Genesis GV80 vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe expanded its lineup with the introduction of the 30th Anniversary edition, bringing the total to six trim levels. These included the base trim, 30th Anniversary, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $61,660, with the Summit Reserve reaching $80,320 before options. Our test vehicle, a Trailhawk, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group II, and Advanced ProTech Group II, raising its MSRP to $72,630. A federal income tax credit of $3,750 could reduce the cost to $68,880. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing, matte-black hood decal, and unique wheels with all-terrain tires. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice, but the overall design prioritized style over substance.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a more luxurious experience. Available in 2.5T and 3.5T models, it featured Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trims, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a 3.5T in Prestige Signature trim, had an MSRP of $84,600. The exterior, with its Matterhorn White Matte paint and dark chrome trim, was stylish but not more attractive than the Prestige model. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its flagship status. The GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, though the Signature trim's appeal was debatable.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The Trailhawk boasted a standard four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain technology, and a height-adjustable air suspension providing 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Despite impressive off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance fell short in daily driving. It offered an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode, but real-world testing showed only 21.2 miles of electric range and 19.3 mpg in Auto mode. The gas engine sounded unrefined, and the regenerative braking system made smooth stops challenging. However, the Trailhawk excelled in quick acceleration, ride quality, and urban driving confidence.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T, with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. While the powertrain offered satisfying performance, it was thirsty, achieving 17.2 mpg on a Southern California evaluation loop compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both GV80 engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system, offering five driving modes. The GV80 3.5T featured upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience. It was quiet, composed, and luxurious, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The GV80 excelled in mountain road driving, with its adaptive suspension and powerful V6 enhancing its athleticism. The steering was unremarkable but didn't detract from the overall experience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space due to its off-roading hardware. The Trailhawk featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with leather and artificial suede upholstery, but the interior was only available in black. The front seats were firm and flat, while the rear seat cushion was low and lacked support. Rear legroom was tight, and the protruding plastic hooks on the front seatbacks could be uncomfortable. The Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced offered a third-row seat, but the Prestige Signature trim only accommodated four people with its second-row captain's chairs. The GV80 featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 provided 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Prestige Signature's rear center console required caution when loading cargo.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including an optional head-up display and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The Trailhawk featured a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Jeep Connect services. The user interface was simple, but the low-contrast graphics made it hard to read. The Trailhawk also had an Alpine premium sound system and optional wireless smartphone charging.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial on the center console for ease of use. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot in 2024, with wireless smartphone charging standard. The Prestige Signature added second-row wireless charging. The GV80's infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with a simple and intuitive user interface. Genesis equipped the GV80 with a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. The Trailhawk added an active blind-spot monitoring system and the Advanced ProTech Group II, which included intersection assist, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, automatic reverse braking, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically apply to the 4xe.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered 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 video feeds within the digital instrument panel, while the HUD showed blind-spot warnings. The GV80's collision-avoidance tech was complemented by a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test received four-star ratings for driver and passenger seating positions.