2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring just under 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 echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor annoyance, the interior was spacious and luxurious.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embodied a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model. The vehicle's boxy shape and lack of curves emphasized its off-road capabilities. Available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for door removal, with optional half doors for enhanced visibility. The foldable windshield and various top options catered to open-air enthusiasts. Standard features included wide fenders, Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added flair to the otherwise functional design. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-coloured dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter.

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 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet 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, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, renowned for its off-road prowess, offered a range of engine options to suit various needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Torque enthusiasts could opt for the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a 35-kilometre all-electric range. The 392 model, equipped with the Xtreme Recon package, boasted a crawl ratio of 58:1, ideal for tackling challenging terrains. However, the 392's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring early braking and precise steering input.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of luxury features. In Canada, standard amenities included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester featured ventilated front and rear seats with adjustable settings and an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity reached 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but heated seats were limited to specific models or packages. The rear seat, while accommodating three passengers in four-door models, was cramped, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece, while the Sunrider option allowed for quick front-row exposure. The Sky One-Touch power soft top provided easy open-air access. The Wrangler offered ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the standard head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed for manoeuvring in tight spaces without the driver in the car.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. Jeep's off-road pages provided valuable information for off-road enthusiasts. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity were standard. The Wrangler included a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted a comprehensive suite of 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 car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top models or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover ratings.