2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the brand's lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design was unique, with a shoulder line and accent lines that set 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 and dark chrome finishes, enhancing its sporty appeal. Customers could choose from over 100 colour combinations, with exclusive options for the Sport grades.

Inside, the GV70's cabin showcased an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on Sport trims. The interior offered a variety of upholstery configurations, including quilted leather seats on premium grades. While most surfaces were of high quality, some plastic elements imitated chrome or metal. Overall, the GV70's interior design and materials were impressive, with a few minor exceptions.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. This gave the Ascent a sporty appearance, a departure from its previous look. The Onyx Edition's interior included water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats in a grey two-tone scheme, with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. However, the StarTex material tended to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option on this trim.

The Ascent's interior offered practicality with triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The wide rear doors facilitated easy access to the second row, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second row, enhancing the cabin's spacious feel. While the Ascent provided ample storage, the StarTex material's tendency to trap sweat was a drawback.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a competitor to mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a dynamic driving experience, with the Sport Plus grade featuring an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance.

The GV70's drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for tailored driving experiences. The electronically controlled suspension system, equipped on V6 grades, balanced road feel and comfort. The GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive were standard, with a fuel consumption rating of 10.5 L/100 km combined. The Ascent's flat-four engine design contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power.

Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 cm of ground clearance made the Ascent capable off-road. In urban and suburban settings, the Ascent's responsive acceleration, excellent visibility, and absorbent suspension ensured a comfortable ride. However, sudden braking could result in excessive response, and the lane-keeping assistance technology sometimes felt unstable.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system's raised dial was user-friendly, and climate controls provided haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger could adjust the front passenger seat for legroom, and a panoramic sunroof added natural light. Cargo space was generous, with 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat offered a commanding position, and the Onyx Edition was equipped for winter with water-resistant seats and heated features. The wide rear doors facilitated easy access, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided ample storage, with a dashboard shelf and deep cupholders. Cargo space was 458 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,061 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering split-screen functionality and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The 3D digital instrument cluster in the Sport Plus grade added a unique touch, while the Blind View Monitor system enhanced safety. A fingerprint recognition system allowed keyless vehicle start. The premium Lexicon surround sound system was available on top grades, and USB ports were standard.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked premium sound quality, and the Harman Kardon system was unavailable on this trim. Premier trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and front camera.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. The rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement, and the Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing. However, safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, though it struggled in direct sunlight. The Ascent's safety features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and optional blind-spot monitoring.