2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors were a boon in tight parking spaces, making it easier to load toddlers into rear-facing seats. The Odyssey offered a comfortable third-row seat, accommodating additional passengers like grandparents or carpool kids without hassle. Its cargo space was unmatched, with the ability to fold down or remove seats to rival the capacity of a Chevrolet Suburban. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey maintained a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels on the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, just shy of 5 metres long, featured 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim, enhancing its stately appearance. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. The interior boasted a split dash with horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. While the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place, the spacious and luxurious interior made the GV80 a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, its brakes tended to heat up on downhill grades, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The latter, equipped in our tester, produced 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly nimble, the GV80 excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. Its electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation ensured a quiet and comfortable ride, although it was slower than some competitors, taking over five seconds to reach 100 km/h.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Touring trim featured quality leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was abundant, with various compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, while the third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults. With 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,973 litres with seats removed, the Odyssey was a cargo-carrying champion.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 impressed with its luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and the Ergo driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. While a third row was available, it was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The GV80 boasted 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with seats folded. Its towing capacity was a robust 2,720 kilograms, adding to its utility.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. However, its technology package felt outdated, especially in rear-seat entertainment. The Touring trim included CabinWatch and CabinTalk features, along with a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen. While functional, the system lacked modernity, and the navigation system required specific voice commands, making smartphone integration a better option.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also included remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. This feature, along with wireless charging and multiple outlets, ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its crashworthiness.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Its Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, offering hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.