2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a notable gap in the three-row SUV segment. Its design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, maintaining a familiar aesthetic that Subaru enthusiasts appreciated. The interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that was consistent with other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of continuity for buyers. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each adding more features and luxury as you moved up the range. The Standard trim was well-equipped with driver-assistance features and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim boasted premium amenities like a panoramic sunroof and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling cues from other Genesis models, stood out with its unique design. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a sleek, fastback appearance. The Sport Prestige model added distinctive styling elements, including a model-specific front fascia and 21-inch wheels with a web pattern. Inside, the GV70's design was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with an elliptical theme that was both minimalistic and luxurious. The interior offered a variety of color options and high-quality materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery in the Sport Prestige trim. However, base models came with leatherette seats instead of real leather.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing reliable performance in various driving conditions. The Ascent excelled in comfort, with a ride that absorbed road imperfections well, making it a popular choice in regions with inclement weather. It offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its capability in snow and light off-road situations. The Ascent was also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a standard Trailer Stability Assist feature.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced performance by sharpening throttle response and holding high revs. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. While it was comfortable on highways, the ride was firm, especially with the 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered generous cargo space, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This made it one of the more spacious options in the midsize three-row SUV class. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was more suitable for children on longer trips. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Genesis GV70's interior space was average for its segment. It offered similar headroom to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class in the front and the BMW X3 in the back, but didn't lead in any specific measurements. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle of the pack. The interior design, while stylish, compromised storage space with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige trim were heavily bolstered, offering features like heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were less intuitive to access.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, known for its logical menu layouts and easy-to-read icons. It offered two touchscreen options, both supported by hard buttons and dials for ease of use. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, while the glass rotary controller added a touch of luxury. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote access to the vehicle's cameras and other features, free for three years.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was recognized as an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its excellent crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with a wide range of safety features, such as lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 also included eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.