2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, setting itself apart from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting design, creating an illusion of a continuous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design diverged with unique elements like a distinct shoulder line and undulating accent lines around the side windows. 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 an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, maintained a stylish and high-quality appearance, resembling a small luxury SUV. It offered a choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged engine. The CX-5's updates improved structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and interior noise reduction, enhancing its driving experience. However, it faced limitations in rear-seat space, cargo capacity, and an infotainment system that lacked a conversational voice recognition feature. The CX-5's design and materials exuded quality, but its technology and storage space left room for improvement.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 375 hp. The V6 engine aimed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs, boasting higher power figures than some German counterparts. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle for torque distribution. The GV70's Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance capabilities. With selectable drive modes and an electronically controlled suspension system, the GV70 delivered a balanced and responsive driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and a turbocharged version with 256 hp on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided impressive torque, enhancing acceleration. Mazda's updates improved the CX-5's structural rigidity, suspension, and noise reduction, making it feel more refined. The CX-5's driving dynamics were rewarding, with responsive steering, brakes, and a firm ride quality. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, offering a sporty driving experience, but its off-road capabilities were limited.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. It featured a dial-based gear selector and a haptic feedback climate control panel. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel added comfort, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. Overall, its ergonomics and functionality were above average.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 improved front seat comfort and support, offering power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated options, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were lacking. Its infotainment system lacked a conversational voice assistant, and the control knob required memorization. The CX-5's cargo space measured 871 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. While it used high-quality materials, its interior space and technology needed improvement.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, including a 14.5-inch high-definition infotainment screen with split-screen capability. It featured a 3D digital instrument cluster, fingerprint recognition, and a premium Lexicon surround sound system. The GV70's technology was advanced and user-friendly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the control knob required memorization. The system's user experience was often confusing and distracting. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system on upper trims. The CX-5's technology needed improvement to match its competitors.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. It received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick ranking. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a safety concern that needed addressing.