2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

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 spacious and luxurious interior was a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a functional and straightforward design, reminiscent of its predecessors. The Premier trim, tested in Cascade Green Silica paint, offered a more upscale appearance with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's design was practical, with robust roof rails capable of supporting a tent, thanks to a 317-kilogram static-weight rating. Inside, the Premier trim featured exclusive brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, maintaining a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was easy to clean, with hard plastic surfaces and a control layout favouring traditional buttons and knobs. The Forester's appearance was busy, but its back-to-basics nature was appreciated, offering practicality and ease of use.

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 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, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive SI-Drive system with a Sport mode. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction control system, with hill descent control, added to its capability. The Forester Premier trim, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated its prowess in traversing flooded roads and muddy trails. Despite the engine's modest power, the Forester's excellent driving dynamics, including light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and well-tuned suspension, provided a comfortable and engaging ride. However, a turbocharged engine option would have been appreciated for better performance at elevation and improved fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors as standard in Canada. The Ergo driver's seat, with its inflatable pockets, provided comfort and reduced fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for convenience. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Its towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering practicality and simplicity. The Touring trim included a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or perforated genuine leather, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's excellent outward visibility, thanks to tall glass and thin pillars, made it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller adults. The Forester's well-sealed doors and ample interior storage added to its practicality. The cargo area, with 762 litres behind the back seat and 1,957 litres with the seats folded, was average for the segment.

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 control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a unique feature.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Starlink services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's older Starlink system, with separate climate controls and physical knobs, was preferred for its simplicity. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential for navigation.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of 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 hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included Automatic Emergency Steering. The Rear Automatic Braking system, while useful, could be overly sensitive. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver attention and offered gesture control for climate settings. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.