2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

When it came to appearance and ambiance, the 2024 Genesis GV80 was a study in luxury and style. Shoppers could choose between the 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) and 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6) engines, with trim levels that ranged from Standard to the highly premium Prestige Signature. The price tag started from $57,700 and could soar up to $81,750, excluding a $1,350 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, the GV80 3.5T, arrived in the high-end Prestige Signature trim. Adorned in Matterhorn White Matte paint, the MSRP hit $84,600, destination charge included. Exterior color options like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and an exclusive Mauna Red provided an elegant palette. However, this classy exterior was somewhat let down by the nearly invisible black-painted 22-inch wheels, detracting from its visual appeal. Interestingly, the regular Prestige trim seemed almost more attractive due to its visible wheel details.

Inside, the GV80 stunned with an Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. Plush diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, a luxurious leather-wrapped dashboard, matte-finish wood trim, and metallic accents were nothing short of decadent. The cabin was bathed in soft ambient lighting and equipped with a 3D digital instrument cluster and a broad touchscreen infotainment system, reinforcing its flagship status.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a different kind of luxury, one marked by practicality and a subdued, earthy aesthetic. The XC90 series included B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, which had escalating levels of performance and eco-friendliness. Prices ranged from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge.

Our Recharge T8 test vehicle featured the seven-seat Ultimate trim, coming with the Lounge Package and a luxurious Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The MSRP was a lofty $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's refined exterior color palette adhered to a practical luxury ideal, favoring rich but demure tones and 21-inch wheels that offered an elegant alternative to the blacked-out trend.

Inside, the XC90's design was somewhat dated but still sophisticated, especially with the wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trims. The Orrefors crystal shift knob provided an added touch of class. Volvo also excelled in giving buyers the freedom to customize their vehicle with varied paint, wheel, and upholstery options.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Genesis GV80's two engine options catered to different needs. The 2.5T model came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offering a respectable 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It's worth noting that this engine provided more power than some competitors' V6 engines. However, our test vehicle featured the more potent twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, churning out 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Though it delivered a thrilling drive, it guzzled fuel, managing just 17.2 mpg in real-world driving—less than the EPA's 20 mpg estimate.

Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, allowing drivers to choose from five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the GV80 felt as capable off-road as it did on. Upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension enhanced the 3.5T model's driving experience, making it surprisingly athletic for its size.

Our GV80 test drive included a full loop from the northwestern suburbs of Los Angeles to San Diego. The vehicle excelled in terms of road presence and overall comfort, although the driver's seat became uncomfortable due to inadequate massage function reactivation. Its performance on mountain roads was impressive, with commendable grip and upgraded brakes that resisted fade even after extensive use.

On the flip side, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 represented a perfect blend of performance and eco-friendliness. By combining an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid produced a jaw-dropping 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The components worked seamlessly to deliver power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all wheels.

A notable feature was its electric-only range of 32 miles. Driven as a hybrid, it managed 27 mpg on average in combined driving. In Power mode, the XC90 surged from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated five seconds. Charging the XC90 was easy; it fully charged in about 12 hours using a standard household outlet or six hours with a 240-volt outlet.

Mode options like Pure, Hybrid, Power, Constant AWD, and Off-Road provided flexibility. During our test in Southern California's mid-90s heat, the XC90 Recharge T8 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, delivering only 28 miles of electric driving and 24.5 mpg after the gas engine kicked in. Nonetheless, it performed admirably during regular suburban commutes almost entirely on electric power.

Once its battery neared depletion, the XC90 Recharge's performance waned, necessitating gentle acceleration to avoid triggering the gas engine. The combined powertrain proved lively and sounded good, but the driving experience took a hit due to 21-inch wheels that compromised the ride quality and an aging vehicle architecture that allowed more vibration into the cabin than desired. Oddly enough, its steering wasn't particularly sharp or engaging, though you could still hustle it through the Santa Monica Mountains with a decent grip from its Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires.

Regarding interior comfort, the 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model in its lineup that featured a third-row seat. Sadly, the Prestige Signature was skimpier, accommodating just four passengers due to its lavish, power-adjustable captain's chairs in the second row. This lack of passenger capacity became a noticeable disadvantage, especially when a family celebration required more seating.

Interior materials varied from artificial to premium leather, depending on the trim level. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle also sported a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. Still, the seats proved uncomfortable over long distances due to their diamond-stitched surfaces that resembled bubble wrap more than leather.

Cramped second-row legroom detracted from the overall comfort, but the cabin’s storage space was praiseworthy. Cargo capacity stood at 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and could expand to a significant 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. However, the rear center console in the Prestige Signature trim posed a challenge when loading bulky items.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered practical luxury and thoughtful design across its trim levels. Core trim was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. As trim levels escalated to Plus and Ultimate, additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massaging functions, and rear door sunshades were included.

However, there were practical quirks. The front seats' lower leg support bolsters could catch on clothing, preventing smooth entry, and the climate control struggled to maintain a cool cabin in Pure mode until the gas engine kicked in.

The XC90 could seat up to seven or six with optional captain's chairs in the second row. Accessing the third row was tight, but those seats were reasonably comfortable. Although interior storage was merely adequate, Volvo did well with cargo space, offering 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows stowed.

Technology in the 2024 Genesis GV80 was robust but evolving. Analog gauges were set to disappear after 2024, replaced by a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument display in higher trims. A 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system came standard but was mounted far from the driver, making the center console’s round control dial essential for usability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wired, but Bluetooth streaming and voice recognition worked smoothly. Genesis Connected Services and a head-up display were other notable perks.

On the other hand, the 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant for voice commands. This system greatly enhanced the XC90’s infotainment experience with intuitive operations despite its relatively smaller screen size. Standard Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio, along with options for either a Harman Kardon or a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, made it musically versatile.

Volvo’s XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrument panel and an available head-up display, supplemented by a surround-view camera system to aid parking and maneuvering.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 excelled in safety, packed with advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) like Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. During our drive, the Highway Driving Assist functioned well in light or slow-moving traffic but struggled in more complex conditions. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and head-up display were particularly beneficial, adding tangible value to the overall safety package.

Receiving top marks from safety organizations, the GV80 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored four stars in the frontal-impact tests for driver and passenger positions.

For the 2024 Volvo XC90, safety was a renowned hallmark. It earned five-star ratings from NHTSA in almost all assessments and was a Top Safety Pick+ in the previous year’s IIHS ratings.

However, its ADAS features fell short of innovation. Pilot Assist struggled with complex driving conditions, but essential safety functions like large-animal detection and traffic movement alerts were included. Despite not offering hands-free driving assistance, the core safety functionalities were reliable though not groundbreaking.