2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model, finished in Nordic Forest Pearl, showcased one of the two new color options. The HR-V offered various wheel designs, with the Sport trim featuring 18-inch black alloy wheels and a more aggressive grille.

Inside, the HR-V's interior was refined, echoing the design cues of the 2022 Civic. The EX-L trim boasted perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, creating a comfortable and upscale cabin. The metal honeycomb grille and sculptural center console added a premium feel. Despite the fastback design, visibility remained excellent, with larger rear windows and door-mounted mirrors enhancing the view.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, while the matte Brunswick Green paint added elegance. The interior continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch.

The GV80's interior was spacious and luxurious, with Nappa leather seats and a tri-zone climate control system. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing features, and the optional 21-speaker stereo system catered to audiophiles. The GV80 also provided ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded. The towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The updated CVT included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more dynamic experience. The HR-V offered FWD or AWD, with improved suspension and widened tracks enhancing driving enjoyment, though it remained underpowered compared to competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered AWD with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbo 3.5-liter V6. The V6 delivered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension. Active noise cancellation and a forward-facing camera enhanced the driving experience, though it lacked the agility of some rivals.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive at 24.4 cubic feet with seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats provided ergonomic seating and a nearly flat floor when folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing features, while the proximity key and digital key added convenience. The GV80's cargo space was impressive, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded. Towing capacity was 6,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment screen with physical controls for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch display, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker audio system. All trims included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system had a learning curve, with a dial for navigation and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wireless. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received high safety ratings.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster was a standout feature. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.