Midsize luxury SUVs are hugely popular for a number of reasons. They deliver refinement, performance, and all the latest comfort and tech touches buyers demand in this segment. The 2024 Genesis GV80 has impressed us with its strong acceleration, smooth ride, eye-catching design, and opulently appointed cabin. Working in favor of its rival the 2024 Cadillac XT6 are traits such as its user-friendly infotainment system, roomy interior, and available hands-free driving aid.
To see how they compare, let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable attributes of the GV80 and XT6.
2024 Genesis GV80
The 2024 Genesis GV80 starts at $59,050, including a $1,350 factory-to-dealer destination fee. Changes for this model year include the addition of a new range-topping variant called the Prestige Signature, along with a Wi-Fi hot spot becoming newly standard on all models.
First introduced for the 2021 model year, the GV80 has quickly carved out a niche for itself in a highly competitive segment. In addition to the Cadillac XT6, the Genesis GV80 competes with rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Acura MDX, and Volvo XC90, to name only a few. Most GV80 models have a 2-row/5-passenger configuration, but a third row is available.
Genesis GV80 Highlights
Turbocharged engines: Genesis equips the GV80 with one of the stronger base powertrains that you’ll find among midsize luxury SUVs. This 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has plenty of grunt in city or highway driving. We like it so much it could make the 375-hp 3.5-liter V6 seem unnecessary. That said, the extra thrust of the turbo V6 is great for quick highway passing maneuvers.
Superb safety scores: Safety is always important, no matter the vehicle or car shopping budget. The 2024 GV80 earns Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also earns a top 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Likewise, the XT6 has received the same accolades from the IIHS and NHTSA, so this is a safety-minded highlight shared by both SUVs.
Class-leading warranty: Genesis isn’t messing around when it comes to giving GV80 owners added peace of mind. Credit goes to a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Sweetening the deal is 3 years/36,000 miles of no-cost scheduled maintenance and five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GV80 models near you.
2024 Cadillac XT6
The 2024 Cadillac XT6 starts at $50,190 — factoring in a $1,395 delivery charge — and has three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Unlike the GV80, all models are equipped with three rows of seats as standard. The base powertrain is a 237-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, though it’s only offered in the Luxury model.
We think the more powerful 310-hp V6 in the Premium Luxury and Sport variants is worth serious consideration. It delivers far stronger acceleration and passing power. Other than a few new exterior color choices, the 2024 XT6 is unchanged from the previous model year.
Cadillac XT6 Highlights
Super Cruise: This option could seal the deal for SUV shoppers who routinely travel long distances. We think Super Cruise could be the best hands-free driving aid available today. No such hands-free system is available for the Genesis GV80.
Living wire-free: Phone cords are a pain; admit it. Cadillac’s engineering team must agree because wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. And while the 8-inch touchscreen isn’t as expansive as the one found in the Genesis GV80, it’s a very user-friendly system.
Platinum Package: The Platinum Package brings the cabin of the XT6 semi-aniline leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel and center console, and a sueded microfiber headliner. Basically, it gives this Cadillac a richer and more luxurious ambiance.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the XT6 models near you.
Similarities
These two luxury SUVs are pretty evenly matched when looking at hard numbers like available legroom and cargo space. While the XT6 is less expensive, the gap isn’t exceedingly large — and somewhat negated by the fact that we think upgrading to the optional V6 engine is money well spent.
Conclusion
There is a lot we like about both of these luxury SUVs. Starting with the XT6, it has a handsome exterior, a roomy cabin with standard 3-row seating, many standard features, and available hands-free driving. It also costs less and has a warranty that, while not as extensive as the GV80’s, is better than what’s offered by many competitors.
With the Genesis GV80, we love its peppy acceleration and maneuverability, not to mention an interior that ranks among the very best in this segment. It’s a little pricier, granted, though its warranty coverage and free maintenance claw back some value points.
After many miles with each, the Genesis GV80 proves once again why it sits atop our ranking of the Best Luxury Midsize SUVs.
| 2024 Genesis GV80 | 2024 Cadillac XT6 | |
| Starting Price | $59,050 | $50,190 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 237 @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/24 highway/22 combined | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 inches | 112.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.7 inches | 198.5 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 77.3 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches | 69.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.4 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.3 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.3 inches | 29.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.2 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.2 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.2 inches | 53.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume behind 3rd/2nd/1s row | 11.6/36.5/71.7 cubic feet | 12.6/43.1/78.7 cubic feet |
