2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was a testament to luxury, offering 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 U.S. with the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and a variety of 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 for the infotainment system highlighted the GV80’s status as a flagship Genesis SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, presented a sophisticated appearance with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels that gave it a luxury SUV look. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, creating an upscale cabin. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The GV80 provided five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow, and had a ground clearance of 20.5 centimetres. It could tow up to 2,720 kilograms when properly equipped. The GV80 3.5T offered upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard-output and high-output versions. The standard-output engine generated 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). The power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel power bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with ratings of 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, depending on the engine. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold.

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 amenities like 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, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom. The GV80 offered 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The front-seat ventilation was less effective, but the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable on long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best for children, with limited space for adults. The CX-90 offered 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. However, storage space was limited, with a focus on style over practicality.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display on the Prestige trim. The infotainment system included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and wireless smartphone charging were standard, along with a digital key system. The Prestige trim offered a Lexicon premium sound system and a head-up display (HUD) showing blind-spot warnings. The infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with a simple and intuitive user interface.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Signature trim 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 the use of a centre console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was less effective, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came 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. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, while the HUD showed blind-spot warnings. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90’s driver aids were effective, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.