2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design and luxury-car style. It retained certain Genesis styling features like split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition, yet it was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury style, outperforming competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse, while the Electrified GV70 offered a subtle EV option with a cleverly integrated charge port in the grille.

The interior of the GV70 was one of the most distinctive among new vehicles, featuring traditional luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. However, it was the unique details that made it memorable, such as the elliptical pod housing climate controls, a rotary infotainment controller with a futuristic design, and a dashboard with a rounded cross-section. These elements showcased Genesis' effort to offer something different, making the GV70's interior both luxurious and innovative.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a luxurious appearance with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, although some materials reflected its competitive pricing. However, the interior design faced criticism for its ergonomics, including a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered vigorous straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX or BMW X3. The ride quality was reasonable but not exceptional, with the suspension crashing over bumps rather than gliding smoothly. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar dynamics to the gasoline model, with the added benefit of adjustable regenerative braking.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Both models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension provided a firm and communicative ride, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response and steering feel.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. Second-row legroom was slightly better than the X3 but less than the Q5 and GLC. The GV70 provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place, surpassing the Mercedes but slightly less than the Audi. Folding the rear seats yielded 56.9 cubic feet, less than its German rivals. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design limited small-item storage, but features like automatic side bolsters in Sport mode added to the luxury experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and window shades. The long rear doors facilitated third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The CX-90's interior emphasized style over practicality, with limited storage options. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than rivals, featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen's intuitive layout and rotary controller made it user-friendly. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a center console knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. Mazda's voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model year were incomplete, but the 2023 GV70 received a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, although it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings. Despite these quirks, the CX-90's driver aids were effective, with the blind-spot monitoring system offering an extra layer of safety.