2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of luxury and style, drawing inspiration from its sedan sibling, the G70. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like appearance without sacrificing SUV versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The interior design was both modern and timeless, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly emerged from the dashboard. The GV70's dash was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a tactile experience that was superior to touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance that was visually evident. The CR-V retained its classic D-pillar taillights but updated them with a modern, aggressive look. The Sport Touring trim, which we drove, featured special Sport styling elements like black roof rails and mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and larger 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid's cabin followed the design direction of its Honda stablemates, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents. The materials felt high-quality, and the contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added a touch of elegance.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two gas-powered engines and an electrified version. The 2.5T model was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5T featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 Electrified used a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ, adjusting accelerator response for different driving conditions. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The CR-V Hybrid was available in front-wheel drive, achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and decently large cupholders in the center console. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, but rear seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a substantial increase in cargo space over the previous model, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Sport Touring model had a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs featured wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V's interior included a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen 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. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available features.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, a heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T model's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, parking sensor system, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.