2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging notably from the rest of the Genesis 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 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 featured elliptical inserts inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender embraced a classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. Its industrial design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles. The Defender paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like dome step plates and skylights. It offered various accessory packages, including ladders, roof racks, and snorkels. The Defender came in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, each with unique seating configurations. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with rubber and plastic surfaces designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its rugged character, the Defender's build quality and fit were excellent.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the standout performer. This engine delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, making it competitive with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-axle bias for improved traction. 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 versatile driving experiences. Its electronically controlled suspension system provided a balanced ride, and its tight turning radius was a bonus in urban settings.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrain, but most owners wouldn't fully utilize its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with excessive body roll and wind noise. The V8 engine, producing 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, provided exhilarating acceleration, but the Defender's top-heavy design made it feel unwieldy. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, delivering a smoother driving experience. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. Its climate controls were streamlined under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for ease of use. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The rear space offered independent legroom adjustment and a panoramic sunroof, though storage was limited. The GV70 boasted 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. Its large glass areas and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. The Defender 130 had 2,180 litres of cargo space with the third row folded, while the 90 and 110 offered varying capacities. Buyers could equip their Defenders with off-road or all-season tires, and the 130's roof rack supported up to 160 kilograms when moving. The Defender featured a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and other practical amenities.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, including a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen. While the system was slower to respond, it allowed for split-screen functionality with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless entry. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered better legibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps were standard. The Defender 110 S included heated 12-way power seats and a Meridian sound system. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. It also featured a rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, which provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. However, safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, though some felt this was insufficient. The Defender offered a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.