2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design and luxury-car style. It featured signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large shield-like grille, but it was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as the gasoline model, with a shiny grille housing the charge port, making it convenient for charging. The interior was distinctive, featuring quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and unique design elements like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, presented a luxurious appearance with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created an interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some design-related complaints arose, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate panel switchgear. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered two gasoline powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 delivered vigorous straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The GV70's suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash down on bumps. The Electrified model, despite being heavier, didn't feel more ungainly than the gasoline version and offered adjustable regenerative braking.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The plug-in hybrid powertrain provided 42 kilometres of electric range. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. The vehicle suffered from noise and impact harshness, and the electronic shifter was fussy. However, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a communicative driving experience, and switching between driving modes offered a satisfying rhythm.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It provided 818 litres of cargo space with rear seats in place, surpassing the Mercedes but slightly less than the Audi Q5. Folding the rear seats yielded 1,611 litres of cargo space. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design, however, limited small-item storage, though features like automatic side bolsters in Sport mode added to the luxury experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The three-zone climate control system took time to cool the cabin, and front-seat ventilation was less effective. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests. The CX-90's long rear doors facilitated third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, shallow bin, and small trays under the load floor. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an intuitive layout and a high-quality rotary controller. A fingerprint scanner allowed for individual driver profiles, though digital key functionality was not yet available for the GV70 in Canada.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit and miss, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. The NHTSA awarded four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models, with a five-star overall safety rating for the 2023 model. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane marking detection. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, but the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.