2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially in 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 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor drawback in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end appeared stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90’s dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from the boxy designs of past Volvos. Our test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint, with brown undertones, added richness and depth. Inside, the XC90 boasted an elegant design with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean look, though the lack of physical controls could be frustrating.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The four-cylinder produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the V6, featured in our test vehicle, delivered 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 in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo replaced its older engines with the new B6 engine, featuring mild-hybrid technology. This powertrain produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle handled corners well, and road and wind noise were kept at bay. The XC90’s brakes provided a confident pedal feel, and while it lacked extensive off-road features, its simplicity in driving dynamics was appreciated by some drivers.

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. Our test vehicle included ventilated front and rear seats with adjustable settings and an Ergo driver’s seat to reduce fatigue. The GV80 offered a third-row option, though legroom was limited. The vehicle featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. 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. Its towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The vehicle lacked dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, and the USB port was inconveniently located. While the second row was comfortable, accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat, but captain’s chairs were available. With the third seat in place, cargo space was 356 litres, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, thanks to its compact dimensions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial for navigation was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wirelessly. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, featuring Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The system supported Apple CarPlay, though iPhones were less compatible. The XC90’s natural-language recognition, powered by Google, enhanced the user experience. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used various technologies to offer hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo’s legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead at various speeds.