2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 offered six grades in Canada, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades showcasing a sculpted hood and unique styling elements like dark chrome finishes and cross-hatched matrix patterns on the exterior. 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 like genuine carbon fibre and quilted leather seats, although some plastic elements were present.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents. It was based on the SR5 trim and offered limited colour options. The 4Runner maintained a truck-based SUV look, appealing to those who appreciated a rugged design. Inside, the 4Runner featured a practical and purposeful interior with ample plastic but solid quality. The controls were user-friendly, even with gloves on, and the vehicle exuded a sense of invincibility, though it was not without its flaws. The 4Runner’s design catered to off-road enthusiasts, providing a nostalgic yet functional experience.

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 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with a rear-axle priority system. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing torque distribution. The GV70 offered various drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance, although Sport mode was deemed the sweet spot. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balanced ride, and the GV70’s tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim providing a full-time 4WD option. The vehicle excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner’s performance was more suited to off-road adventures, though it handled urban tasks adequately. However, its acceleration was leisurely, and the steering and braking required some adjustment. The 4Runner’s powertrain performed well on elevation changes, but its handling on paved roads revealed limitations.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with a well-designed interior. The centre console separated the driver from the front passenger, and intuitive controls were within easy reach. The GV70 featured a single-pane climate control system with haptic feedback, and standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were 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. Overall, the GV70’s ergonomics and functionality were above average.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The 4Runner’s interior featured comfortable seats, with the Limited trim offering ventilated leather seats. The 40 ASE test vehicle had SofTex artificial leather. Dual-zone climate control and ample storage were provided, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space. The 4Runner’s cargo area offered 1,337 litres of space behind the second row, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The 4Runner’s design catered to practicality and adventure.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings. It featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics, though response times were slightly slower. The screen allowed for a split-screen layout, accommodating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster with a unique eye-tracking feature. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a more traditional approach to technology. It featured analog gauges with a digital driver information centre and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system’s home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and voice recognition performed well. The 4Runner’s technology was straightforward and user-friendly, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. It also featured a new rear occupant alert system using radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. However, safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, though lane-departure warning could be intrusive. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not conducted a full set of tests on the 4Runner.