2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive brands. It diverged notably 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. This effect was slightly less pronounced than on the larger GV80 SUV, but it still achieved a unique visual appeal. The GV70 offered six grades in Canada, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades featuring a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, emphasizing its sporty intent. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by a variety of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for a high degree of personalization.

Inside, the GV70's cabin was designed with an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with the Sport trims offering genuine carbon fibre inserts. The interior featured high-quality materials, though some plastic elements were present. The GV70 provided a luxurious experience with quilted leather seats and ambient lighting, making it a standout in its segment. Despite some minor use of plastic, the overall quality and design of the interior were impressive, offering a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more traditional and functional design, reminiscent of previous Forester models. Its appearance was characterized by a boxy shape with flared fenders and pincer-shaped lighting, giving it a rugged look. The Premier trim added upscale elements like satin chrome exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The Forester's design prioritized practicality, with robust roof rails capable of supporting a tent, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Inside, the Forester Premier offered brown leather and metallic accents, maintaining a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean hard plastics and a straightforward control layout. The Forester's design focused on functionality, with a mix of grey and silver cladding adding to its busy appearance. Despite its simplicity, the Forester's design was well-suited for those seeking a reliable and practical SUV.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a strong competitor against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. 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 driving modes, including Sport+ and terrain modes, provided versatility for various driving conditions. The electronically controlled suspension system offered a balance between comfort and road feedback, making it a well-rounded performer.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and Subaru's SI-Drive system for improved responsiveness. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction control system, with Deep Snow and Mud settings, enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Forester Wilderness trim offered additional off-road features, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers. During testing, the Forester Premier demonstrated its ability to handle challenging weather conditions, providing confidence and stability. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's driving dynamics and suspension tuning contributed to a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system featured a raised dial for ease of use, and the climate controls were configured under a single pane for a streamlined look. The GV70 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage options were limited. The GV70 provided 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded, making it practical for carrying larger loads.

The 2023 Subaru Forester focused on functionality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats available from the Touring trim. The Forester offered excellent outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. The interior provided ample legroom and headroom, though the rear seats could benefit from improved support. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, ensuring a quiet cabin. Interior storage was plentiful, with multiple pockets and compartments for convenience. The Forester's cargo area offered 762 litres of space, expandable to 1,957 litres with the rear seats folded, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not in wireless form. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for added convenience. The GV70 offered a premium 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system provided a user-friendly interface with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was less effective, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other functions.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required hands-on operation. The GV70 also featured a rear occupant alert system using radar to detect movement in the second row. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was exclusive to the Limited and Premier trims. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though it fell short in some new tests.