2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T 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 test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in Prestige Signature trim, featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim offered exclusive exterior colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design, though the black paint obscured the wheel details. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Despite its opulence, the recommendation leaned towards the regular Prestige trim for better value.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic with a large grille, prominent air intakes, and high-mounted headlights. While the exterior design was more evolutionary than revolutionary, it maintained a familiar look. Trim levels included Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights available on higher trims. The Q5 offered both standard SUV and Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant featured enhanced power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q5's design was detailed but somewhat discordant, with high-quality materials and standard leather seating. The SQ5 offered sportier seats and Alcantara trim, though the piano-black plastic around the cupholders was prone to dirt.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T delivered a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. However, the steering was unremarkable, and the vehicle's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, with observed mileage at 17.2 mpg. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes contributed to its athletic performance.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission. The Q5's steel-spring suspension with passive damping provided capable handling, while the SQ5's air suspension offered sportier tuning. However, the steering lacked feedback, and the Q5's handling was competent but not sporty. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim offered seating for four with second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured a mix of artificial and premium leather, with standard heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the previous model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. A sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with higher trims adding a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The Q5's towing capacity reached 4,400 pounds, exceeding some competitors.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged use of the center console's control dial. Standard features included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was introduced in 2024, and wireless smartphone charging was standard. The Prestige Signature trim added a second-row charging pad and a head-up display. The GV80's digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims included a Lexicon premium sound system.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with the Prestige trim adding a 10.9-inch passenger screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models included a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. An available head-up display provided essential information, and the Dynamic Interaction Light offered additional visual cues.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact tests earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.