2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect, a popular design element from previous generations. Inside, higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality and questionable materials, generally justifying their price point, though occasional reminders of the base trim were evident.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence just shy of 5 metres in length. Standard 20-inch wheels in Canada were upgraded to 22-inch alloys in the Prestige trim. The rear echoed the quad lamp design with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. The matte Brunswick Green paint added elegance, while the interior continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats. The dash featured thin, horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim, with a centre console highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and fuel consumption between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg and consuming as little as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST variant.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, the GV80 excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene highway experience. However, the GV80's handling was less precise compared to its German rivals, though it offered a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims featured triple-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Cargo space was generous, with 528 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its less sporty drive with luxury features. Standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats in our tester. The Ergo driver's seat, with its fatigue-reducing pockets, added to the comfort. The GV80 offered a third row, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The proximity key and digital key provided convenience, while the tri-zone climate control and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced the experience. Cargo space was impressive, with 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the outdated Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control, though tactile, was cumbersome. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 featured wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the car to park itself without the driver inside, adding convenience to tight parking situations.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The system operated smoothly, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in direct sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Good rating from IIHS for crashworthiness, with Superior front crash prevention.