2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, adding character to its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture, the XC90 shared its platform with other "90" and "60" series models, emphasizing its crossover nature. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options like wool and Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70 offered six grades, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades receiving unique styling elements like a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes. The Sport grades also boasted a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior and 21-inch alloy wheels. Genesis allowed customers to order directly, offering a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations. Inside, the GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on Sport trims. The interior offered high-quality materials, though some plastic elements were present. Overall, the GV70's design and customization options made it a standout choice.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and provided a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms, though it fell short of some competitors.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine aimed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. 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 for enhanced performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and handling. The GV70's turning radius was notably tight, making it manoeuvrable in urban settings.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom in all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel. The XC90 featured standard four-zone climate control with an optional filtration system. The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, though the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console and minimal storage options. Cargo space was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver 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 with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The rear passenger could adjust the front passenger seat for legroom. A panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades enhanced the rear space. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. Overall, the GV70 offered above-average ergonomics and functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. It included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menus were difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

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 and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade featured 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. Two USB ports were provided for both the front and rear rows.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" front-crash prevention ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. It introduced a rear occupant alert system using radar. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.