2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

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. The test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim was available in exclusive colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and Mauna Red, complemented by dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature's exterior was considered less attractive than the Prestige model.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., embracing crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack. The test car's Crimson Red Pearl paint paired well with its black leather interior, though earthy shades were preferred. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to a niche market that paid off with the Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester being top sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with trims like Base and Premium featuring cloth upholstery and 17-inch wheels, while higher trims like Onyx and Wilderness offered StarTex synthetic leather. The Limited trim gained features like a power moonroof and Subaru’s DriverFocus tech. The Touring XT trim, tested, boasted Nappa leather and ventilated front seats, offering a well-executed interior with practical use of space.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some rivals' larger V6 engines. The 3.5T test vehicle featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but with a thirstier fuel consumption of 17.2 mpg observed, compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering wheel's two-spoke design added comfort for long drives, though it was set to be replaced by a three-spoke design in 2025.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in XT trims, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas, with power routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though not at performance car levels. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 9.5 inches and adding a front skid plate. The Outback's smooth and comfortable ride was complemented by light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology and CVT's slow response during transitions were noted as drawbacks.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only trim with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature offered seating for four with second-row captain’s chairs. The lack of passenger capacity meant the GV80 was left behind for a family trip, despite its luxurious interior. Depending on the trim, the GV80 featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard features like 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 programs. 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 seats folded, though the rear center console required careful loading.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a lower roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for quick direction changes. The cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 with it folded, slightly smaller than some crossovers but with a flat floor and square shape for maximum utility. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet was larger than its crossover competition, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test drive different trims, as the differences in driving experience were notable. The standard towing capacity of 2,700 pounds increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver made the center console's control dial more practical. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Wi-Fi hotspot available for the first time. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with the Prestige Signature adding it in the second row. The GV80's digital key system allowed smartphone unlocking and starting, and most trims had a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature included a head-up display (HUD) showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless functionality except for the base model. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system worked well, though navigational commands limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, with some functions requiring touchscreen access. The 2025 Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA worked well in light or slow-moving traffic but was less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology in the 2025 Outback included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The system kept the Outback in its lane but with more side-to-side movement than desired. Higher trims had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which worked as intended. The DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, and the 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.