2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a striking blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights made it unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim stood out with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added a nostalgic touch with a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" provided practical benefits for off-road adventures. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after a day of off-roading. The interior was designed for durability, with sturdy handholds and customizable features, though it lacked the softness and refinement of typical SUVs.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury with its choice of two engines: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheel designs, while the interior featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its flagship status. The GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, with a focus on comfort and style. However, the Prestige Signature trim, exclusive to the U.S., did not offer anything exceptional compared to the regular Prestige trim available in Canada. The GV80's interior was designed for luxury, but the seats were not as comfortable as expected, with a bubble wrap-like feel and limited rear seat recline.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, available only with the automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a four-wheel drive drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most drivers, while the Raptor's EcoBoost engine offered exhilarating power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions and all-terrain tires required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt more confident than expected.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some rivals' larger V6 engines. The 3.5T model had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but higher fuel consumption. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 provided five driving modes and 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The GV80 3.5T delivered a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The adaptive damping suspension and larger front brakes enhanced its athleticism, though the steering was unremarkable. The two-spoke steering wheel design added comfort for long drives.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The two-door model required some effort to access the rear seats. The Bronco featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray for phones, and accessory rails for cameras or GPS trackers. Cargo space in the two-door model was up to 634 litres, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door model offered up to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with real or Nappa leather depending on the trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Prestige trim added rear seat ventilation and power-operated window shades. Despite these features, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, with limited rear seat recline. The GV80's cargo space measured 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Camera views provided visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. A wireless charging pad was optional, and a 12-inch display was recommended for ease of use.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a control dial on the centre console. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing display and intuitive interface. The digital key system allowed smartphone access, and the Prestige trim included a Lexicon sound system and a head-up display.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most tests, with an "Acceptable" score for head restraints and seats. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing lane-change safety. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for frontal-impact tests.