2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging notably from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting design, creating an illusion of a continuous circle around the vehicle, despite the absence of turn signal repeaters on the front quarter panels. The GV70's design was further characterized by its unique shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows, setting it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, boasted a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo, and dark chrome finishes on the grille and exterior elements emphasized its sporty intent.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The AMG GLS 63 performance model, however, offered a more dramatic look with flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and AMG-specific 22-inch wheels. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents and featured a traditional hood ornament and power running boards. Inside, the GLS offered a luxurious feel with options for reclining rear seats in the Maybach model and a performance-oriented interior in the AMG version. The GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting.

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 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 competitively against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, and it featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV70's drive modes included Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, with the latter providing aggressive throttle response and partial traction control disabling. The electronically controlled suspension system, equipped on V6 grades, balanced road feel and comfort, while the GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the inline-six configuration offered smoothness ideal for luxury vehicles. The GLS featured standard air suspension, which could adjust ride height and absorb impacts, though it exhibited poor body control over bumps. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some competitors like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

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 configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The rear passenger experience was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, and the GLS offered competitive legroom due to its long wheelbase. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with air suspension aiding cargo loading. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen's reach and the centre console's grab handles.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, including a standard 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. The GV70 also included a nine-speaker audio system, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though not in wireless form.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and natural-language voice recognition, which was notably effective. The GLS offered a 13-speaker Burmester audio system and a head-up display as options. The augmented-reality navigation feature was standard, though the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The GV70 also introduced a rear occupant alert system using radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver's hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GLS also featured Crosswind Assist, lane-keep assist, and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera system and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.