2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres long, featured standard 20-inch wheels in Canada, with the Prestige trim boasting 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the matte Brunswick Green paint added elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim. The dash, split by thin air vents, housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, built on the TNGA-K platform, was a true crossover, larger than its rivals like the Kia Telluride. At 5,115 millimetres long with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, it offered a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, was more conservative and blockier than the smaller Highlander, resembling the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. The trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights gave it a 4Runner-like appearance. Available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, the interior featured black Softex synthetic leather, with real leather in higher trims. The Platinum Hybrid trim offered Portobello upholstery, and the vehicle excelled as a comfortable road-trip option with quality materials and seamless assembly.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, the GV80 excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. Its electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation enhanced the driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 combined net horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All models in Canada featured all-wheel drive. The Hybrid Max delivered impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. While not as nimble as some competitors, the Grand Highlander provided solid braking and adequate acceleration. It offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo driver’s seat reduced fatigue with inflatable pockets. While a third row was available, it was best suited for children. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space of 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with seats folded. Its towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, larger than its rivals, provided 2,761 litres of total cargo capacity. With seats in position, it offered 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all rows up. The spacious interior accommodated adults comfortably in all rows, with ample headroom and legroom. Its design catered to those seeking a minivan alternative.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment system had a learning curve, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (not wireless), wireless charging, and multiple outlets. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available via subscription. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-device Bluetooth, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM were also offered.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver’s aids like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Its Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist provided additional safety features. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and high ratings from IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.