2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that radiated sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring just under 5 metres in length, it presented a stately presence on the road. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design. The matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of elegance, which continued inside with quilted leather seats. The interior featured a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a centre console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinct from other luxury brands. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared styling cues with the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line. The split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line visually connected it to its sedan counterpart, hinting at a coupe-like SUV design without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70 boasted top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish, with a design that was both contemporary and classic. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, with physical rollers for volume and tuning, a nod to previous Mercedes-Benz designs. In Canada, the GV70 was available in five trims with two powertrains, the 2.5T or 3.5T, and an Electrified GV70 model. The interior was luxurious, with features like Nappa leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a Lexicon premium audio system. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring cream-coloured quilted leather seats and a high-contrast design.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: 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 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled at highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable highway commute.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a similar powertrain lineup, with the 2.5T model featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T model equipped with a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 balanced comfort and handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and could fast charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. The GV70's handling leaned slightly towards comfort, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The Ergo driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres, making it suitable for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system added to the luxury experience. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. It had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and decently large cupholders in the centre console. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial was cumbersome to use, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The centre console featured helpful buttons and a rotary dial, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving assistance. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.