2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with a choice between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models. 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, with Genesis offering an all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing model 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, with interior details like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system underscored the GV80’s luxury status. Despite the absence of the Prestige Signature trim in Canada, the regular Prestige trim was recommended for its luxury offerings.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in Canada in B6 and Recharge T8 model series. The XC90 B6 featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the XC90 Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering 53 kilometres of electric-only range. Both models came with standard all-wheel drive and were offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding the $2,620 destination charge and other fees. The Recharge T8 test vehicle arrived in Ultimate trim with seven-passenger seating and included the Lounge Package, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch. The MSRP for this configuration was $107,709, including destination charges and fees. The XC90’s exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim. Volvo offered buyers the ability to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery to suit their preferences.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some larger V6 engines in rival models. The 3.5T test vehicle featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering more satisfying performance but with higher fuel consumption. Natural Resources Canada estimated a combined fuel economy of 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres, though the observed figure was 13.7 L/100 km. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. 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 the P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering wheel featured a two-spoke design, which was set to be replaced by a three-spoke design in 2025.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The battery and electric motor offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres when driven as a hybrid. The SUV could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 Recharge T8 provided 45 kilometres of electric range in Pure mode and a fuel economy of 9.6 L/100 km. The SUV excelled in electric performance for local trips but showed a degradation in EV performance after 40 kilometres. The XC90 Recharge T8 offered lively performance with plenty of power, but its handling was not as thrilling, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement.

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 features including 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 the driver’s cushion becoming unbearable after hours of driving. The rear seats didn’t recline far enough for a relaxing ride, and second-row legroom was limited. Despite these drawbacks, the GV80 offered commendable storage space, with 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 2,378 litres with the back seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added to the interior’s appeal. Higher trims offered a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their winged shape could catch on clothing. Once adjusted, the XC90 provided exceptional comfort, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. The climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode on a hot day. The XC90 seated seven people, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row and tight access to the third row. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 1,854 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second-row seat dropped.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver made the centre console’s control dial more practical. 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 and a Lexicon premium sound system, set to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen components in 2025. A digital key system allowed smartphone access, and a head-up display was standard in Canada, showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system available. The 9-inch touchscreen was intuitive and easy to use, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant responded to “Hey Google” commands, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 Recharge T8 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display, with a surround-view camera supporting the standard parking sensors.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, including a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring and lane-change assist, working well in light or dense, slow-moving traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for the driver and passenger positions.

Volvo’s commitment to safety was evident in the XC90’s crash-test ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every assessment except rollover resistance, which earned four stars. The IIHS named the XC90 a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90’s ADAS features were not as innovative as rivals, lacking a hands-free driving assistance system. Pilot Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist but struggled with curves, passing lanes, and rural roads. It also made a significant error when exiting a highway, shaking confidence in the technology.