2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Genesis GV80

In the automotive market, few brands had dared to challenge the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it came to delivering a luxurious image. However, with the introduction of the 2024 Mazda CX-90, Mazda had firmly stepped into the luxury arena. The CX-90 adopted the elegant design language from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, and took it to a more imposing level with a length stretching over 200 inches. Its substantial presence was accentuated by a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The tasteful chrome trim added a touch of finesse to its already elegant demeanor.

Upon entering the CX-90, the luxury experience amplified. Top-tier models offered an interior that could easily rival the best names in luxury vehicles. Brown suede upholstery graced the dashboard, wood inlays adorned the center console, and even the black plastic elements were matte and subtle. This setup ensured that the interior of the CX-90 didn’t just look good but felt genuinely premium. Although not all trim levels offered such opulence, the overall design language remained stylish and comfortable across all configurations. In total, the CX-90 was available in 11 different trim levels, spanning three powertrains.

The GV80, on the other hand, made its own bold statement. Shoppers had the option between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Our top-tier GV80 3.5T test vehicle exuded sophistication with its optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job and dark chrome trim highlighting the sleek exterior. The sizeable 22-inch wheels’ striking design was somewhat masked by their black paint finish.

Inside, the GV80 showcased an Ultramarine Blue over Dune color theme, dripping with luxury through diamond-stitched Nappa leather, matte-finish wood trim, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen infotainment display further underlined its flagship status. While the GV80 radiated luxury, the look and feel of the Prestige Signature trim didn’t vastly surpass the regular Prestige trim, which might suit some buyers better.

Mazda’s big reveal for 2024 was the CX-90’s two new powertrains. For the first time, a Mazda SUV offered a plug-in hybrid option, targeting enhanced fuel economy and performance over the outgoing CX-9. Additionally, Mazda introduced two versions of an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base iteration produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. However, we got to experience the higher-spec CX-90 Turbo S, which boosted power to 340 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Off-Road—allowed customization, but the Turbo S especially shone in Sport mode with its exhilarating exhaust note and dynamic behavior. The new eight-speed automatic transmission, however, had some consistency issues, particularly in Sport mode, where gear holding and shifting occasionally felt erratic.

The plug-in hybrid variant combined a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, providing a total output of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While it couldn't match the Turbo S in terms of auditory excitement, it delivered a solid 26 miles of all-electric range and 56 MPGe in combined driving. Regardless of the powertrain, the CX-90 impressed with its agility through corners and maintained a solid feel, much like Mazda’s iconic MX-5 Miata.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: the 2.5T with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and the more powerful 3.5T with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 provided a more spirited drive but was notably thirstier, with our observed fuel economy at 17.2 mpg against the EPA’s 20 mpg combined estimate.

Both engines connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with five driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow—to cater to different driving conditions. Our experience driving from Los Angeles to San Diego underscored the GV80’s capability as a road-tripper, though its seats left something to be desired in terms of comfort during long journeys. In dynamic settings, the GV80 handled surprisingly well, especially with its adaptive damping suspension and robust brakes. However, the steering lacked the communicative feedback seen in the CX-90.

Mazda emphasized flexibility in the CX-90 with multiple trims and seating configurations. Entry-level models offered eight-passenger seating with a three-across arrangement in the second and third rows, while mid-level trims swapped the second-row bench for captain’s chairs. Higher trims provided a seven-passenger layout or a six-passenger setup in the top-tier Turbo S Premium and Premium Plus models.

Cargo space varied slightly depending on the configuration. Models with a two-seater third row offered 75.2 cubic feet in total, 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, and 40.1 cubic feet behind the second. The more common three-seater third row offered slightly less space: 74.2 cubic feet total, with 14.9 behind the third row and 40 cubic feet behind the second. These figures represented an improvement over the CX-9, but the CX-90 still lagged behind competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in cargo capacity and third-row legroom.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 prioritized luxury and seating comfort, but at the cost of passenger capacity. Only the 3.5T Advanced trim offered a third-row seat, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Prestige Signature version cut down the capacity to just four passengers due to the inclusion of opulent second-row captain’s chairs.

Despite the reduced capacity, the GV80’s cabin pampered passengers with high-quality materials and features like a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. However, the seats—a crucial comfort aspect—could feel harsh on longer trips. Cargo space in the GV80 was commendable, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, care was needed when loading items due to the rear center console’s height.

Mazda aimed to minimize distractions to ensure safety with its tech offerings. The Mazda Connect infotainment system eschewed a touchscreen in favor of a rotary control knob and hard buttons on the center console. While the intention was to reduce distractions, users often found the setup more cumbersome and distracting than a traditional touchscreen interface. However, the CX-90’s personalization feature utilizing facial recognition to auto-adjust settings for individual drivers was a significant boon.

Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims. Though Mazda’s own system necessitated using the rotary dial, these popular smartphone integration systems retained their touchscreen controls, vastly improving user experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 incorporated both analog and digital technologies. Standard across all trims was a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display that, while visually appealing and functional, was positioned far enough away that most users relied on the control dial located on the center console. This setup necessitated caution to avoid confusing it with the nearby transmission gear selector.

Technology in the GV80 included a comprehensive navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The introduction of a Wi-Fi hotspot bolstered the GV80’s connectivity offerings for 2024. Additionally, wireless smartphone charging was available, with the Prestige Signature trim extending this to the second row. Upscale features like a Lexicon premium sound system (soon to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen components in 2025) and a head-up display (HUD) that indicated blind-spot warnings were notable tech highlights.

Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) came standard on all CX-90 models. This package included features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, smart brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus also featured cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centering with adaptive cruise control for a supportive hands-on driving experience. While no crash tests had been conducted on the 2024 CX-90, expectations were high based on the stellar safety ratings of the outgoing CX-9.

Genesis equipped the GV80 with a comprehensive array of safety and driver assistance features. Among the highlights were the Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). During testing, HDA showed its merit in light or dense traffic but was less effective in heavy, fast-moving traffic due to frequent lane changes by other drivers causing abrupt braking and acceleration. The Blind-Spot View Monitor enhanced lane-change safety by displaying a video feed in the instrument panel, complementing the HUD’s blind-spot warnings and active blind-spot tech.

The GV80’s collision-avoidance features add a significant layer of safety, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test rated four stars for both driver and passenger.