2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting, but its black floor mats were a challenge to clean. The interior, while high-quality, resembled a minivan with its flat dashboard and low center console, which, along with the exterior design, did not favor the Pilot.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling elements from other Genesis models, maintained a unique appearance. It combined SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements, featuring quad LED headlights and a large grille. The Sport Prestige model added character with its unique front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a rotary gear selector. The GV70 offered a variety of interior color options and luxurious materials, though base models had leatherette seats. The overall design was both rugged and sleek, appealing to those seeking a distinctive luxury SUV.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, the chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but had a firm ride with 21-inch wheels, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, providing comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The Pilot had abundant storage, including a large center console and hidden compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. However, some controls were buried in touchscreen menus, and the posture assist activated unexpectedly.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims added navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink services. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options, though kids might prefer using WiFi on their devices.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, featuring a tile-based layout and crisp graphics. A glass rotary controller added functionality, and higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but not refined. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and mostly "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in some areas.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, lacked crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The system performed well on highways but struggled with curves, limiting its utility.