2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

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 distinct shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows. The Sport and Sport Plus grades showcased a sportier intent with dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the wheels. Customers could choose from over 100 colour combinations, with exclusive options for certain trims. Inside, the cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V received a substantial styling update, presenting a sleeker and more modern look. It lost some of the quirky charm of its predecessor but gained sophistication with a lowered beltline and simplified detailing. The HR-V’s design included cleaner lines, hidden windshield wipers, and new colour options like Nordic Forest Pearl. The Sport trim added a black rear spoiler and chrome exhaust for a more aggressive appearance. Inside, the HR-V offered comfortable seating with new features like dual-zone climate control and a power moonroof. The EX-L trim provided perforated leather seats and a refined cabin inspired by the 2022 Civic.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine aimed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs, boasting higher power figures than some German counterparts. 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. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential. Drive modes included Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, with terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feedback.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came with a single powertrain: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model. The CVT featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drive modes included Normal, Snow, and ECON, with a Sport mode for enhanced performance. The HR-V offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with a new suspension system for improved handling. Despite being fun to drive, it lacked the power of some competitors. The HR-V was quieter than before, but still noisy at higher speeds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, and climate controls were under a single pane with haptic feedback. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available. Rear passengers enjoyed a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with seats folded. The GV70 offered above-average ergonomics and functionality.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, though compact, was well-designed with a practical centre console and USB ports. It sacrificed some rear-seat headroom for its fastback look, with cargo space at 691 litres behind the seats and 1,559 litres with them folded. The HR-V’s interior was thoughtfully engineered, with a higher seating position and nearly flat floor when seats were folded. Passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with improved front legroom. Despite some reductions in space, the HR-V remained competitive in its class.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology with a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen. It supported split-screen layouts and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and Blind View Monitor system. A fingerprint recognition system allowed keyless vehicle start. The GV70 offered a nine-speaker audio system, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also had a 9-inch display and wireless charging. All trims included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and colour touchscreen. The HR-V offered three USB-A ports, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and remote start. Audio systems varied by trim, with the EX-L providing an eight-speaker setup.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. It introduced a radar-based rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2023 Honda HR-V made Honda Sensing standard across all trims, including adaptive cruise control and collision-mitigation braking. New features included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending.