2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive design. It diverged notably from the rest of the Genesis lineup, featuring the brand's signature two-line lighting that created an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. This effect was slightly less pronounced than in the larger GV80 due to the absence of turn signal repeaters on the front quarter panels. The GV70's design further diverged with 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, featured 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 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, embraced a rugged and practical aesthetic. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive "overlanding" look. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The interior was straightforward, with copper-coloured stitching and accents, and the 8-inch Starlink infotainment system provided intuitive controls. While the Wilderness's exterior styling might not have been universally appealing, the Forester's overall design emphasized practicality and utility.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the standout performer. This engine delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 as a formidable competitor against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70's all-wheel-drive system prioritized the rear axle, transferring up to 50% of available torque to the front wheels when needed. The Sport Plus grade featured an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70's driving modes, including Sport+ and terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow, provided versatility and performance tailored to various conditions. The electronically controlled suspension system enhanced ride quality, balancing comfort and road feedback.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While lacking a turbocharger, the Forester's engine provided adequate performance for most driving situations. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 L/100 km combined, and during testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system offered improved off-road capabilities, and the Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance to 22.9 centimetres. The Forester excelled in various environments, from urban roads to off-road trails, showcasing its versatility and capability.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The cabin featured high-quality materials, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades. Cargo volume behind the second row was 819 litres, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The GV70's ergonomics and functionality were above average, though rear storage was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and ease of use. The tall seating hip points facilitated easy entry and exit, while the StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats made it resilient to dirt and moisture. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, supporting a three-person roof tent. The cabin offered comfort and visibility, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Forester's squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. The GV70's Blind View Monitor projected camera views onto the instrument cluster, enhancing safety. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top trims.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed effectiveness.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.