Genesis GV80 vs Nissan Pathfinder
What's the difference?

Genesis GV80

$119,928 - $141,750

2026 price

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Nissan Pathfinder

$39,980 - $66,990

2024 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Genesis GV80

2024 Nissan Pathfinder

By Marcus Craft

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.5L

V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

11.9L/100km (combined)

10.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Prestige look and feel
Ride and handling
All-wheel drive

Interior practicalities
Comfortable ride
Packed with features

Dislikes

Digital rear-view mirror
Driver visibility is constricted
No spare tyre

Fuel economy
No third-row top tethers
Space saver spare

2026 Genesis GV80 Summary

If you want luxury it will cost you. But that’s okay if the product or service you’re buying delivers on the promise or hype.

Posh has a price and even though times are tougher now, economically, and people’s belts are a little tighter, Genesis, Hyundai’s prestige spin-off, has released its GV80 line-up, which is headlined by the GV80 Black SUV and GV80 Black coupe.

These new range-toppers are based on the GV80 Signature 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol all-wheel drive and as such are now aimed at setting the gold standard for plush vehicles.

So, does the GV80 Black deliver? Read on.

View full pricing & specs

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Summary

The Nissan Pathfinder has evolved over the years from what was quite a rough-and-tumble Ford Everest style vehicle to a remarkably plush three-row family SUV.

Although it took a while to reach Australia, when the fifth-generation version landed in late 2022 it was a huge leap over its predecessor. And yet it has been a relatively slow seller in Australia.

In the first half of 2024 only 405 were registered, less than a tenth of the segment benchmark Toyota Kluger (5861 sales).

This can be largely attributed to a lack of choice in the Pathfinder range, following Nissan culling entry-grade variants early on leaving only the relatively expensive Ti and Ti-L grades, both fitted with a V6 petrol engine.

To increase customer choice, Nissan has reintroduced the ST-L mid-spec trim with the option of front-wheel drive for under $60,000, before on-road costs. But is it a good buy?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Genesis GV80 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Verdict

I rarely drive luxury vehicles so it doesn’t take much to impress me. However, it’s clear to anyone with half a brain (even me) that the GV80 is a premium ride and in Black guise it’s even better, albeit by increments only and those perceived improvements largely hinge on styling tweaks to the Signature platform on which it’s based.

Does it tick all of the boxes that someone considering this type of vehicle would want ticked? Sure it does and then some. But there’s plenty of stiff competition in the form of other premium AWDs on the market nowadays and even some 4WD wagons that offer similar levels of prestige.

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Nissan Pathfinder. The current model not only looks a lot better than its predecessor but in ST-L trim — and with an even cheaper front-wheel drive model — it offers the kind of value Australian families are chasing.

For all its practicalities, towing capacity and refined driving experience, the Pathfinder’s fatal flaw is its limited engine choice. A thirsty petrol V6 with no engine start-stop tech stunts its appeal for those who live in suburban areas where a Kluger hybrid just works better.

The ST-L is a worthy consideration for your next purchase if you’re less bothered about fuel use, and it's the pick of the line-up, offering just about every creature comfort and safety feature you'd want in a good-value package.

Genesis GV80 vs Nissan Pathfinder What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Genesis GV80 vs Nissan Pathfinder
What's the difference?