2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Prices spanned from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. The test vehicle, a 3.5T in Prestige Signature trim, featured a Matterhorn White Matte paint job, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim included exclusive exterior colors and a luxurious interior with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display. Despite its luxury, the exterior design was considered less appealing than the Prestige model due to the nearly invisible wheel design.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trims, including the Black Edition, which was evaluated in Southern California. With a price of $55,975, the Black Edition featured black wheels, blacked-out trim, and red accents in the interior. While the Pilot aimed for a rugged look, the Black Edition's custom appearance was more suited for suburban environments. The interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital displays appeared dated. The Pilot's cabin lacked a significant "wow factor," but it offered practical storage solutions and a comfortable, family-friendly layout.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T delivered 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some rivals' larger V6 engines. The 3.5T model, with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, achieving 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offering five driving modes. The GV80 3.5T featured upgraded brakes and adaptive suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot's AWD system included torque vectoring and hill descent control. While the V6 provided good acceleration, the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. The Pilot averaged 20 mpg on the evaluation loop, slightly below the EPA's 21 mpg rating. The suspension was compliant, but an adaptive-damping system would have improved handling on mountain roads.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature seated four with luxurious second-row captain’s chairs. The interior featured premium materials and advanced comfort features, but the seats were uncomfortable on long trips. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the rear center console's height required caution when loading items.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front passenger seat lacked adjustability, but the interior offered quality leather and heated and ventilated seats. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for easy access to the third row. The Pilot provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The hands-free power tailgate and large storage well added convenience.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a control dial for ease of use. Standard features included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige Signature added wireless charging in the second row. The digital key system and Lexicon premium sound system enhanced the tech experience, while the head-up display provided safety alerts.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Pilot included a CabinTalk feature for communication and a small head-up display, meeting basic technology expectations.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were slightly lower.

The 2025 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing safety features, such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition added parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. The Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though some safety systems exhibited quirks during testing.