2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 was available in two models, the 2.5T, sporting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the 3.5T, featuring a twin-turbocharged V6. Shoppers had the choice of four trim levels: Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our GV80 3.5T test vehicle was in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim and dressed in an elegant Matterhorn White Matte paint, pushing the price to $84,600 including destination.

The Prestige Signature models offered three distinctive exterior colors — Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and exclusive Mauna Red. These were complemented by dark chrome trim and sleek 22-inch wheels that were almost obscured by black paint. However, the aesthetic of the Prestige Signature wasn't universally appealing; wheel design played a crucial role in vehicle appearance, and the nearly invisible details might disappoint some enthusiasts.

The interior, though, was luxurious. The Ultramarine Blue over Dune cabin featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, artificial leather dashboard wrap, matte-finish wood trim, and a suede headliner. Metallic-finish accents added a touch of elegance, while ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored the GV80’s luxury status. Despite its undeniable opulence, some might prefer the more visible detailing of the regular Prestige model.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50, a rugged counterpart to the Mazda CX-5, offered a fresh design approach. The CX-50 was 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch compared to the CX-5. Its broad-shouldered design was accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents under the headlights and taillights.

For 2024, the CX-50 featured eight trim levels: 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Lower trims sported 17-inch wheels, while higher grades enjoyed 20-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, further portrayed Mazda’s active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The optional Apex Package added a roof platform and splash guards, placing it on par with adventure-ready competitors like the Kia Sportage X-Pro and Subaru Forester Wilderness, though no suspension upgrades were included to enhance off-road capability.

The CX-50 Meridian Edition presented an earthy color palette with Polymetal Gray Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint and Terracotta leather upholstery, lending a rugged aesthetic. The interior maintained a high standard with a well-placed infotainment screen, impressive material quality, and minimal piano black plastic, ensuring durability. Despite these attributes, Mazda’s aspiration to upscale branding was still in progress, with the base half-leatherette seats and manual front-seat adjustments revealing its traditional market positioning.

The Genesis GV80 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some larger V6 engines in competitor models like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Our test model, the GV80 3.5T, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided robust performance but was fuel-thirsty, with an EPA-rated 20 mpg in combined driving, while our real-world observation was 17.2 mpg.

An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive were paired with both engines. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow driving modes. All GV80 models had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and could tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 3.5T model also offered upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension.

Driving the GV80 3.5T was a rewarding experience. It was quiet yet provided a good sense of the road, balancing luxury and sportiness. Acceleration was swift, making freeway merges and passing easy. The adaptive damping suspension and all-season tires supplied commendable grip, while larger brakes resisted fade under repeated use. One downside was the seat comfort during long journeys, compounded by the manual reactivation necessity of the massage function.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo engine produced up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane.

A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard across the board. The CX-50 offered Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with a Towing mode available on turbo models, enhancing towing capacity from the standard 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds.

Despite sharing powertrains with the CX-5, the CX-50 delivered a different driving experience. While the CX-5 maintained Mazda’s “Zoom Zoom” sporting dynamics, the CX-50 felt more aligned with segment norms. It was a competent daily driver but lacked the excitement to inspire extended drives. The all-terrain tires on our Meridian Edition were effective in mud or snow but offered limited grip and higher noise levels on regular roads. Additionally, the Meridian Edition’s roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds, and while the vehicle was generally well-mannered, this model felt louder and less smooth compared to other trims.

In 2024, only the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced included a third-row seat, unlike earlier models where the Prestige offered extra passenger capacity. The Prestige Signature trim went further, seating only four due to power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs separated by a large console. This limitation meant missing out on some family trips, despite the luxurious interior.

Depending on the trim, the GV80 featured artificial, real, or premium leather. Standard amenities included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door window shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test model came loaded with a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, ventilated front seats with massage functions, and heated and ventilated rear captain’s chairs.

Despite these luxurious features, the seats were a sticking point. The diamond-stitched surfaces felt uncomfortable over long drives, necessitating breaks due to discomfort. Rear legroom wasn’t impressive, and while reclining seats added comfort, extensive leg stretching wasn't possible. On the plus side, the GV80 offered substantial cargo space: 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with seats folded down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slight variations in headroom and legroom. It closely matched rivals like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage in these metrics, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 in rear-seat legroom by two inches. Cargo space in the CX-50 was slightly more generous than in the CX-5 with the rear seats up, offering 31.4 cubic feet, and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded, though it trailed behind many competitors.

The cargo area access was eased by an available power liftgate, but its rugged appearance didn’t extend to adding functionality. The cargo area wasn’t ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform's height could challenge shorter users. While the Meridian Edition would benefit from more durable materials, the layout was generally practical with adequate storage. The substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console demonstrated that console space need not be overly compromised.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display across all models, though its distant placement often led to using the central control dial. Standard infotainment features included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Genesis Connected Services, and, new for 2024, a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding this feature for the second row. The 3D effect of the 12.3-inch digital instrument display in Prestige trims added a subtle touch of sophistication.

Genesis included a digital key system for smartphone unlocking and starting, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system, with a swap to Bang & Olufsen components planned for 2025. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims also had a head-up display (HUD) showing blind-spot warnings, enhancing overall driver awareness.

In comparison, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen across all trims but without touch functionality. Instead, the system was operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired), with higher trims offering wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller, while unconventional, offered some physical feedback, allowing easier use without diverting attention from the road.

Though the CX-50’s system seemed dated with plain graphics and basic functions, it appealed to those preferring simplicity over excessive tech. For users of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native system’s limitations were less impactful, focusing on practicality over high-tech sophistication.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features. Highlights included a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). During our test drive, the HDA system was most effective in lighter traffic conditions, providing a sophisticated and relatively smooth driving experience.

The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed live video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing lane change safety when combined with traditional blind-spot warning systems and HUD alerts. Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed parallel or perpendicular parking control even from outside the vehicle, using the remote key fob for command.

The GV80 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, it received a four-star rating for frontal impacts.

The Mazda CX-50 also came well-equipped with safety features, receiving a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It earned top scores in all crash tests, an excellent rating for optional headlights, and the highest score for front-crash prevention in daytime pedestrian tests. However, it scored lower in nighttime pedestrian detection and received average ratings for standard headlights.

The NHTSA awarded the CX-50 a five-star rating in frontal crashes and a four-star rating for rollovers, but complete 2024 ratings weren’t available. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more, with optional rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.