Genesis GV70 vs Honda Prologue

The 2024 Genesis GV70 made a statement both within the Genesis family and its competitive set. The GV70 carried over certain brand-identifying styling features, such as the split headlights and large shield-like grille. However, it still managed to look sleeker compared to its bigger sibling, the Genesis GV80, without the quirky eccentricities of the smaller GV60. Standout details included its almost hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the gasoline-powered Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels—the latter being an available upgrade while 19-inch wheels came standard.

The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, a combination where competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 often appeared puffed up yet lacked finesse. While the Porsche Macan stretched car-like styling cues over SUV proportions and the Mercedes-Benz GLC relied on its prestige badge, the GV70 sold itself as a luxury SUV more convincingly. The Electrified GV70 also impressed those seeking an electric vehicle that didn’t scream “EV.” Aside from its shiny grille (that doubled as a disco ball and housed the charge port), the styling remained unchanged from its gasoline counterpart. This design choice allowed for straightforward pull-in charging at stations, unlike many other EVs that often required careful positioning.

Inside, the GV70’s interior stood out with its distinctiveness. Available quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof provided traditional luxury touches, but the vehicle's real charm lay in its details. The climate controls and other buttons appeared in an elliptical pod, and the infotainment system’s rotary controller reminded one of obscure alien tech from Star Trek. Moreover, the entire dashboard had an aviation-inspired rounded cross-section, instilling a unique character.

Conversely, the 2024 Honda Prologue presented itself as a near “normal” looking EV—the closest any EV had come to this point. The base EX trim came in five colors, while Touring and Elite trims added options like Sonic Grey and North Shore Pearl, a vibrant new turquoise color. The front displayed the traditional Honda "H" logo, centered on a smooth black panel reflecting the absence of air-cooling necessities. Honda also offered accessories such as skid plates and side cladding for added personalization, giving the front grille a more complex appearance if desired.

From the side, the Prologue appeared lower, thanks to its length which exceeded the Honda Passport by 3 inches but was 8 inches shorter, giving it proportions reminiscent of a cartoon gangster’s car rather than an off-road SUV. The standard 19-inch wheels (or 21-inch on the Elite) accentuated the low roofline further. The new font spelling “Honda” on the back signified Honda’s venture into new propulsion methods.

Inside, the Elite trim featured a stylish brown and black two-tone interior exclusive to that level, while a gray and black two-tone interior was available on all trims. The EX trim came with cloth seating, and leather was standard on the Touring and Elite trims. The dashboard layout echoed those of recent Honda models like the CR-V, Accord, and Civic but without the latter’s hidden air vents behind a honeycomb grille. Instead, Piano black plastic graced this space, topped by a swath of upholstery. The Prologue’s interior, leaning upscale yet familiar, aimed for a comfortable and intuitive user experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 maintained its powertrain options for the year. The gasoline model came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, using premium fuel. For those seeking more power, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 was available, offering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both gasoline engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Electrified GV70 also boasted standard AWD, courtesy of front and rear electric motors generating a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack. A “Boost Mode” elevated power to 483 hp for short bursts of 10 seconds.

Despite Genesis’ attempts to balance a sporty experience with top-tier comfort, the GV70 settled in the middle. Boost Mode or Sport+ engaged thrilling straight-line acceleration, but the chassis often felt out of sync. Through corners, the GV70 felt larger and heavier compared to the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. Comfort-wise, the suspension struggled to soften bumps, performing adequately but not excelling.

The Electrified GV70 shared these characteristics, performing competently but lacking in sportiness or grace. The increased weight of the electric model, almost 441 pounds more than its gasoline counterpart, did not markedly affect driving dynamics. Steering-wheel paddles allowed drivers to adjust regenerative braking, with a high setting enabling true one-pedal driving—a plus if you could manage its 236-mile range.

The 2024 Honda Prologue offered two drivetrain options: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD model, available on EX and Touring trims, featured a single motor delivering 212 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This setup, combined with 19-inch wheels, provided the most efficient option with a range of 296 miles. AWD, standard on the Elite trim and optional on EX and Touring, utilized a dual-motor system generating 288 hp and 333 lb-ft. The Elite trim’s 21-inch wheels yielded 273 miles of range, while the EX and Touring with 19-inch wheels achieved 281 miles.

Earning the best-in-class base range of 296 miles, the Prologue outshone competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y at entry-level trims. The only downside was the lack of longer-range versions, unlike these competitors.

Honda emphasized giving the Prologue a familiar driving feel. The majority of driving utilized the "Normal" regenerative braking setting, allowing for little extra deceleration and coasting. A one-pedal drive setting provided a traditional EV experience with immediate deceleration, and the lowest setting replicated a typical driving feel, easing the transition for first-time EV drivers.

The Prologue’s 121.8-inch wheelbase, the longest in its class, delivered a comfortable ride even on larger wheels. Although not "remarkably serene and quiet" as Honda claimed, road and wind noise contributed to a normal driving experience. The Sport mode, enhancing throttle, brake, and steering responses, made winding roads of Napa Valley surprisingly enjoyable despite the vehicle’s size.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided a spacious interior comparable to its rivals. While slightly less headroom was noted compared to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the difference was insignificant given the GV70’s streamlined roofline. The Genesis offered marginally more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes and a fraction less than the Audi. Second-row legroom differences were minor, with the GV70 offering slightly more than the X3 but less than the Q5 and GLC.

Cargo space in the GV70 measured 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats upright, outperforming the Mercedes’ 21.9 cubic feet and slightly besting the BMW’s 28.7 cubic feet, though falling short of the Audi’s 29.5 cubic feet. With rear seats folded, the GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet, less than all its German counterparts.

The Electrified GV70’s battery pack minimally impacted interior space. First-row legroom remained the same; second-row legroom decreased by 0.6 inches, and headroom reduced by 1 inch in the first row and 0.8 inches in the rear. The difference in cargo space compared to the gasoline model was under a cubic foot with seats up or down.

However, the GV70’s stylish interior design came at the cost of small-item storage. The infotainment controller, rotary shifter, and curvaceous dashboard limited space, though a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls were available. Automatic side bolsters in the front seats of the Electrified GV70 added a layer of unique comfort.

Comparatively, the 2024 Honda Prologue prioritized traditional EV elements while maintaining practicality. Offering 111.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, it surpassed its Cadillac platform-mate, the Lyriq, by over six cubic feet. The impressive 39.4 inches of second-row legroom and 41.4 inches in the front provided ample space, though headroom was less noteworthy at 39.6 inches in the front and 38.1 inches in the rear. Reclining rear seats and a panoramic moonroof (standard on Touring and Elite) compensated for these limitations.

Standard features included heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, with driver’s seat memory standard on Touring trim and front seat ventilation and a heated steering wheel exclusive to the Elite. The center console’s two-tier storage and wide space between seats accommodated personal items easily.

Touring and Elite trims boasted a hands-free power liftgate opening to a 25.2-cubic-foot cargo area. Despite a flat load floor and high ground clearance, the lengthy hatch area made accessing the full 57.7 cubic feet of space challenging for shorter individuals. The Prologue lacked “frunk” storage but featured a hidden compartment beneath the load floor.

The Genesis GV70’s infotainment system, though borrowing from Hyundai’s parts bin, provided a simpler user interface compared to the more elaborate systems in the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. A 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was standard, complemented by an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on lower trims and a 12.3-inch 3D unit on higher trims. Additional features included a 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The touchscreen’s intuitive layout with large function tiles made it easy for both driver and passenger to use, either directly or via the rotary controller on the center console. Higher-quality than BMW’s iDrive and Mercedes’ MBUX system controllers, this setup ensured user satisfaction. Genesis incorporated a fingerprint scanner for individual driver profiles and a digital key functionality, enabling a phone to replace the key fob.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Prologue featured standard keyless access, with Touring and Elite trims also getting a card-format key. This credit-card-sized key functioned like a hotel room key, requiring a tap to lock the car.

A wireless charger (pocket-style), four USB-C ports, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity highlighted the Prologue’s technology offerings. An 11.3-inch infotainment screen and a separate 11-inch digital driver-information display provided a comprehensive tech experience. The Elite trim also featured a head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system developed with Bose.

Google Built-In offered native Google Maps with route planning and battery preconditioning for EV chargers, enhancing driving convenience. Active Sound Control, unique to the Prologue and developed by Honda, compensated for powertrain silence through artificial sound effects, enhancing the sporty driving experience in Sport mode.

The 2024 Genesis GV70’s gasoline models received the IIHS’s highest Top Safety Pick+ award, with the Electrified GV70 earning the same in 2023. Though NHTSA’s 2024 ratings were incomplete, gasoline models got four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings and the 2023 GV70 achieved a five-star overall rating. The Electrified GV70’s ratings were pending.

Standard safety features across all GV70 models included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitor, parking assist sensors, and Highway Driving Assist. The advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change and blind-spot monitoring, requiring drivers to keep hands on the wheel.

Additional safety features included safe exit assist and a sophisticated rear occupant alert system using radar to detect breathing, ensuring no pets or children were left behind.

For the 2024 Honda Prologue, the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies came standard, featuring new additions such as rear cross-traffic braking and blind-zone steering assist. Higher trims benefited from front-park assist, surround-vision system, and rear pedestrian alert (standard on Elite trim).

The standard safety package included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Though ratings were pending from IIHS and NHTSA, Honda aimed for top ratings in safety.