Compare the2023 Mazda CX-9VS 2023 Genesis GV80

Both the CX-9 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-9 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-9 is safer than the Genesis GV80:

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

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-9 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GV80 has not been fully tested, yet.

There are over 77 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-9’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-9’s reliability 19 points higher than the GV80.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda fourth in overall reliability. Genesis is ranked 12th.

The CX-9’s 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-9 gets better mileage than the GV80:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-9 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The GV80 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The CX-9 Signature handles at .85 G’s, while the GV80 ADVANCED pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-9 Signature executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the GV80 Standard (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.4 seconds @ .63 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV80 (8.8 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the CX-9 Signature is quieter than the GV80 ADVANCED (71 vs. 72 dB).

The CX-9 has .1 inches more rear headroom, .7 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more third row headroom than the GV80.

The CX-9’s cargo area provides more volume than the GV80.

The CX-9’s cargo area is larger than the GV80’s in almost every dimension:

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the CX-9 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The GV80 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

On a hot day the CX-9’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GV80 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

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-9’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the GV80’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-9 Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The GV80 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Insurance will cost less for the CX-9 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-9 will cost $345 to $6105 less than the GV80 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-9 will be $10590 to $25770 less than for the Genesis GV80.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-9, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Genesis GV80 isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-9 outsold the Genesis GV80 by almost two to one during 2022.