2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Buyers could select from 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 GV80 3.5T in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim offered exclusive exterior colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design, though the black paint obscured the wheel details. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Despite its opulence, the GV80's seats were less comfortable on long trips, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Hawaii, was less about luxury and more about rugged utility. The black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for the tropical climate, but the Wrangler's open-air design mitigated the heat. Jeep offered the Wrangler in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. Our Sport S model, priced at $49,175, included a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a black hardtop, and a Convenience Group package. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and basic comforts like heated front seats. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Wrangler's design evoked a sense of American freedom and adventure, though it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T, with its more powerful engine, delivered a satisfying driving experience, though it was thirsty, achieving only 17.2 mpg in real-world testing compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes enhanced its athleticism, while the 8.1 inches of ground clearance and 6,000-pound towing capacity added versatility. The steering, though unremarkable, was comfortable for long drives, and the GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. Our test vehicle averaged 19.2 mpg during a week of driving in Hawaii. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its rough ride and disconnected steering were less ideal for highway driving, and the Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern.

The 2024 Genesis GV80's interior varied by trim level, with options for artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle featured a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. However, the GV80's seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and the rear seats lacked sufficient legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though the Prestige Signature's rear console limited loading options.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group package added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. While the Wrangler could seat five, four passengers were more comfortable, as rear-seat legroom was limited. Storage space was minimal, with small bins and cupholders for personal items. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement made the center console's control dial more practical. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige Signature trim added wireless smartphone charging in the second row. The GV80's digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims included a head-up display, enhancing safety by showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport S trim came with an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system available. Jeep Connect offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, passive entry, and remote engine starting. Rear parking sensors were part of the optional Active Safety Group package.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features. Highlights included a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist, though it was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were four stars.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, a significant safety improvement. Optional ADAS features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, available on all trims except the base Sport. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was exclusive to the Sahara trim. Adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights were available on models with automatic transmissions. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating.