2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, highlighted by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. 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, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant styling shift with a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, with a muscular stance enhanced by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The classic D-pillar taillights evolved into three L shapes for a modern look, and the blockier rear end matched the bold front fascia. The Hybrid Touring trim, tested in Canyon River Blue, featured black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch black wheels. The interior design aligned with the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, featuring a honeycomb grille across the dash. The materials felt premium, with attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, contributing to a more upscale feel.

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, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, aided by a forward-facing camera, ensured a comfortable ride. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the quietness of the drive.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain allowed the CR-V to reach speeds of up to 185 km/h and offered a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The CR-V Hybrid came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel consumption was estimated at 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

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 included ventilated front and rear seats with multiple adjustments and an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, 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.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 970 mm in both rows. The interior included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a traditional console design providing best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen 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 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. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid included one USB-A and three USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Touring trim added a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

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 to provide a hands-on driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New airbags, a stiffer structure, and increased visibility enhanced safety.