2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all functional design elements that emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and elegance with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV was nearly 5 metres long, offering a stately presence on the road. The exterior design was complemented by a matte Brunswick Green paint job, adding to its luxurious appeal. Inside, the GV80 continued the theme of luxury with quilted leather seats, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and high-end materials, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for its decent initial acceleration. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured additional off-road capabilities, such as Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, it excelled at highway driving. The electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation provided a smooth and quiet ride. The GV80's towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres of space behind the second row. The three-row version had slightly less cargo space, with a maximum of 2,514 litres and 1,311 litres behind the second row. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While the interior was not the most spacious, it provided ample storage for gear.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo driver's seat offered a unique fatigue-reducing function. The GV80 could be equipped with a third row, though legroom was limited. The SUV featured a standard tri-zone climate control system and an available 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. Cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The infotainment system was functional but not cutting-edge.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It received four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was packed with advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a full five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.