2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a slight update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique and appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim displaying the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim featuring matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims boasted larger, machine-finished wheels. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel unexpected from a brand known for capability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury, especially in the Prestige Signature trim with its Matterhorn White Matte paint. This trim offered exclusive exterior colors and dark chrome trim, paired with stylish 22-inch wheels. However, the wheel design's details were obscured by the black paint, diminishing their visual impact. The GV80's interior was a testament to opulence, featuring Ultramarine Blue over Dune with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. The ambient lighting, 3D digital instrument cluster, and wide touchscreen display further emphasized its status as a flagship luxury SUV. Despite its luxurious interior, the GV80's exterior design in the Prestige Signature trim was not deemed more attractive than the regular Prestige model.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT test car, with its turbo engine, provided a more satisfying driving experience compared to the base engine, which felt underpowered. The CVT mimicked the sound and feel of eight distinct gears, enhancing the driving experience. The Outback's suspension and reasonably sized wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T test vehicle provided a more satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, achieving 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured five driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, offering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from the P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering was unremarkable but did not detract from the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek proportions. It provided more headroom and legroom in the front compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature availability was notable, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. The Touring trim offered ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which was particularly effective. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature offered seating for four with luxurious second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured a mix of artificial and premium leather, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 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 not as comfortable as expected, with the diamond-stitched surfaces feeling like bubble wrap. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear center console limited cargo loading.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring was the only trim to feature a CD player, appealing to those who appreciated old-school features. The top-trim test car boasted an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, while the base trim retained a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless capability starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity were standard on most trims, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on all but the base and Premium trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial on the center console for ease of use. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot for 2024, with wireless smartphone charging standard. The Prestige Signature added second-row wireless charging. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was graphically pleasing with minimal glare. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Outback's safety features included reverse automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, automatic pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with 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 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 IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.