2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design. It retained certain Genesis styling features like the split headlights and large shield-like grille for brand recognition, yet it was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable details included an almost hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the gasoline-powered Sport trim, and distinctive designs for the available 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Electrified GV70, recognized as the 2024 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterparts, with a shiny grille that housed the charge port for convenient charging.

Inside, the GV70's interior was one of the most distinctive among new vehicles, featuring traditional luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. However, it was the unique details that made it memorable. The climate controls and other buttons were housed in an elliptical pod, and the infotainment system featured a rotary controller with a design reminiscent of a Star Trek alien species. The dashboard had a rounded cross-section, akin to an airplane wing, showcasing Genesis's effort to offer something different.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, available in three main trims in Canada—LT, Z71, and RS—introduced the Z71 as a new addition for those interested in moderate off-roading. While not designed for extreme off-road adventures like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, the Z71 was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing was competitive, with the Traverse LT starting at $50,833 and the top-of-the-line RS model reaching $65,733. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, one of six available colours. The interior, with Jet Black and "Torch Red" accents, offered optional synthetic leather seating for an additional $1,150, though the standard cloth seats provided comfort and breathability.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options, offering a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered vigorous straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The ride quality was reasonable, though the suspension tended to crash over bumps rather than glide smoothly.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. AWD was standard across all trims in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system for improved traction. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate for general driving, though the vehicle's length was noticeable in tight spaces. The ride quality was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes offered a progressive feel, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature operated seamlessly. Fuel economy was rated at 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. The GV70 provided 818 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, surpassing the Mercedes and BMW but falling short of the Audi. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo space to 1,611 litres. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design, featuring an orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage, though a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls were included.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, with the RS model featuring second-row captain's chairs for a seven-seat capacity. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. Cargo volume behind the third row was 648 litres, expanding to approximately 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Outward visibility was generally positive, though the third row's view was limited by the rear fender's design. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger's seat was manually adjustable.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen had an intuitive layout, and a rotary controller on the centre console provided an alternative control method. A fingerprint scanner allowed for individual driver profiles, though digital key functionality was not available on the GV70 in Canada.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system, running on Google-based software, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 11-inch digital instrument display for customizable information. A wireless charging pad in the centre console securely held smartphones during cornering. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominently placed. The Traverse introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 1.2 million kilometres of roads by 2025. Super Cruise could be activated on pre-mapped single-lane roadways, though it disengaged at intersections.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. The NHTSA published four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models, with the 2023 GV70 receiving a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, parking assist sensors, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. A safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system were also available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These features provided peace of mind during the test drive.