Genesis GV80 vs Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

In Canada, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was available in five trim levels, starting with the base model and moving up to the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $72,395, excluding options and destination charges, with the Summit Reserve reaching $91,490 before upgrades. The Trailhawk trim, which was tested, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group III, and Advanced ProTech Group II, bringing the MSRP to approximately $85,000. Despite its high cost, the Grand Cherokee 4xe did not qualify for Canada's EV sales incentives. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. It also boasted unique wheels with all-terrain tires and the Trail Rated badge, signifying its off-road prowess. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. While the leather and artificial suede upholstery were appealing, the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance, with controls that were difficult to read and access.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with the latter exclusive to the Prestige trim. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, with all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing in Canada, covering five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The test vehicle was a 3.5T in the U.S. Prestige Signature trim, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim featured six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheels, 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 underscored its luxury status. The GV80 exuded luxury, though the Prestige Signature trim did not offer anything exceptional beyond the regular Prestige trim, which was recommended for Canadian buyers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It could tow up to 2,720 kilograms and featured a standard 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain technology, and a hill descent control system. The Trailhawk's off-road capabilities were enhanced by a front-axle sway bar disconnect system and a height-adjustable air suspension, providing 27.6 centimetres of ground clearance. However, its real-world performance fell short, with an all-electric range of 34 kilometres and a fuel consumption of 14.6 L/100 km in Auto mode. The gas engine sounded unrefined, and the regenerative braking system made smooth stops challenging. Despite its off-road prowess, the Trailhawk's handling felt sketchy due to fast steering response and body lean in curves.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5T model had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system, offering five driving modes. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings, though the steering was unremarkable. The two-spoke steering wheel design added comfort during long drives, and the GV80's sporty feel was complemented by its ability to handle mountain roads with ease.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space, partly due to its off-roading hardware. The Trailhawk featured artificial suede and leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front seats were firm and flat, and the second-row seats lacked support and legroom. Cargo space measured 1,067 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with real or Nappa leather depending on the trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded down, offering commendable storage space.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen. The Trailhawk's infotainment system used Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Jeep Connect services. However, the display's low-contrast graphics made it hard to read, and the voice recognition system was average. The Trailhawk also had an Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system available on higher trims.

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 infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80's infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with a simple and intuitive user interface. The Prestige trim included a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display standard in Canada. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Blind-Spot View Monitor for added safety.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Advanced ProTech Group II added features like intersection collision assist and a Night Vision system. However, the lane-departure warning system issued false alerts, and the adaptive cruise control was less responsive than desired. 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 advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. 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. The GV80's safety features provided a comprehensive safety net, with the Blind-Spot View Monitor and HUD offering additional protection during lane changes.