2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting to the crossover trend by enhancing its Impreza hatchback with rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive, and a higher driving position. This approach mirrored the success of the larger Outback, which had outlasted many station wagons in the U.S. market. The Crosstrek distinguished itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek a more SUV-like character, complemented by vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. Despite its SUV mimicry, the Crosstrek retained the Subaru Global Platform, ensuring a refined driving experience, although the interior remained functional yet plain, with some clashing design elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold styling and unique design elements that set it apart from the rest of the Genesis lineup. The GV70 featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating a circular illusion around the vehicle. Its styling diverged with a distinct shoulder line and unique accent lines around the side windows. The GV70 offered six grades, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades receiving sportier design elements like dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior. Genesis allowed customers to order directly, offering a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations. The GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations, providing a luxurious and customizable interior experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Outdoor and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Other trims continued with the 2.0-litre boxer-four, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The boxer engine's lower profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. While a six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, most buyers opted for the CVT, which was standard on Sport and Limited trims. All trims came with standard AWD, and the Crosstrek included X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the new 2.5-litre engine didn't significantly enhance acceleration.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Our test unit featured the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 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. The GV70's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD prioritized the rear axle, with up to 50% of torque transferred to the front wheels when needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, with Sport mode providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. The electronically controlled suspension system adapted to road conditions, ensuring a smooth ride while maintaining driver feedback.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its front and rear legroom with the Impreza hatchback, offering slightly more rear headroom. With 588 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,565 litres with the seats folded, the Crosstrek was competitive in passenger space but lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, and the interior included a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports. However, rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports, and overall storage space was minimal. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good outward visibility.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system featured a raised dial for easy operation, and climate controls were configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The rear space offered independent legroom adjustment and a panoramic sunroof, though storage was limited. The GV70 provided 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. Subaru's unique second screen displayed additional information, though it seemed redundant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics. The system allowed for a split-screen layout, though it was slower to respond. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster with Hyundai's 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. Four USB ports were included for front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist technology offered features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. CVT-equipped models included additional safety features like automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

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