2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim and introduced the sporty ST-Line, enhancing the popular XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long, tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally revealing the base trim's influence.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its "GV70" naming convention, shared styling cues with the G70 compact luxury sedan, especially above the belt-line. The split-bar headlights and strong chrome line visually connected it to its sedan counterpart, hinting at a coupe-like SUV design. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, featuring climate controls in a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg and burning as little as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,540 kg with a fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T had a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GV70 balanced comfort and handling, providing a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70, with a 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, delivered 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered 383 kilometres of range and fast charging capabilities. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, leaning slightly towards comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat accommodating five people occasionally. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. Fully equipped models featured triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. The Explorer offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, above average for the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate. The GV70's centre console had large cupholders, though the in-door holders couldn't accommodate larger bottles. The centre console included a tray with a retractable lid and a typical bin. Front-seat passengers could easily find a comfortable seating position, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. The smaller screen integrated well with the interior, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Explorer's Sync 3 system lagged behind the newer Sync 4, particularly in voice recognition and feature operation.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 also had a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though it was located near the rotary shifter, potentially causing confusion. It included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The safety features operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver's hands was occasionally problematic.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and highway driving assist with lane-keeping assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 included much of this equipment as standard. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.