2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Buyers could select from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trims, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim came with exclusive exterior colors and dark chrome trim, but the nearly invisible 22-inch wheel design left something to be desired. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing the GV80's status as a flagship Genesis SUV.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged yet customizable design. The Defender 90 appeared stubby, while the 130 seemed visually heavy, but the 110 four-door struck a balance. Base prices ranged from $58,525 for a 90 to $120,525 for a 130 V8, including a $1,625 destination charge. The new Defender OCTA, available only as a 110, was priced at $153,625. Our Defender 130 test vehicle, in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials, with an MSRP of $106,092. The test model, dressed in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and the color clashed with the orange brake calipers. Inside, the Defender X boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial theme that emphasized purpose over luxury.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some larger V6 engines in rival models. Our test vehicle, the 3.5T, housed a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. While this powertrain provided satisfying performance, it was thirsty, with an observed fuel economy of 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering five driving modes. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, one of four powertrain options. Coupled with a mild-hybrid system, it produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport and manual shift modes connected to a standard AWD system with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Defender 130 cruised comfortably but struggled with twisty mountain roads due to its 5,685-pound curb weight and fluid steering. The observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg, slightly below the expected 19 mpg.

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 power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The interior featured artificial, real, or premium leather, depending on the trim level, with standard heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were uncomfortable on 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 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. The test vehicle had heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs and a four-zone climate control system. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row seat accessibility and comfort, with a side-hinged cargo door and a high load floor. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver encouraged the use of a control dial on the center console. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available for the first time in 2024. The Prestige Signature trim added wireless smartphone charging in the second row. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing graphical interface and a digital key system. Most trims had a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display (HUD) showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Pivi Pro system, previously criticized for its slow response and convoluted interface, performed well during testing, with accurate voice command recognition and an intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system impressed, and the test vehicle included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous 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 testing, HDA worked well in light or dense, slow-moving traffic but was less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80's collision-avoidance tech was complemented by a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. A Driver Assistance Mode menu allowed customization of assistance levels. The lane-keep assist decisively corrected potential lane departures, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. The adaptive cruise and lane-centering assist operated transparently, though it struggled slightly in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time.