2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Subaru Forester presented a rugged yet practical design, with its various trim levels ranging from the base model to the Premier. The Wilderness trim, in particular, stood out with its white paint and dark grey interior featuring water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. Despite its homely appearance, the Forester's design was functional, with a suspension lift and higher ride height providing 22.9 centimetres of ground clearance. The interior was straightforward, emphasizing function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt well-constructed, albeit somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 exuded luxury and sophistication, drawing styling cues from the G70 compact luxury sedan. Its interior was a testament to Genesis's commitment to quality, featuring top-notch materials and a design that was both contemporary and classic. The GV70's cabin was equipped with a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The vehicle's exterior design cleverly alluded to a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility, and the interior boasted a range of luxury features, including power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Forester Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The SUV's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road courses. However, the lack of a turbocharger meant the Forester could feel sluggish at higher altitudes.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's performance was well-rounded, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack, delivering 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and could charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes on a fast charger.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and standard all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and decent storage space. It offered 818 litres of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with large cupholders and a helpful tray in the centre console. While the front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, the rear seats offered less legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward for additional space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included four USB ports, wireless device charging, and a nine-speaker stereo system. The GV70 also offered ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system as available features.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring a wider field of vision and improved accuracy. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.