight passengers, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children. The Defender 130 provided more space, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 76.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row in the two-row version, while the three-row configuration had 10.7 cubic feet behind the third row. The two-door Defender 90 provided 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 58.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial on the center console for ease of use. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was graphically pleasing and intuitive.

The Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup provided a blend of refinement and utility, with home buttons on the touchscreen for easy navigation.

The Genesis GV80 came with numerous standard and available advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for the driver and passenger seating positions.

The Land Rover Defender included standard driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were a bit touchy, but could be deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.