2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was a luxury SUV that offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, and the all-inclusive pricing included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the U.S. Prestige Signature trim, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheel designs, with interior features like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its luxury status. Despite the absence of the Prestige Signature trim in Canada, the regular Prestige trim was recommended for its luxury appeal.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that was 3.5 cm lower, 7.6 cm wider, and nearly 15 cm longer than the CX-5, featuring an 11.7 cm wheelbase stretch. It was sold in Canada in three trims: GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition. The Meridian Edition emphasized an active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The Apex Package added a roof platform and splash guards. The CX-50's earthy colour palette included Polymetal Grey Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic paint, with Terracotta leather upholstery. The interior design was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50 didn't fully meet Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat in the base model.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. It had a ground clearance of 20.5 cm and could tow up to 2,720 kg. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering wheel had a two-spoke design, which was set to be replaced by a three-spoke design in 2025.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kg. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, being more suited for daily driving than sporty handling. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only model offering a third-row seat. Depending on the trim, 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 rear seat ventilation and power-operated side window shades. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, with limited rear seat recline and legroom. The GV80 offered 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. The CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, though it had more than the Subaru Forester with seats up. A power liftgate was available, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items, and the roof platform was high. The interior featured a substantial shifter and Mazda's rotary infotainment controller, providing a sensible layout and adequate storage.

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 package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and wireless smartphone charging were also standard. The Prestige trim had a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D appearance and a Lexicon premium sound system. A digital key system and head-up display were standard in Canada.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with dual USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface required adjustment but was easy to use once acclimated. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, but it suited buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed in the digital instrument panel, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the vehicle to park itself. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime pedestrian detection and "Average" for standard headlights. The NHTSA hadn't published complete ratings, but the CX-50 received a five-star frontal crash-test rating and four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.