Compared: 2023 Genesis GV80 vs. 2023 Acura MDX

A luxurious Genesis newcomer takes on the long-standing three-row Acura.

Mike Meredith | 

Jul 19, 2023 | 2 min read

Genesis | Acura

With three rows of seats, the 2023 Acura MDX and 2023 Genesis GV80 offer a pampering experience for the entire family. These crossover SUVs blend upscale touches with good power and plenty of conveniences for occupants in all three rows.

Here's how this newcomer and veteran compare.

Genesis

2023 Genesis GV80 vs. 2023 Acura MDX: Price

Motivated by a 300-horsepower four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Genesis GV80 2.5T AWD is the entry point right around $57,000. Stepping up to the GV80 3.5T AWD at about $64,000 adds a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, along with larger front brakes and 20-inch wheels.

Acura

The entry Acura MDX comes in at a lower starting point of about $51,000, powered by a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, but with front-wheel drive (FWD), although still a good value when adding AWD for $2,200. The performance-oriented MDX Type S comes in just over $69,000, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which produces 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive.

Genesis

2023 Genesis GV80 vs. 2023 Acura MDX: Features

The Genesis GV80 struts a bold look with its mesh shield grille, accentuated shoulder line, and the two-line headlight and taillight designs. The Acura MDX counters with a comparatively taut, sporting appearance.

The posh design of the Genesis GV80 carries over to the cabin with narrow air vents that emphasize the interior's width, a 12.3-inch 3D instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch split-screen infotainment display, and a shift-by-wire transmission selector dial in the center console. Heated, power leatherette seats are standard, with leather seating surfaces optional.

Acura

The Acura MDX features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen center display, and a standard panoramic moonroof. Available options include open-pore wood, Milano leather, a top-stitched and hand-wrapped instrument panel, and 16-way power front seats. As three-row SUVs, both the GV80 and MDX offer the same first-row legroom of 41.6 inches with a slight advantage to the GV80 in the second row with 38.7 inches (+0.2 inches) and the third row with 30.3 inches (+1.2 inches).

Genesis

2023 Genesis GV80 vs. 2023 Acura MDX Fuel Economy

The GV80 2.5T with the base engine and standard AWD can deliver 22 mpg combined, per EPA estimates, tops among the AWD Genesis and Acura models compared here. The front-wheel-drive MDX with the 3.5-liter V6 earns the same combined rating at 22 mpg, but with AWD, the MDX drops to 21 mpg.

Acura

The fuel efficiency of both models drops with twin-turbo V6 engines, but the GV80 is more powerful and fuel-efficient, with a rating of 20 mpg combined, while the MDX Type S comes in at 19 mpg.

Mike Meredith

Mike Meredith began his automotive journalism career in 1999 when he joined the editorial team of one of the top automotive websites at the time, and he hasn't slowed down since. He attended Trans-Am races as a child, spurring an interest in racing that lasts to this day.