2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to luxury and elegance, with its sophisticated exterior design featuring quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were impressive, but the Prestige trim tester took it up a notch with 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats added a touch of class, complemented by a dash split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the unique two-spoke steering wheel set it apart from other luxury brands. The spacious and luxurious interior was slightly marred by the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, which seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design from its 2017 debut, which had aged gracefully, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The U.S. version of the new Suna trim, with its exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, added a touch of exclusivity. Mazda improved the fuel economy for base engine models, eliminated a previous wheel design, and introduced wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a choice between a 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four, both with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. In Canada, the trim levels ranged from GS to Signature, with prices from $35,476 to $48,276. The Suna trim, similar to the test unit, came with the Turbo engine as standard. Despite being a compact crossover, the CX-5 felt upscale, thanks to Mazda's continuous upgrades to its interior materials, technology, and drivetrain, offering a premium experience at a mainstream price.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with AWD and offered a choice between 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 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, 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 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when filled with premium gas, delivered 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. On regular gas, it offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration, allowing the revs to build before unleashing the torque. However, the CX-5 Turbo wasn't fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km, and observed consumption of 10.3 L/100 km. The base engine offered better efficiency at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its re-tuned suspension, stiffened frame, and standard AWD, providing a smooth and responsive ride. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved cornering and minimized body motions, making the CX-5 zippy and stable on twisty roads. With a ground clearance of 20 centimetres, it could handle off-road trails and tow up to 900 kilograms.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of 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 featured ventilated front and rear seats with multiple adjustments and an Ergo driver's seat with inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 offered 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. It could tow up to 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, and passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather was standard on all trims except the base GS and GX, with the Signature trim featuring premium Nappa leather. Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats were available from the GT grade. The CX-5 was smaller in interior space but comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and soft front seatback material. The cabin's design and quality rivalled luxury brands, with good storage space despite awkward cupholders. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied 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 view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and 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. The remote smart parking assist allowed the car to park itself without the driver inside, a unique feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, with switchgear for stereo volume, radio tuning, climate controls, and more. However, it offered touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. The Suna trim included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium feel.

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 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/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came with standard advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The standard ADAS performed well, with non-intrusive lane departure and lane-keeping systems. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It previously held a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it didn't earn it in 2024.