2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of style and luxury, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, 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 versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, boasting top-notch materials and a design that was both contemporary and classic. The dashboard was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70's interior was well-appointed, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of its predecessors. Its front end was solid and assertive, with the iconic "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's interior was a blend of elegance and minimalism, featuring luxurious materials like Nappa leather and wood deco inlays. The cabin was spacious, though storage options were somewhat limited. The XC90 offered a comfortable second row, but accessing the third row was challenging. Despite its size, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and 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 provided a balanced driving experience, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, generating a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and supported fast charging.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain with a supercharger and turbo, producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This setup aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smooth operation, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its mild-hybrid system enhanced the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology, making it almost imperceptible. The XC90's handling was commendable, with minimal roll through corners, and its brakes provided a confident feel.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70's interior featured practical storage solutions, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. The rear bench could recline for added comfort.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. While the second row was comfortable, accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90's interior was elegant but lacked ample storage for smaller items, and the centre console bin was small.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included four USB ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, though the proximity of the rotary dial to the shifter could cause confusion.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered advanced natural-language recognition, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane-keeping.