2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with a choice between two engines: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged 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, with all-inclusive pricing that covered 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 a variety of 22-inch wheel designs. Inside, the GV80 featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents, along with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered during a rental experience, was less about luxury and more about rugged capability. The black-on-black-on-black colour scheme was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design was rooted in its military heritage, offering a fundamentally appealing vehicle capable of going almost anywhere. In Canada, the Wrangler was available in several trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with prices ranging from $42,995 to $80,085. The Sport S model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, and while the interior was functional, it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles. Despite its uninspired wheel design and all-season tires, the Wrangler remained popular for its off-road capabilities and rugged charm.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The GV80 provided a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. The adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes contributed to its athletic performance, although the steering was unremarkable. The GV80's fuel economy was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but real-world testing showed 13.7 L/100 km.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable off-road. However, its ride was rough, and the steering was slow and disconnected. The Wrangler's fuel economy averaged 12.3 L/100 km during testing, and its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat and featured real or Nappa leather, 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. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. The GV80 provided 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but storage space was limited, with small bins and flimsy nets. The Wrangler's cargo space was 897 litres, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, but accessing it was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a Lexicon premium sound system, and a head-up display. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing graphical interface and a digital key system for smartphone access.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model offered an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system as an option. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. The Wrangler's infotainment system was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed.

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 GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although the frontal-impact test earned four stars for the driver and passenger.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler included side curtain airbags as standard equipment, with optional advanced driver assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact, but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact.