2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it a familiar transition for those moving from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the need for airflow to cool an engine. Other subtle changes included the enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40 was a well-assembled vehicle with a quality exterior appearance, featuring details like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 showcased Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious dash elements and premium finishes, solidifying its place in the luxury SUV category.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew styling connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually connected it to its sedan counterpart. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70 was available in multiple trims, each offering a range of luxury features, from power-adjustable seats to advanced audio systems and driver-assistance technologies. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring comfortable, quilt-stitched leather seats and a high-contrast interior design.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two permanent magnet electric motors for all-wheel drive. It delivered 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, the T4 and T5, used turbo four-cylinder engines with 8-speed automatic transmissions, achieving 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 seconds and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge models featured regenerative braking, allowing drivers to engage one-pedal driving to maximize battery charge. The XC40 Recharge had a lower centre of gravity, enhancing its handling and stability. It offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with DC fast-charging capabilities. Fuel efficiency for the gasoline models was rated at 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T4 and 9.4 L/100 km combined for the T5.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant featured a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack, powering two electric motors for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Boost Mode, increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 383 kilometres and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. It emitted an external engine noise for safety and offered a well-rounded handling experience, leaning slightly towards comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. It featured a front trunk, or "frunk," providing extra storage space for items like the charging cable. Inside, the cabin had ample cubbies and nooks for essentials, with door pockets for water bottles, a bag hook on the passenger dash, and map pockets on the front seat backs. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers but tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

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. It featured a hands-free power liftgate for convenience. The GV70's interior included decently large cupholders in the centre console, a helpful tray with a retractable lid, and a typical centre console bin. The front seats were easy to adjust for comfort, but the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a range of tech features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring. It featured a heat pump to support climate control, extending the vehicle's range. The infotainment system included a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. It offered Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, along with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The system supported over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle software. However, the XC40's range reporting relied on a percentage of remaining charge, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though it was located near the vehicle's rotary shifter, which could cause confusion. The GV70 came with 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, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It featured an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 Recharge's top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h. It introduced a new sensor platform to enhance active safety features and included Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus trim added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment.