2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Ford Edge

The Ford Edge proves that trends run in cycles. Launched in the early 2000s, the original Edge was one of the first midsize crossover SUVs, sporting car-like styling that sharply contrasted the more traditional-looking Ford Explorer of the time. However, new-car buyers realized they liked the roominess of three-row SUVs like the Explorer more, and interest in the two-row Edge waned.

Now, however, car shoppers are once again eyeing two-row midsize SUVs, this time as an alternative to sedans. The Edge is now part of a growing market segment that includes the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Yet while market dynamics have changed, the Edge hasn’t. The current second-generation Edge dates back to the 2015 model year, and even a substantial update undertaken for the 2019 model year is quickly receding in the rearview mirror. The Edge now sits between the much newer Explorer and Ford Escape in the automaker's SUV-heavy lineup.

Aside from some new tech features, the 2021 Ford Edge doesn’t get many significant changes, so we can evaluate it based on our experience with previous model years. As with the 2020 model year, trim levels include SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and ST.

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand has only been around for about five years, but it’s progressed so much in that time it seems like much longer than that. Genesis has quickly gone from selling two repurposed Hyundai sedans to fielding a full lineup of luxury cars and creating a distinct identity through bold design.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 is the brand’s latest effort. Not to be confused with the Genesis G70 sedan, the GV70 is a crossover SUV positioned below the recently-launched Genesis GV80 in size and price, meaning it competes with the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Volvo XC60, and numerous other small luxury SUVs. As with the larger GV80 and the Genesis sedans, the challenge for the GV70 will be convincing new-car buyers to abandon familiar nameplates for something they might not have heard of.

The GV70 launches with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and optional 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. The four-cylinder is available with Standard, Select, Advanced, and Sport Prestige trim levels, while the V6 engine is available with all trim levels except the Select. Our test car was a GV70 3.5T, a range-topping AWD Sport Prestige model with the 3.5-liter V6.