2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, with a design that was anything but boring. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a distinctive presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a more aggressive appearance package. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing luxury over sportiness.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 was a bold departure from the rest of the Genesis lineup, with its standout styling and unique design elements. The brand's two-line lighting signature created a striking visual effect, while the GV70's shoulder line and accent lines set it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades featured dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern, enhancing its sporty intent. The GV70 offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for personalized customization. Inside, the cabin featured elliptical-themed inserts, quilted leather seats, and a backlit graphic design, creating a premium and sophisticated atmosphere.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort and practicality. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it was outperformed by the Ford Explorer ST.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a strong contender against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-axle bias for improved handling. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70's drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, provided a dynamic driving experience, while the electronically controlled suspension system balanced comfort and responsiveness.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in providing comfort and convenience for families. Its interior featured spacious shelves for storage, a wireless charging pad, and ample legroom for second-row passengers. The third row offered limited space, but the second-row seats could be adjusted to accommodate adults. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design and ergonomics. The centre console separated the driver from the front passenger, with intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, and the climate controls were configured under a single pane for a clean look. The GV70 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. Rear passengers enjoyed a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage options were limited. Cargo space was competitive, with 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen offered a crisp display, but its functionality was limited in some applications. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, providing decent sound quality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering high-resolution graphics and a split-screen layout. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not in wireless form. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and a Blind View Monitor system. A fingerprint recognition system allowed for keyless vehicle start, and a premium 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system was available on top trims.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection support. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance. 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. While safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time, the GV70's safety features were considered high-quality.