2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was available in two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6. In Canada, both engines were offered with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, with all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing that included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the top-shelf U.S. trim, Prestige Signature, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and a variety of 22-inch wheel designs. Inside, the GV80 featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents, along with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the second-generation model that debuted in 2017, with minor changes. The design, reflecting traditional Mazda styling cues, remained modern and appealing. The test vehicle arrived in the U.S. version of the new-for-2024 Suna trim, featuring exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved the fuel economy of versions equipped with the base engine, eliminated a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trim levels. The CX-5 lineup included versions with a base engine and 2.5 Turbo models, with prices ranging from $35,476 to $48,276 in Canada. The Suna trim, the closest equivalent in Canada to the test unit, came with the Turbo engine as standard.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some larger V6 engines in rival models. The 3.5T test vehicle had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but with higher fuel consumption. Natural Resources Canada rated it at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though observed consumption was 13.7 L/100 km. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when filled with premium gas, delivered 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. On regular gas, it offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. The powertrain was more rewarding with a slower and steadier acceleration, allowing revs to build before utilizing the torque. The CX-5 Turbo was not fuel efficient, with a Natural Resources Canada rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and observed consumption of 10.3 L/100 km. The CX-5 featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a smooth ride, responsive handling, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhancing cornering. It offered a quiet interior on highways and lively handling in the city, with a decent 20 centimetres of ground clearance for off-road trails.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only model offering a third-row seat. Depending on the trim level, the GV80 featured real or Nappa leather, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, and a power hands-free liftgate. The Prestige trim added ventilation to the rear seats and power-operated side window shades. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, with limited rear seat recline and legroom. The GV80 offered commendable cabin storage space, with 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 2,378 litres with the back seats folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The driver’s seat provided six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather was standard on all trim levels except the base GS and GX, with the top-shelf Signature offering premium Nappa leather. The CX-5 was among the smaller models in its segment regarding interior room, but it was comfortable for four adults. The rear seat offered good support and a proper sitting position, with rear air conditioning vents and a centre fold-down armrest enhancing rider satisfaction. The CX-5 provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial on the centre console for ease of use. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and wireless smartphone charging were also standard. The Prestige trim boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D appearance, a Lexicon premium sound system, and a digital key system. A head-up display was standard in Canada, showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided traditional switchgear for various controls, with a 10.25-inch display offering touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. Wireless connectivity for these platforms was available in several trim levels. The centre console featured a large knob for navigating Mazda Connect’s menus, with surrounding buttons for quick access. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. Several CX-5 versions had a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, standard in the Suna trim.

The Genesis GV80 came with numerous standard and available advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, including a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel when signaling a lane change. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Mazda CX-5 was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels offered additional safety features, such as adaptive headlights and a traffic sign recognition system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.