Compare the2025 Genesis GV80VS 2024 Mazda CX-50

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Genesis GV80 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mazda CX-50 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The GV80’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-50 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GV80 and CX-50 have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The GV80 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The CX-50’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the GV80 are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The GV80 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-50 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The GV80 offers an optional Multi-Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the GV80’s standard Downhill Brake Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Downhill Brake Control.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GV80 has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist with automatic braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the GV80 and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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.

The Genesis GV80 weighs 593 to 1398 pounds more than the Mazda CX-50. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the CX-50:

	GV80	CX-50
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	67	114
Neck Tension	178 lbs.	268 lbs.
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	22 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.39 in	1.34 in
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.75 in	1.61 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	10 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	982 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.55 in	.87 in
Torso Max Deflection	.67 in	.71 in
Torso Deflection Rate	3 MPH	8 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

The GV80 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-50’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Genesis’ powertrain warranty covers the GV80 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the CX-50. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the CX-50 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The GV80’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CX-50’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the GV80 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Genesis will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-50.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the GV80 has larger alternators than the CX-50:

	GV80	CX-50
Standard Alternator	150 amps	100 amps
Optional Alternator	180 amps	150 amps

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GV80 third among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The CX-50 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis above average in initial quality. With 48 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

Engine

The GV80 2.5T’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 113 more horsepower (300 vs. 187) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 186) than the CX-50’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The GV80 2.5T’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 44 more horsepower (300 vs. 256) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The GV80 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 119 more horsepower (375 vs. 256) and 71 lbs.-ft. more torque (391 vs. 320) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Genesis GV80 is faster than the Mazda CX-50:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	CX-50 4 cyl.	CX-50 turbo 4 cyl.
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	6 sec	8.5 sec	7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.9 sec	14.4 sec	16.5 sec	15.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.3 MPH	98.8 MPH	84.1 MPH	89.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regardless of its engine, the GV80’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Mazda only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the CX-50 Turbo.

The GV80 has 5.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 (21.1 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Genesis GV80, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-50.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GV80’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-50:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	CX-50
Front Rotors	14.2 inches	14.9 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	12.8 inches

The GV80’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

The GV80 stops much shorter than the CX-50:

	GV80	CX-50
70 to 0 MPH	163 feet	181 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	118 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GV80 has larger tires than the CX-50 (265/40R22 vs. 225/65R17). The GV80’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-50 (265/40R22 vs. 245/45R20).

The GV80’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires. The GV80’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GV80 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50. The GV80’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Genesis GV80 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The GV80 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the GV80 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The GV80 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GV80 offers an optional automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GV80’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-50 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GV80’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the CX-50 (116.3 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GV80 is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the CX-50.

The GV80’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the CX-50’s (58.9% to 41.1%). This gives the GV80 more stable handling and braking.

The GV80 Prestige handles at .86 G’s, while the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GV80 Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the CX-50 (26.9 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the GV80 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-50 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GV80 Prestige uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-50 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the GV80 Prestige is quieter than the CX-50 2.5 Turbo:

	GV80	CX-50
Full-Throttle	74 dB	80 dB
70 MPH Cruising	68 dB	69 dB

Passenger Space

The GV80 offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the CX-50 can only carry 5.

The GV80 has 39.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-50 (140 vs. 100.3).

The GV80 has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 4.3 inches more front shoulder room and 4.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GV80’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The GV80’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-50.

	GV80	CX-50
Third Seat Removed	38.7 cubic feet	31.4 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	71.8 cubic feet	56.3 cubic feet

The GV80’s cargo area is larger than the CX-50’s in almost every dimension:

	GV80	CX-50
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	15.9”/44.7”/79”	n.a./42.6”/75.4”
Max Width	53”	55.6”
Min Width	41.7”	40.2”
Height	31.1”	30.2”

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GV80. The CX-50 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the GV80’s liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The GV80’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-50’s (6000 vs. 2000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GV80 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-50. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The GV80 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The GV80’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the GV80 and the CX-50 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GV80 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-50 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the GV80 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the CX-50 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GV80 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-50 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GV80’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Premium/Turbo.

The GV80 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the CX-50 Turbo Premium.

The GV80 Prestige/3.5T has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-50.

Both the GV80 and the CX-50 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the GV80 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-50 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Genesis GV80 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the CX-50. The GV80 also offers Qi charging in the second row seat. The CX-50 doesn’t offer wireless charging in its rear seat.

The GV80 has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GV80 Advanced/Prestige’s Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

The GV80 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2021. The CX-50 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.