2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

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, 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 Sport trims offering genuine carbon fibre inserts. The interior boasted high-quality materials, though some plastic elements were present. The premium grades showcased quilted leather seats and door panels, while the Sport trims had unique upholstery configurations. Overall, the GV70’s interior was a blend of luxury and sportiness, with a focus on driver-centric design.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 exhibited a blend of subtle seductiveness and newfound ruggedness. Its styling featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, with blistered fender swells and lower body cladding adding a rugged touch. The CX-50’s design elements, including oversized air intakes and vent designs, created an appealing look. The CX-50 Meridian Edition introduced exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous persona.

The CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp. The interior featured a driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The CX-50’s cabin was comfortable, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seat was spacious, and the cargo area offered ample storage. Overall, the CX-50 combined style and functionality, making it a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70’s power figures were impressive, with a fuel consumption estimate of 11.6 L/100 km combined. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a dynamic driving experience, with the Sport Plus grade featuring an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance.

The GV70’s drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for tailored driving experiences. The electronically controlled suspension system balanced road feel and comfort, while the tight turning radius was advantageous in urban environments. Overall, the GV70 delivered a performance-oriented driving experience with a focus on power and agility.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a choice between a 187-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50’s fuel economy was commendable, with official figures of 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined. The Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behaviour in various conditions.

The CX-50’s ride quality was slightly firmer, reflecting its adventurous character. The SUV handled well on pavement, resembling a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment. The CX-50’s ground clearance of 21.8 centimetres allowed for off-roading capabilities, though it lacked a downhill assist control system. Overall, the CX-50 provided a balanced driving experience with a focus on versatility and capability.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system featured a raised dial for easy operation, while climate controls were configured under a single pane for a streamlined look. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger 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 tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. Overall, the GV70’s interior was well-designed, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was comfortable, with adequate storage space and a smartphone charger conveniently located under the centre armrest. The rear seat was spacious, with rear air vents and charging ports. The cargo area offered 889 litres of space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the seats folded.

The CX-50’s interior was practical, with a focus on comfort and convenience. The power rear liftgate and long load floor added to its functionality, though the narrow space between the wheel wells was a limitation. Overall, the CX-50 provided a well-rounded interior with a focus on practicality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics. The system allowed for a split-screen layout, accommodating in-car functions and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless entry. The GV70 also offered a premium 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades.

The GV70’s technology offerings were impressive, with a focus on innovation and convenience. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wireless, added to its appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display offered touchscreen control for smartphone integration, though the native system relied on centre console controls. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience.

The CX-50’s technology offerings included an Active Driving Display, projecting data within the driver’s line of sight. The system’s user interface was occasionally frustrating, but the inclusion of touchscreen control for smartphone integration was a positive step.

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. The Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. The GV70 also introduced a rear occupant alert system using radar to detect movement in the second row.

The GV70’s safety features were comprehensive, though safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. The CX-50 offered a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were particularly useful.

The CX-50’s safety systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in. Overall, the CX-50 provided a robust safety package with room for improvement.