2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Toyota strategically positioned the 4Runner as a niche vehicle for those who venture off the beaten path, while the Highlander catered to family-hauling needs. The 4Runner's design, with its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper, was a testament to its adventurous spirit. Inside, the 4Runner's functional layout was a reminder of its last redesign in 2009, with a dash layout that felt distinctly late-2000s.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 exuded luxury and sophistication, drawing styling cues from the G70 compact luxury sedan. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually connected it to its sedan counterpart, hinting at a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. The GV70's interior was a showcase of top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish, blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash, creating a seamless and luxurious cabin experience. The GV70's design and interior quality positioned it as a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was considered dated, it was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to a standard 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll and a jostling experience over bumps. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to an AWD system. The turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 balanced comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined and well-rounded driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack, powering two electric motors for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth acceleration experience, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 383 kilometres and supported fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available with the second-row seats in use. The three-row model had slightly reduced cargo space, with a maximum of 2,514 litres and 1,311 litres behind the second row. The third-row seat was available only on the Limited package, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. While the 4Runner's cabin was not the most spacious, it provided ample storage spaces for gear.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was average for the compact luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it provided 818 litres, above average for its class. The GV70 came standard with a hands-free power liftgate. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, while the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench could recline, enhancing comfort for passengers. The GV70's interior featured decently large cupholders in the centre console, a helpful tray with a retractable lid, and a typical centre console bin.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials surrounding the screen, making it easy to use even with gloves on. While the infotainment system covered the tech basics, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system was suitable for those who appreciated its near-analog driving style.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis provided helpful buttons in the centre console and a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the vehicle's rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and highway driving assist with lane-keeping assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, its highest honour.