2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered 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. The 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 was available in exclusive colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and Mauna Red, complemented by dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels. However, the wheel design was obscured by black paint, diminishing its visual impact. Inside, the GV80 boasted an Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents, exuding luxury. Despite its opulence, the recommendation leaned towards the regular Prestige trim over the Signature version.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, traditionally known for its practicality over aesthetics, received notable styling updates. The exterior featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a more generic appearance. Steering-responsive LED headlights with welcome lighting were standard, creating an "integrated shield effect" with the grille. The Forester Sport, tested with bronze trim accents, had 19-inch wheels, while the Limited and Touring trims had 18 and 19-inch wheels, respectively. The Forester's shape retained its large-greenhouse design, with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive side window shape. The interior offered cloth upholstery with blue contrast stitching, while the Sport trim featured StarTex material with brown stitching. Limited and Touring trims had genuine leather seating. The cabin's structural dash elements added a designed and intentional look, enhancing the overall interior appeal.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, surpassing some rivals' larger V6 engines. The 3.5T model, tested with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but lower fuel efficiency. The EPA rated it at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 17.2 mpg. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T included upgraded front brakes and adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience. It excelled in acceleration, merging, and passing, with commendable grip from P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering wheel's two-spoke design added comfort, though a more conventional three-spoke design was planned for 2025.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, with a slight increase in horsepower and decrease in torque from the previous model. The Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD system were standard. Subaru improved noise levels, making the engine quieter at cruising speeds. The X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester Sport and higher trims featured a dual-function X-Mode. The Forester's performance was stable and planted on various surfaces, with seamless X-Mode activation. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims. A hybrid Forester was anticipated, but fuel economy figures were not yet available.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim offered seating for four with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The lack of passenger capacity limited its use for family trips. Depending on the trim, the GV80 featured artificial, real, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, seat comfort was lacking, with diamond-stitched surfaces feeling uncomfortable on long trips. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, though the rear center console's height required caution when loading.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, powered on the Sport trim and foot-activated on Limited. The rear glass's vertical angle increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks. While the Forester's cargo space was competitive, it fell short compared to some rivals like the Toyota RAV4. The Forester's roomy second row contributed to its appeal. The interior included a dark headliner, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat on the Premium trim, and heated front seats with the all-weather package. Limited and Touring trims added power adjustability to the front passenger's seat, with Touring offering seat memory, ventilation, and heated back seats.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged using the center console's control dial. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with wireless smartphone charging available. The Prestige Signature added second-row wireless charging. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was visually pleasing. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model retained two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Premium and higher trims included dual USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. A navigation system was standard on the Touring trim, featuring voice activation and "what3words" technology. The Touring trim also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, available on Sport and Limited trims. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite offered additional capabilities for 2025, including Valet Mode and Remote Vehicle Configuration.

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 moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Remote Smart Parking Assist system allowed the GV80 to park itself, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact tests earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Starlink Connected Services, including Emergency Stop Assist, which activated if the driver became unresponsive. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with Emergency Stop Assist available on Touring trims. The Touring trim also included a digital rearview mirror, surround view monitor, and reverse automatic braking. Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technology was standard, with enhancements for 2025, including a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The 2025 Forester had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick award and a five-star rating, indicating high safety expectations for the new model.