2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the look of a traditional SUV, setting it apart from other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive appearance, which contrasted sharply with the more approachable look of previous RAV4 generations. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the exterior suggested a more adventurous vehicle, the mechanical underpinnings were more conventional.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its unique styling that diverged from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting design, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70 offered six grades in Canada, with distinct styling elements like dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades. Genesis provided a wide array of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for over 100 different configurations. The interior of the GV70 was designed with an elliptical theme, inspired by airplane wings, and offered premium materials like quilted leather and genuine carbon fibre inserts.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. While the engine boasted 40% thermal efficiency and impressive output for a naturally aspirated engine, the transmission's performance was less dynamic, with slow gear shifts and a lack of steering feel. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV70's Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing for up to 100% of available torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 featured multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance, and an electronically controlled suspension system that balanced road feel with comfort.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage spaces.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused 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 configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. The GV70 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. Rear passengers benefited from a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, but storage was limited. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime had a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features like a head-up display. A JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio were available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics and split-screen capability. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and 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 grades.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance and lane-keeping 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. As of publication, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available.