2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian SUV. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, offering balanced proportions and timeless styling. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, with a dashboard that boasted large knobs and buttons for straightforward operation. The 4Runner's appeal lay in its simplicity and durability, making it a vehicle that could be driven for decades, provided gasoline remained available.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its striking design and divergence from the rest of the Genesis lineup. The GV70 featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. Its styling was unique, with a distinct shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows. The GV70 offered six grades in Canada, with options for a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The Sport grades boasted dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior. Genesis provided a wide array of colour combinations, allowing for personalized exterior and interior aesthetics. The GV70's cabin featured elliptical-themed inserts, with premium grades offering quilted leather seats and carbon fibre accents, showcasing a blend of luxury and sportiness.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and optional packages like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, which added features such as a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors, boasting higher power figures than several German counterparts. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-axle bias. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving, and an electronically controlled suspension system that balanced comfort and road feedback. Its turning radius was notably tight, aiding urban manoeuvrability.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and visibility. The rear seat featured air conditioning vents and USB ports, and the vehicle offered an open-air feel with its moonroof and power windows. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seat and 2,540 litres with the seats folded, complemented by a large roof rack.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, and climate controls were integrated into a single pane with haptic feedback. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with options for ventilated seats and heated rear seats. The rear offered adjustable legroom and a panoramic sunroof, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded, with a stowable tonneau cover.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade was sparse in technology, but it included a windshield wiper de-icer and a cargo area power outlet. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with physical buttons for ease of use. Upgraded packages offered enhanced audio and navigation features.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and Blind View Monitor. 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.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS, but its frontal-impact ratings were less favourable.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance. It introduced a radar-based rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication, but the GV70's onboard systems were highly regarded.