2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson presented a more conventional styling compared to its futuristic successor. It featured an upright layout that provided drivers with a commanding view of the road. Inside, the Tucson boasted a modern and attractive dashboard design, where tech features were seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic. The controls were intuitive, with every button and dial easy to locate. The Tucson was available in several trims, including SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate, each offering a range of features from basic 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to more advanced options like a panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 inherited some styling elements from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance. It combined SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements, featuring quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline. The Sport Prestige models added character with unique styling features, including 21-inch wheels and giant round exhaust outlets. Inside, the GV70 had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with most controls housed in a thin elliptical pod. The interior was minimalistic yet luxurious, offering a wide array of color options and high-quality materials like Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available in higher trims, delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and came with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at highway speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier experience around town. The Tucson offered a comfortable and refined ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for spirited driving. However, the GV70's chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. It was more comfortable on highways, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the segment, it offered adequate space for weekend bags or larger items. The Tucson's compact layout provided solid front-seat headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. The rear seats were accommodating for adults, and there were plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided comparable headroom to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, Genesis included a covered storage cubby with USB ports. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging available as options. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality with pinch-and-zoom capabilities. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. The GV70 also featured a digital-key option, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services included remote camera activation, driver profiles, and more, free for three years.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Upper-tier trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, did not have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with numerous safety features, such as lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 also included eight airbags, with a front-center airbag for added protection. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The Highway Driving Assist system provided smooth control inputs but struggled with sharp curves.