2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In 2024, the Volvo XC90 came in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series. Each version offered a unique take on performance with a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine for the B5, a supercharged addition for the B6, and the most powerful option being the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Volvo's XC90 trims included Core, Plus, and Ultimate, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Recharge T8 Ultimate trim, boasted seven-passenger seating and was equipped with the Lounge Package, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, totaling $89,145.

Volvo's exterior design was refined, emphasizing earthy tones and practicality. It offered wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, often contrasting bright themes against the mainstream blacked-out trend. Inside, while the design felt dated, the materials were luxurious, especially in the Ultimate trim with options like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Genesis GV70 made its mark through a sleek design, avoiding the ostentation found in some of its siblings, like the GV80 or GV60. Signature Genesis features—like split headlights and a large grille—carried forward, but the GV70 held a distinctive, almost hatchback-like rear profile and large, round exhaust outlets in the Sport Prestige trim. The available 21-inch wheels further punctuated its bold look.

Compared to rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the GV70 fused size, presence, and luxury style seamlessly. The Electrified GV70, while more discreet, stood out with its intricate grille doubling as a charging port. Genesis' interior design was distinct, blending traditional luxurious elements like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof with modern touches, housing controls in an elliptical pod.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the B6 model. Together, they offered 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, working through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This plug-in hybrid could travel 32 miles on electric power alone and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode.

Recharging the Recharge T8 varied from 12 hours on a standard outlet to under six hours using a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. Driver modes like Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road allowed versatility from fuel efficiency to tackling tough terrains with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. Despite the promise, real-world tests saw only 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg in fuel economy under the sweltering heat of Southern California.

The driving experience wasn’t flawless; while acceleration was powerful, thanks to the electric motor and turbocharging, the handling remained more luxurious than sporty. The firm ride quality, noticeable shimmy, and cabin noise detracted from the luxury experience one might expect for near $90,000.

On the other side, the 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission was common, with AWD standard across gasoline variants.

The Electrified GV70 added an all-wheel-drive system powered by front and rear electric motors, producing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" delivering 483 hp momentarily. Despite the high power, both gasoline and electric models showed limitations in cornering, especially compared to more agile competitors like the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. The heavier weight of the Electrified GV70 didn’t notably worsen the handling compared to gasoline variants, but the ride quality felt compromised over road imperfections.

The electrified model allowed for adjustable regenerative braking via steering-wheel paddles, providing a versatile driving experience. However, the EPA-rated 236-mile range made it imperative for potential buyers to consider their charging logistics.

Even the base 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 came well-equipped. Core trim featured power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with air purification. The panoramic roof added a touch of luxury, especially with its one-touch sunshade control.

Higher trims like Plus and Ultimate introduced features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded lighting, among others. The front seats, although comfortable, had an unusual design where the lower leg supports sometimes hindered easy access.

The seven-passenger seating arrangement, or a six-passenger option with captain’s chairs, provided versatility. However, during the hot test day, the climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool in Pure mode until the gas engine engaged. Cargo space was generous, offering 65.5 cubic feet with the third row down and extending to 85.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 displayed commendable interior space for its class, despite having slightly less headroom than some of its competitors. Front-seat and second-row legroom figures were competitive, though nuances meant a slight deficit against the larger Audi Q5 and GLC, but a lead over the X3.

Cargo capacity in the GV70 was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up, surpassing the Mercedes GLC but lagging behind the Audi Q5. Folding the seats provided 56.9 cubic feet, again trailing the three German competitors. The Electrified GV70 saw minimal impact on interior dimensions, with slightly reduced legroom and headroom. Practicality might take a hit with stylish design choices like the orb-like controller and curvaceous dashboard limiting small-item storage.

The 2024 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Google Built-in, included Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were also standard, with impressive audio options ranging from a 14-speaker Harman Kardon to a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. Despite its smaller size, the system was intuitive and user-friendly.

Digital features included a 12-inch instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. The infotainment interface was largely improved from previous versions, providing ease of use and functionality.

On the technology front, the 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect, and a 12-inch head-up display, along with a premium 16-speaker Lexicon audio system.

Ease of use was a highlight, with an intuitive touchscreen layout and a high-quality rotary controller. Unique touches included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and a digital key for using your phone as a key fob.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 stayed true to its safety-centric brand heritage. It earned top crash-test ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in the rollover resistance test. The IIHS crowned the 2023 model as a Top Safety Pick+. Volvo’s commitment to safety was evident in features like large-animal detection and alerts for moving traffic, though its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) lagged behind industry innovations.

Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, had moments of unreliability particularly on curved roads and exit ramps, potentially affecting driver confidence.

For the Genesis GV70, the 2024 gasoline models received the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, with anticipated high safety marks for the electrified version. The GV70 boasted an array of safety features including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, and highway driving assist. The higher-level Highway Driving Assist 2 added sophisticated features like automated lane changes and blind-spot monitoring.

Genesis also emphasized safety in stationary situations with features like safe exit assist and a radar-sensitive rear occupant alert system.