2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, still struggled to captivate with its exterior design. The GLE's styling seemed to promise something bold with its aggressive front end, but it lost momentum past the A-pillar, resulting in a look that was not as striking as its competitors like the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall design felt more utilitarian than luxurious. However, the interior was a different story, offering a masterful blend of quality materials and innovative design. The red and black interior of the GLE Coupe was particularly eye-catching, with features like twin arching grab handles and LED lighting adding to its opulent feel. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury that was hard to match.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 presented a unique and stylish appearance, borrowing elements from other Genesis models while maintaining its distinct identity. The GV70's design combined SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements, resulting in a sleek yet rugged look. The Sport Prestige model added even more character with its unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia and 21-inch wheels with a web pattern. The interior of the GV70 was equally impressive, featuring an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane's wing. The minimalistic design, with a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents, created a sophisticated and modern cabin. The GV70 also offered a wide array of interior color options and luxurious materials, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power, with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and AMG Ride Control+, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, with features like E-Active Body Control allowing the GLE to lean into turns. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was not particularly impressive, with the AMG GLE 53 averaging 16 mpg.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70's Sport+ drive mode and launch control suggested a focus on sportiness, but the chassis and steering lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 felt more comfortable on highways, with a firm ride that was not as luxurious as expected. While the GV70's performance was adequate, it did not quite match the dynamic capabilities of the GLE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline, offering 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with a simplified interface and easy-to-use controls, although some features required setup before driving.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle of its class. The daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, the GV70 included a covered storage cubby with USB ports and rear-seat climate controls. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering comfort and support, but some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant for gesture control. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, and the GLE offered features like Seat Kinetics, Energizing Comfort, and a customizable head-up display. The ambient lighting and navigation system added to the high-tech feel, while the natural voice assistant provided convenient control. The GLE's technology was extensive, offering more features than most users would fully utilize.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 also offered a wealth of technology, with a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key system and a fingerprint scanner for added convenience. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features, enhancing the GV70's tech appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. The GLE offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and semi-automated control. Optional features included Pre-Safe Impulse Side and advanced braking systems, providing comprehensive safety coverage.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came standard with numerous safety features, such as lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 also included eight airbags, including a front-center airbag, and optional features like Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70's safety systems provided smooth control inputs, although lane-centering was not always reliable on curves.