2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a plethora of options depending on the desired engine: either a 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) or the 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6). Buyers could choose from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trim levels, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, adding a $1,350 destination charge on top. The top-tier Prestige Signature model that we tested sported an elegant Matterhorn White Matte finish, upgrading its MSRP to $84,600, including destination.

Interestingly, the Prestige Signature models featured exterior colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, or exclusive Mauna Red, accented with dark chrome trim and a 22-inch wheel design, creating a sleek, almost invisible look under the black paint. Despite being the premium version, the exterior allure wasn’t more captivating than the standard Prestige model. The wheel design, crucial to a vehicle's appearance, lost its details under the dark paint.

Nevertheless, the interior was exceptionally lavish, characterized by a rich Ultramarine Blue over Dune tone. Premium diamond-stitched Nappa leather seats, artificial leather-wrapped dashboard, matte wood trim, a suede headliner, and metallic accents exuded luxury. Advanced features like ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and an expansive touchscreen underscored the GV80’s status as Genesis' flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its stylish appeal from its 2017 design, which had aged gracefully. Our test car, a new Carbon Turbo trim, showcased the new-for-2024 Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts and a black headliner. The CX-5, too, had undergone several enhancements, including improved fuel economy for the base engine, the introduction of wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in multiple trims.

The CX-5 lineup offered a mix of 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models. The base model shipped with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the Turbo variants boasted a powerful 256-hp (227-hp on regular gas) 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Priced between $29,300 and $40,600, the CX-5 catered to a wide audience. The interiors of our Carbon Turbo trim stood out with sleek materials and design, proving that even a compact crossover could look and feel luxurious.

The GV80 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, it outperformed some V6 engines from competing models like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. On the other hand, our tested 3.5T model featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered an impressive 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque but was notably fuel-thirsty. It achieved an EPA-rated 20 mpg in combined driving, although our tests revealed a mere 17.2 mpg.

Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV80 also offered diverse driving modes, such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow, and an 8.1-inch ground clearance with a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The overall driving experience was unexpectedly pleasant with swift acceleration, though the steering didn’t impress much.

The Mazda CX-5 Turbo generated 256 hp with premium gas and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas at 500 rpm sooner. However, its turbocharged engine required a gentler press for optimum performance and delivered subpar fuel efficiency with an observed 22.9 mpg versus an EPA rating of 24 mpg.

From the driver’s seat, the CX-5 provided excellent visibility and a tall, narrow feel, contrasting with the CX-50's low and wide driver perspective. Mazda also improved the CX-5’s suspension, frame, and handling, ensuring a refined driving experience. The CX-5 tackled highways quietly, city roads firmly, and mountain paths with stability, featuring a decent 7.9 inches of ground clearance and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2024 GV80 offered a third-row seat only in the 3.5T Advanced trim, limiting the Prestige Signature to four seats due to the luxurious second-row captain’s chairs separated by a large console. This limitation forced us to leave it behind for a family trip to Santa Monica in favor of a Jeep Gladiator.

Depending on the trim, the GV80’s interior included various leather grades and standout amenities like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door window shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle was richly equipped with a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and innovative seating features, although sustained comfort was an issue, leading to an uncomfortable trip that required frequent breaks. Despite constrained legroom in the second row, the GV80 offered commendable storage, with 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with folded seats. However, the Prestige Signature's elaborate center console posed loading challenges.

In comparison, the CX-5’s standard heated front seats were redesigned for comfort and support, featuring six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and manually adjustable passenger seat height. Higher trims, including the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 S Premium Plus, boasted a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats. While the CX-5's interior felt snug, it could comfortably accommodate four adults.

With rear air conditioning vents, a center fold-down armrest, and soft front seatback materials, passengers enjoyed satisfactory comfort. However, the CX-5 fell short in cargo capacity, offering 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.3 cubic feet when folded, less than most rivals in its class.

The 2024 GV80 featured both traditional analog gauges and digital displays. The Prestige trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D effect. The standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though large, was mounted far from reach, requiring the use of a console-mounted control dial.

Standard infotainment features included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, and a secondary wireless charging feature in the Prestige Signature completed the tech package. The system's voice recognition was reliable, and the interface was user-friendly, with a digital key system for remote access and a premium sound system complementing the luxurious ambiance.

Mazda, on the other hand, shunned extensive touchscreen usage due to distraction concerns, favoring traditional switchgear for primary functions. The CX-5’s 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available in select trims. Its console-based infotainment control, reminiscent of older Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz systems, was intuitive but lacked the modern conversational voice control of its competitors. Pairing smartphones to run Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for ease of use.

The GV80 included comprehensive advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) such as Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). Our extensive testing of HDA during a trip to San Diego revealed its efficiency except in high-speed moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and remote parking system provided significant convenience and safety, with cameras aiding blind-spot visibility and autonomous parking capabilities. The GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA overall rating, though it received a four-star rating for the frontal-impact tests.

The CX-5 was equipped with essential ADAS like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims included adaptive headlights, a traffic sign recognition system, and Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature trim offered additional safety features like driver monitoring and surround-view cameras. Though standard ADAS performed well, particularly lane departure and lane-keeping aids, the CX-5 hadn’t attained an updated Top Safety Pick designation in 2024 but earned five-star ratings from NHTSA.