2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive design. It diverged 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. The GV70's styling 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, featured dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the 21-inch alloy wheels. Genesis offered a wide range of colour combinations, with more than 100 options available, allowing customers to personalize their GV70.

Inside, the GV70's cabin was designed with an elliptical theme, inspired by airplane wings. The Sport trims received special treatment with genuine carbon fibre inserts and unique upholstery configurations. The interior surfaces were of high quality, with quilted leather seats and door panels in premium grades. While some plastic elements were present, they were mostly in areas not frequently encountered by occupants. Overall, the GV70's interior exuded luxury and attention to detail.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, evolved from its origins as a "cute ute" to become a mature crossover SUV. Its exterior design blended angular flourishes with organic shapes, creating a Kabuki-like anthropomorphic face with expressive headlights and a snub-nosed grille. The RAV4's fit and finish elevated its overall quality, making it a popular choice among buyers. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by an uncomplicated centre stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for easy access, and the interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied the cabin together.

The RAV4's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom for front-seat occupants. The XLE grade added dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The RAV4's practicality extended to its cargo space, with a maximum capacity of 1,977 litres when the second row was folded flat. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine aimed to compete with 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. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance capabilities. The GV70's drive modes, including Sport+ and terrain modes, allowed for a tailored driving experience, while the electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feel.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor for 217 combined net horsepower, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower. The RAV4's fuel economy varied by model, with the gasoline model achieving 7.9 L/100 km combined, the Hybrid at 6.0 L/100 km, and the Prime offering an electric-only range of up to 68 kilometres. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering. The gasoline AWD models featured a fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect for highway cruising.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with a tall centre console and intuitive controls, including a dial-based gear selector. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for ease of use. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The GV70's rear space featured a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, but storage was limited. Cargo volume was impressive, with 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a spacious interior with a maximum cargo capacity of 1,977 litres. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for front-seat occupants, with dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat on the XLE grade. The RAV4's practicality extended to its numerous storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics. The system supported split-screen layouts and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade offered a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. The GV70's audio system ranged from a nine-speaker setup to an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch screen available on higher trims. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including five USB ports, a 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and a 10-inch colour head-up display. The RAV4's infotainment system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, with navigation available on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. The GV70's safety ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota's Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.