Genesis GV80 vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and five trims, with the top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine. The redesign enhanced its already handsome appearance, with a more aggressive front bumper and a grille with added depth. The micro lens array in the traditional two horizontal bar headlights and the subtle tweaks to the Genesis logo added to its allure. The interior was equally stunning, with quilted Nappa leather seats and unique accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The center console was thoughtfully designed, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary given the ease of using the touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD and two battery sizes. The XLE Plus, with its larger battery, offered improved power and range. The restyled exterior looked better with body-color trim, and the interior featured a cleaner dashboard and center console. The fabric seats had an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, though the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. The bZ was a comfortable cruiser, though its mid-range passing power was limited, and the ride could be choppy on uneven pavement.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The top trim featured a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims came with AWD, capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels. The GV80 offered modes like Snow and Eco for different driving conditions. While acceleration was satisfying, the SUV was more suited for cruising than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, ensuring confident stops even on rough roads.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery for 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models produced 338 hp, with varying ranges and efficiency ratings. The bZ could recharge quickly with a DC fast charger and was compatible with Tesla Superchargers. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, though the bZ lacked one-pedal driving capability. The FWD model struggled with traction in certain conditions, and the ride could be choppy on undulating pavement.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the Mood Curator for a spa-like experience. The top trim included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips. The second row offered ample legroom, and a third row was available in the Advance trim. Cargo space was similar to the previous model, with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The seats were comfortable, with eight-way power adjustment and standard heated front seats. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options. Rear passengers enjoyed good legroom, though foot space was tight. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was clear but could be cumbersome to navigate. Standard tech included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB-C ports. The top trim offered a 12-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. The Bang & Olufsen stereo system provided sophisticated sound quality.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. The infotainment system was generally easy to use but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans. The voice assistant worked well, though it occasionally stumbled on complex commands.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 included advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system was updated with an attention monitor. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received high safety ratings.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech highly, but the headlights and frontal-impact crash-tests received lower ratings.