Compare the2024 Mazda CX-5VS 2024 Genesis GV80

The CX-5 has standard Whiplash-Reducing Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The GV80 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the CX-5 and the GV80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Genesis GV80:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Genesis GV80:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 126 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GV80 is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

There are over 2 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-5’s reliability 30 points higher than the GV80.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 11 places higher in reliability than Genesis.

The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 9 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 311) than the GV80 2.5T’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the GV80:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The GV80 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-5 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The GV80 2.5T requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The CX-5 stops shorter than the GV80:

The CX-5 handles at .81 G’s, while the GV80 Standard pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the GV80’s (36 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 1250 pounds less than the Genesis GV80.

The CX-5 is 1 foot, 2.6 inches shorter than the GV80, making the CX-5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CX-5 is 5.2 inches narrower than the GV80, making the CX-5 easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The CX-5 has .6 inches more rear headroom and .9 inches more rear legroom than the GV80.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume than the GV80 with its rear seat up (30 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-5 easier. The CX-5’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.4 inches, while the GV80’s liftover is 31.7 inches.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-5’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the GV80’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The CX-5’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the GV80’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium/Turbo has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The GV80 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Genesis GV80 isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Genesis GV80 by almost 8 to one during 2023.