2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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, measuring 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 boasted 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 distinctively Genesis, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that was both broader and longer. It featured square wheel arches and faux air vents, emphasizing its robust proportions. The CX-50 was available in three trims in Canada: GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition. The Meridian Edition, our test model, enhanced the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy colour palette, including Polymetal Grey Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint, paired with Terracotta leather upholstery, added to its appeal. The interior was well-designed, with an infotainment screen on a shelf reminiscent of BMW, and the material quality was impressive for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50's aspirations to move upscale were still a work in progress, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat in the base model.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: 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 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. The power delivery was smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine across all models, 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 gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered otherwise.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of sporty driving dynamics with a wealth of features and luxury touches. In Canada, standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester model featured ventilated front and rear seats with extensive adjustability 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 a generous 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was a robust 2,720 kilograms.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While the CX-50 had more cargo space than the CX-5 with the second row up, it trailed most competitors. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. 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 wirelessly. The GV80 also included remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction. The infotainment system was basic, with plain graphics, but it suited buyers who preferred simplicity.

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 blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered 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 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. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. The NHTSA had not published complete ratings for the 2024 model year. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.