2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself with a sleek design that balanced luxury and SUV aesthetics. It featured signature Genesis elements like split headlights and a large grille, yet maintained a streamlined profile compared to its siblings. The GV70's styling was more refined than competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, offering a unique blend of elegance and presence. The Electrified GV70 retained the same design, with a discreet charge port integrated into the grille, making it a subtle choice for EV enthusiasts.

Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive interior with luxury touches such as quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof. The design was memorable, with elliptical climate controls and a futuristic rotary infotainment controller. The dashboard's rounded design added to its unique appeal, showcasing Genesis's commitment to innovative styling.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its attractive design, standing out with graceful curves rather than sharp angles. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its timeless design continued to impress, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior offered high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements, favouring usability over flashy tech.

The CX-5's interior featured soft-touch materials and a practical layout, though it lacked the digital flair of some rivals. It provided a comfortable and refined experience, with easy-to-use physical controls for climate and infotainment, making it user-friendly and straightforward.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered two gasoline engines: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured dual electric motors delivering 429 hp, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 hp temporarily. Despite impressive specs, the GV70's handling felt heavier and less agile than sportier rivals, and its ride quality was firm over bumps.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 provided two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 hp and a turbocharged version with 256 hp. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbo model offered quicker acceleration, making it a compelling choice for those seeking performance. The CX-5 excelled in handling, offering a sporty drive with minimal body roll, though its ride was slightly firmer.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Cargo space was 818 litres with seats up, expanding to 1,611 litres with seats down. The Electrified model had minimal impact on interior space, though small-item storage was limited due to its stylish design.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 provided adequate headroom and rear legroom, though competitors like the Honda CR-V offered more space. Cargo capacity was 871 litres, expanding to 1,680 litres with seats folded. The CX-5 featured practical storage solutions and user-friendly controls, though its analog gauges felt dated.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a rotary controller for ease of use. A fingerprint scanner for driver profiles was included, though digital key functionality was absent.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a centre console dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless options on higher trims. The system was easy to operate, though analog gauges were less modern. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, enhancing driver convenience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, with standard safety features like lane-keep assist and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal and rollover tests. Advanced features included Highway Driving Assist and safe exit assist.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover protection, which received four stars. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added adaptive headlights and a 360-degree camera, with reliable system performance during testing.