2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but the interior's resemblance to a minivan, coupled with its uninspiring exterior, did not enhance its appeal. Quality materials were evident, yet the design choices did not favour the Pilot's overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. The vehicle featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating a striking visual effect. The GV70's design included unique elements like a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, emphasizing its sporty intent. The interior offered a wide range of colour combinations and premium materials, with the Sport trims receiving special treatment. The GV70's design was both bold and refined, setting it apart in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and refined power, making the SUV quick to accelerate. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered all four wheels through a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and handling. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and its torque-vectoring AWD system contributed to its athletic handling. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors, boasting higher power figures than many German counterparts. The GV70's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive prioritized rear-wheel torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing performance. The GV70's electronically controlled suspension system balanced comfort and road feedback, while its tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight people with a bench second-row seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were optional, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The Pilot's third-row seat comfort was average, with a low and flat bottom cushion. Storage was abundant, with various compartments and a sizable hidden storage area. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, and climate controls were configured under a single pane. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space featured a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with seats folded. The GV70's ergonomics and functionality were above average, despite some minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The system included a built-in navigation system on the EX-L Navi trim and wireless phone charging on the Touring grade. The Touring trim also offered a rear-seat entertainment system and a Cabin Talk feature. While the infotainment system was adequate, it lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice-recognition prompts. HondaLink subscription services were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology, with a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen as standard. The system supported split-screen layouts and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and Hyundai's Blind View Monitor system. A fingerprint recognition system allowed keyless vehicle start. The GV70 offered a nine-speaker audio system, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades. USB ports were standard for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While the system was functional, it lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

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. While safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the GV70's onboard systems were of high quality and performance.