The 2025 Genesis GV80 and Acura MDX are competitors in the midsize 3-row luxury SUV segment. They’re versatile, entertaining to drive, and have the elevated driving position and interior space SUV shoppers desire. Both get design and feature updates for 2025.
Spoiler alert: The GV80 recently took our Best Buy Award for its stylish exterior, upscale cabin, and superb warranty. Nipping at its proverbial heels (or should that be wheels?) is the MDX. Having served as Acura’s range-topping SUV for over 20 years, it has an established reputation for agility, safety, and strong resale values.
Could these fine attributes help it unseat the GV80? Let’s explore some highlights of each vehicle to find out.
2025 Genesis GV80
The 2025 GV80 is available with a choice of two engines and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing starts at $59,050, including a $1,350 destination charge.
Having first arrived for the 2021 model year, the GV80’s 2025 updates help it remain one of the more eye-catching midsize luxury SUVs available today. Its memorable shield-shaped front grille is now wider and flanked by new LED headlights. In addition to competing against the MDX, additional rivals to the GV80 include the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Jeep Wagoneer, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Genesis GV80 Highlights
Strong engines: Even the base drivetrain is no slouch. The GV80 2.5T’s turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder produces a stout 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in about six seconds. The available 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 in the 3.5T variant drops this time by about a second.
Warranty coverage: This is a major plus point with the GV80, not to mention the entire Genesis lineup. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty complements a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, whichever comes first. Also included are three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance and five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
Safety scores: To be fair, this is a great attribute of both the GV80 and MDX. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates each SUV as a Top Safety Pick+.
All-new infotainment system: The new infotainment system fixes one of our biggest gripes with the GV80 — its lack of wireless smartphone connectivity. It also includes a 27-inch OLED screen that spans the center stack and the instrument panel. There’s even a wireless charging pad.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see GV80 models near you.
2025 Acura MDX
Every time we get behind the wheel of the MDX, we’re reminded why we enjoy it so much. It has the quick steering and taut suspension of a sports sedan — albeit one with room for seven and plenty of luggage.
After a significant refresh for the 2022 model year, the 2025 MDX arrives with a redesigned cabin featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google built-in infotainment. It also gets some minor exterior styling updates and new optional features. Pricing starts at $52,550, including a $1,350 destination charge.
Acura MDX Highlights
Lively driving dynamics: Under the hood of the MDX is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. While turbos are all the rage, there is a lot to be said for the linear power delivery afforded by this engine. Better still, the MDX is a rare SUV that thrives on twisty roads. The steering is sharp and inspires confidence.
Sporty Type-S: The MDX Type-S gets down the road courtesy of a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that comes standard with Acura’s highly-regarded Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) hardware. In wet or dry conditions, SH-AWD gives the MDX an even higher degree of grip and agility.
Bang & Olufsen audio: If you’re an audiophile with cash to spend, these two new optional audio systems — one with 19 speakers and the other with 31 — replace the former ELS audio system, which was much loved by our audio aficionados.
Wireless smartphone connectivity: Just like in the GV80, wireless charging and smartphone integration are standard. The MDX also gets onboard Wi-Fi and Google built-in.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see MDX models near you.
Similarities
The GV80 and MDX are both enjoyable to drive and have the convenience of a third row of seating. Keep in mind that the space back there in either SUV is most suitable for kids, not adults. They each have terrific track records regarding safety scores, too.
Conclusion
The GV80 and MDX make very strong cases for themselves. The MDX’s significantly lower base price, quick steering reflexes, energetic engines, and impressive resale value work in favor of it, and this year’s update to Google built-in infotainment resolves our issue with with the previous system. The cons include the interior trim, which doesn’t have quite the polish of the GV80.
And speaking of the GV80, it has power aplenty, outstanding warranties, and its own user-friendly infotainment system. It also happens to have a substantially higher price. Of the two, the GV80 gets a narrow but deserved win.
| 2025 Genesis GV80 | 2025 Acura MDX | |
| Starting Price | $59,050 | $52,550 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, AWD | 10-speed automatic, FWD |
| Fuel economy MPG | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | Turbocharged 3.0-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 | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.5 inches | 198.4 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 78.7 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches | 67.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 40.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.4 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.3 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.3 inches | 29.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.6 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.3 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Should Room, 3rd Row | 53.2 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 11.6 cubic feet | 16.3 cubic feet |