2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's boldness. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding well. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, offered a cohesive and upscale interior, despite the use of hard plastic in some areas.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige trim, exuded luxury with its diamond-stitched Nappa leather, suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. The exterior offered six colour options paired with stylish 22-inch wheels. Inside, ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. While the GV80's Prestige Signature trim was exclusive to the U.S., the regular Prestige trim offered a similar luxurious experience. The GV80's design left no doubt about its luxury vehicle status, though the Prestige Signature trim didn't seem to offer anything exceptional over the regular Prestige trim.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic. While the Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, the standard engine felt underpowered, especially at higher speeds or elevations. The turbocharged 2.4-litre engine in the XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV80 3.5T delivered a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. However, its fuel consumption was higher than expected. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded brakes contributed to its athletic performance, though the steering was unremarkable.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback's cabin provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with 923 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with the seats folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the robust roof rack was ready for accessories.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the 3.5T Prestige trim, offered a third-row seat and a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and triple-zone climate control. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. The GV80 provided 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Despite the seat comfort issues, the GV80's cabin offered commendable storage space.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included physical controls for volume and climate settings, but other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. While the system's usability improved, the voice recognition was lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a navigation system, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D appearance. The GV80's infotainment system was intuitive, with a pleasing graphical interface. The vehicle also included a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display standard in Canada.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The system also featured a new Automatic Emergency Steering function. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist added to the vehicle's safety features, providing a comprehensive safety net for drivers.