2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophistication and elegance, with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, just under 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, but the Prestige trim tester boasted 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an extra layer of elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim. The dash featured thin horizontal air vents, and the centre console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinctively Genesis. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor quibble in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered a unique blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering across its nine trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and large round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" aided in cargo securing and vehicle corner awareness. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with features like drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Despite some creaking over bumps, the Bronco was quieter than its Jeep Wrangler counterpart.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene highway commute. However, its acceleration to 100 km/h in about five and a half seconds was slower compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor trim producing 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All engines came with a four-wheel drive drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most on- and off-road adventures, while the 2.7-litre V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine offered excessive power, enhancing the driving experience. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical family SUVs but more stable than the Jeep Wrangler. Despite its high-riding dimensions, the Bronco felt confident on curving roads, aided by several cameras for maneuvering.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester model featured ventilated front and rear seats with seven-way adjustability and an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third-row option was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 offered a tri-zone climate control system and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. The cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door required some effort to access the rear seats, while the four-door allowed easy entry. The front featured netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for secure storage. The Bronco offered accessory rails atop the dash and a USB jack for charging. Cargo space in the two-door was 634 litres, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the roof's mounting points could support an overlanding platform and tent. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the easily removable fenders and doors.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but not wireless. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. 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 the available 12-inch display improved usability.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 five stars overall, with the IIHS rating it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial NHTSA crash test results, with the four-door earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it Good in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway 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 system. The Luxe package offered adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.