2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often seen as a vehicle that blended into the crowd of compact crossovers. Its design was similar to many of its competitors, with few distinguishing features. The grille and some chromed plastic elements provided minor differentiation, but overall, the CR-V's exterior was not its selling point. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making it challenging to find more vibrant hues like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that improved with higher trims, but it still faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold styling and unique design elements. The GV70 featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating a striking visual effect. Its design diverged from other Genesis models, with a distinct shoulder line and unique accent lines around the side windows. The GV70 offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for personalization. Inside, the cabin was designed with the driver in mind, featuring intuitive controls and high-quality materials. The Sport trims added sporty touches like carbon fibre inserts, enhancing the vehicle's upscale appearance.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but rather for its smooth and steady acceleration. All trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It achieved 0 to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional automatic transmissions found in some competitors. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a more dynamic performance with two engine options. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produced 300 horsepower, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The GV70's power figures were competitive with mid-level performance SUVs from German brands. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-wheel bias for improved handling. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving, and an electronically controlled suspension system that balanced comfort and responsiveness.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 focused on driver-centric design and ergonomics. The centre console separated the driver from the front passenger, with intuitive controls within easy reach. The GV70 featured a large panoramic sunroof and available ventilated rear seats, enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo volume behind the second row was 819 litres, with a total of 1,610 litres available with the seats folded. The GV70's interior offered a premium feel, though second-row storage was limited. Overall, the GV70 provided a well-thought-out and functional interior.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front and rear, and a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and Blind View Monitor system. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V made these features standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. It introduced a rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, which provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. While safety ratings were not yet available, the GV70's comprehensive safety features were expected to perform well.