2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but the Prestige trim boasted impressive 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, which did not detract from its elegance. The matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of refinement, which continued inside with quilted leather seats in the same dark green hue. The interior featured a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a center console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinctively Genesis, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash, a minor flaw in an otherwise spacious and luxurious cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim, added $4,505 to the price, with $1,875 covering the standard 4WD system. The remaining cost included retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze accents. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 4Runner exuded a nostalgic 1970s vibe. Its truck-based SUV design offered enduring appeal, with a solid and quality-feeling interior despite the abundance of plastic. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves. The 4Runner's design and features catered to those seeking a rugged, retro aesthetic with practical functionality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene and comfortable freeway commute.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. The 4Runner's EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg combined, with our test averaging 16.9 mpg. With nine inches of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, the 4Runner excelled in rugged terrain. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a tendency to skitter over larger bumps. Despite these flaws, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities and robust design made it a reliable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxurious features and ample space. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats in our tester, along with the Ergo Motion driver’s seat for fatigue reduction. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel, and a third-row option was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 offered a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, and a panoramic glass roof. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 provided both luxury and utility.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, sunroof, and automatic windows for an open-air experience. While entry and exit required effort for shorter individuals, the seats were comfortable, with heated front cushions in the 40 ASE. Storage options were plentiful but lacked rubber liners, leading to potential rattling. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space and comfort. The cargo area offered 46.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet, with a sliding floor option for easier loading. The 4Runner's design prioritized practicality and adventure readiness.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but not wirelessly. The GV80 also offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with options for navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations. The 4Runner's technology focused on practicality and ease of use, appealing to those who preferred straightforward controls.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view without neck craning. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, though acceleration was slow. The 4Runner received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.