2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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 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, featured a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo. Dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades emphasized its sporty intent. Customers could choose from over 100 colour combinations, with exclusive options for the Sport grades.

Inside, the GV70's cabin was designed with an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings. The Sport trims offered genuine carbon fibre inserts, and a backlit graphic design was available on some interiors. Quilted leather seats and door panels were hallmarks of the premium grades. While most surfaces were of high quality, some plastic elements imitated chrome or metal. Overall, the GV70's interior was luxurious, with unique upholstery configurations and ambient lighting enhancing its appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, maintained a mature design, having been in its second generation for 14 years. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a timeless appeal. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Despite its size, the Sequoia managed a middle ground in styling, avoiding the oversized grilles and wheel arches seen in other SUVs.

Inside, the Sequoia's age was evident, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard design. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen felt outdated compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was typical Toyota, with tight seams, high-quality materials, and a durable build. The Sequoia's interior was designed to withstand the demands of a growing family, offering ample space and comfort across its three rows. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice. This engine produced 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 as a strong competitor against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's power figures were impressive, and its fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear axle priority for torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance capabilities. The GV70 offered various drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving, and an electronically controlled suspension system that balanced comfort and road feedback.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. However, its weight of around 2,721.5 kg resulted in higher fuel consumption, with ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance. The TRD Pro model featured Fox shocks for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with its interior design and ergonomics. The centre console was tall, separating the driver from the front passenger, and featured intuitive button and dial controls. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, making it easy to use while driving. The GV70's climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia focused on passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. Three-zone climate control catered to all occupants, and a power moonroof added to the airy feel. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on the Platinum grade. The Sequoia's centre console and glove compartment provided ample storage, and rear passengers had access to cup holders and power outlets. The cargo compartment featured a 12-volt outlet, and the Sequoia offered 535 litres of luggage space behind the third row. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded to 1,886 litres, and folding both rows flat provided a massive 3,401 litres of space.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology, featuring 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, though not in wireless form. The premium Sport Plus grade offered a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the GV70's status. The Blind View Monitor system projected camera views onto the instrument cluster, and a fingerprint recognition system allowed keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain features like turbocharging and electrification. However, Toyota updated the Sequoia's exterior lighting to LED and included a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system included 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 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. However, it featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also included the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. A full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, crumple zones, and parking-assist sonar were standard on all Sequoia models.