2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the greenhouse resembled a protective shell. The rear was marked by bold, large taillights, contributing to its classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 sported S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern ambiance, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped by function, creating a pleasing unity of design. The material selection was high-quality, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed at the top of the centre stack for optimal driver visibility. The second row was equally well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery throughout.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the brand’s lineup. It featured the brand’s two-line lighting signature, creating the illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle with LED headlights and taillights. Although the circle wasn’t entirely unbroken due to the absence of turn signal repeaters on the front quarter panels, the effect was still achieved. The GV70’s styling diverged further with six grades offered in Canada, including the Sport and Sport Plus grades with a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo. The shoulder line traced a unique arc, and the accent lines around the side windows were exclusive to this model.

Dark chrome finishes on the grille and other exterior elements highlighted the GV70’s sporty intent. The Sport grades featured a cross-hatched matrix pattern throughout the exterior, including on the standard 21-inch alloy wheels. Genesis customers ordered directly from the company, allowing for creative exterior and interior colour combinations. With 12 exterior paint options and nine different interiors, including exclusive matte paints for the Sport grades, the GV70 offered over 100 colour combinations. The cabin featured elliptical-themed inserts inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre available on Sport trims. Unique upholstery configurations, including quilted leather seats and door panels, marked the premium grades.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight, delivered convincing acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved impressive fuel efficiency, with 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, and 8.8 litres per 100 km in gasoline-only mode. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering modes for battery-only driving, battery power reservation, or hybrid mode. The Q5’s handling was characterized by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering, a slightly stiff sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, prioritizing the rear axle until traction was needed at the front. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of available torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with Sport mode providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. The electronically controlled suspension system used a forward camera to detect road surface changes, maintaining a balance between comfort and road feedback. The GV70’s turning radius was notably tight, aiding urban maneuverability.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV exemplified the Goldilocks Phenomenon, offering a compact crossover SUV that was neither too big nor too small. Its smart packaging allowed the battery pack to be placed under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The Q5 offered 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), ample headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats featured Audi’s comfortable and supportive sport seats with adjustable heating and optional ventilation. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out functions and storage options.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with a tall centre console separating the front-row seats. Intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, offering a more pleasant experience than the flat panel style in the GV80. Climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats available. The right rear passenger could adjust the front passenger seat for legroom. The rear space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades. Cargo volume was rated at 819 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. Overall, the GV70’s ergonomics and functionality were above average.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster with three customizable views. The cabin offered colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, enhancing connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics and a split-screen layout. The Genesis 3D digital instrument cluster, included in the premium Sport Plus grade, featured a 3D look that followed the driver’s eyes. The Blind View Monitor system projected camera views onto the instrument cluster, and a fingerprint recognition system allowed keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. Two USB ports for the front and rear were standard.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline-only model received top “good” ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, LED lights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and TPMS. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.