2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to delivering a premium experience beyond mere claims. This model year saw enhancements such as more standard equipment, improved cabin aesthetics through revised instrumentation, and efforts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD models gained an off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, rooted in the "Kodo" styling philosophy, continued to impress with its appealing, distinctive, and upscale appearance. Inside, especially in the Signature trim, the CX-5 exuded luxury with premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, although the Caturra Brown leather offered little contrast against the predominantly black interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature looks. The GV80's elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80's cabin was a blend of technology and luxury, with a sleek dashboard, a bridge-like centre console, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The interior was spacious, with a focus on horizontal design elements to enhance the sense of width and openness.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged version in the GT Turbo and Signature trims delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its 1,734-kilogram curb weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated confidently, though the turbo engine was less fuel-efficient, averaging 10.6 L/100 km in testing. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions and a high centre of gravity detracted from its overall thrill.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's electronically controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models smoothed the ride by predicting road conditions. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel thrashy when pushed, while the 3.5T was smoother and quieter, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 10.5 L/100 km combined, while the 3.5T was slightly higher at 11.8 L/100 km.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior, while stylish and well-equipped, was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's upscale cabin featured elegant gauges and metallic accents, with heated front seats standard. Higher trims added features like a power driver's seat, heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space was 875 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a showcase of technology and luxury, with a centre console featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The second row was spacious, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which, while upscale, could be frustrating to use. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, a Bose sound system, and a surround-view camera. Interaction with the system was through the touchscreen, console controls, or voice recognition, though the latter was often unreliable.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. Android users could use a digital key function, and the GV80 came with five years of Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a range of driver assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80's safety systems were designed to enhance driver confidence and vehicle stability.