Compare the2023 Mazda CX-50VS 2023 Genesis GV80

The Mazda CX-50 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GV80 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the CX-50 and the GV80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

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-50 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-50’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-50’s reliability 32 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-50’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-50 gets better mileage than the GV80:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-50 (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-50 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The GV80 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The CX-50 stops shorter than the GV80:

The CX-50 2.5 Turbo handles at .87 G’s, while the GV80 ADVANCED pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the CX-50’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the GV80’s (36 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-50 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV80 (8.3 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the CX-50 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-50 Premium/Turbo’s minimum ground clearance is .5 inch higher than on the GV80 (8.6 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Mazda CX-50 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 1200 pounds less than the Genesis GV80.

The CX-50 is 8.9 inches shorter than the GV80, making the CX-50 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CX-50 has .1 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and 1.1 inches more rear legroom than the GV80.

The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume than the GV80 with its rear seat up (31.4 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-50 easier. The CX-50’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.4 inches, while the GV80’s liftover is 31.7 inches.

On a hot day the CX-50’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.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-50’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-50’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-50 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-50, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Genesis GV80 isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-50 outsold the Genesis GV80 by 22% during 2022.