2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the reduced cargo space offered 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold and upscale appearance. While the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized, the Highline's 20-inch wheels were more fitting. The interior, though stylish with various colour combinations, was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality impression.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared styling cues with the G70 compact luxury sedan, featuring split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70 boasted a luxurious cabin with top-notch materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen seamlessly emerged from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen, a rotary dial, and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, with a design that was both eye-catching and functional.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine, though aging, provided a more satisfying drive, especially in the two-row version. However, the suspension tuning was inconsistent, with a harsh ride at lower speeds and a too-soft feel at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride quality was more agreeable, but road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, delivered 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 had a range of 383 kilometres and featured DC fast charging capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, providing an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while the cargo area offered ample load-floor space, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, which was above average for the segment. The GV70 came standard with a hands-free power liftgate and featured decently large cupholders in the centre console. While the front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, the rear seats offered tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward for more space. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Comfortline came with a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system, while comprehensive, was often frustrating to use, with issues in touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was impressive for the price point.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive LED headlights, a semi-autonomous Park Assist system, and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport received decent crash-test ratings, it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the highest honour.