2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of luxury and style, drawing clear design inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its exterior featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, suggesting a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly rose from the dash. The GV70's dash was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface that outshone the touch capacitive controls of some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner embraced a more rugged and retro aesthetic, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) model. This edition featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents, giving it a nostalgic yet appealing look. The 4Runner's interior was practical and purposeful, with a solid build quality despite the extensive use of plastic. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on, making it a practical choice for those who valued functionality over luxury. The 4Runner's design was a nod to the truck-based SUVs of the past, offering an enduring appeal for those who appreciated its classic, no-nonsense approach.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two powerful engines. The 2.5T model was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 3.5T variant featured 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, providing a balanced blend of performance and comfort. The GV70's handling was refined, allowing for confident cornering while maintaining a smooth ride. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, offered 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode that temporarily increased output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 383 kilometres and could charge rapidly with DC fast charging.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, such as a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. While its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering, the 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, providing a sense of invincibility in challenging terrains.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a practical and spacious interior, with 1,611 litres of cargo space when the rear seats were folded and 818 litres with the seats in use. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed centre console with ample storage options. The front seats were comfortable and easily adjustable, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. The rear bench could recline, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, known for its versatility, featured a unique power-down rear window in the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. While entry and exit required some effort, the seats were comfortable, with the 40 ASE model featuring SofTex artificial leather. The second-row seating area was spacious, offering good legroom and headroom, along with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The 4Runner's cargo space was substantial, with 1,337 litres available behind the second-row seat, though opting for the third-row seat reduced cargo capacity significantly.

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

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a more traditional approach to technology, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was easy to use, with large knobs and buttons suitable for gloved hands. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, though the audio quality required adjustments for optimal sound.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Electrified GV70 included these features as standard. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.