2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet impactful changes. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model, adorned in the new "Pluton Blue" paint, presented a sharp look. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though the test model featured the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury, especially in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim. The test vehicle, with its Matterhorn White Matte paint, showcased a sophisticated exterior, though the dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels were less visible due to the black paint. Inside, the GV80's Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was lavish, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and matte-finish wood trim. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display emphasized its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature's exterior was not deemed more attractive than the Prestige model.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, though it exhibited some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine 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 featured upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, enhancing its performance. The GV80 delivered a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. The adaptive damping suspension and powerful V6 engine contributed to its athleticism, though the steering was unremarkable.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim accommodated four people with its second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured artificial, real, or premium leather, depending on the trim level. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle boasted a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume, tuning, and climate, with a responsive screen and logical layout. The SX trim offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display across all models, though its placement encouraged the use of a control dial on the center console. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot in 2024, with wireless smartphone charging standard. The Prestige Signature added second-row wireless charging. The GV80's infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with an intuitive user interface. The digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, highway driving assist, and a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

The Genesis GV80 featured numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, such as a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). 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 video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80's Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed autonomous parking, even when the driver was outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.