2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet in length. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it contributed to the SUV's overall elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a center console featuring three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor flaw, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized broad-shouldered proportions through square wheel arches and fake air vents. It was larger than the CX-5, with a lower, wider, and longer stance. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a variety of styling options, though differences were minimal between trims. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, our test model, enhanced the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the infotainment screen sat on a shelf, reminiscent of BMW, with impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as the interior, while sensible, lacked the luxury feel of its competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted for road conditions, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo version offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, and a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity increased from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine. While sharing powertrains with the CX-5, the CX-50 offered a different driving experience, more aligned with its segment than the sporty CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, and the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds, though the CX-50 was otherwise well-mannered.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features, including heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard, with ventilated front and rear seats in our tester. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key, along with tri-zone climate control and an optional 21-speaker stereo system. The cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It had 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5. The CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, though the Subaru Forester had less with seats up. A power liftgate improved cargo access, but the area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the roof platform was high. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console, proving that space can be managed without shrinking or removing shifters.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial, while tactile, was cumbersome for navigation. The system included handwriting recognition, but the menu structure was inconsistent, with a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly, but wireless charging and multiple outlets ensured devices stayed powered. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, a standout feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the center console, rather than a touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable, with dual USB ports provided. Higher trims offered wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface required adjustment but was easy to use once familiar, with physical feedback from the rotary controller. The system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to those who prefer simplicity over excessive tech.

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. A unique feature was the video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view without neck craning. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on/eyes-up driving on approved highways, with automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" crashworthiness rating from the IIHS, though headlights and LATCH system were rated "Acceptable."

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech, though it scored lower in the nighttime pedestrian test and standard headlights were rated "Average." NHTSA ratings for 2024 were incomplete, but it received five stars for frontal crash and four stars for rollover. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist, with optional rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.