2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, which contributed to its timeless styling and balanced proportions. The 4Runner was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition adding unique features. The interior, while dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, with a dashboard that boasted large knobs and buttons for straightforward operation. The 4Runner's simplicity and durability made it a reliable choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a more modern and luxurious aesthetic, with styling elements borrowed from other Genesis models but with a unique twist. Its quad LED headlights and taillights, along with a large shield-shaped grille, were complemented by a sloping roofline and ribbed detailing, giving it a sleek yet muscular appearance. The Sport Prestige model added distinctive features like a model-specific front fascia and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by the cross-section of an airplane's wing, with an elliptical theme and minimalistic design. The cabin featured high-quality materials, including Nappa leather upholstery, and offered a range of interior color options. The GV70's design was both daring and sophisticated, appealing to those seeking a luxury SUV with a sporty edge.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a part-time 4WD system, with the Trail Special Edition lacking automatic 4WD. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like A-Trac, which improved traction on challenging terrain. However, on paved roads, it felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel efficiency was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing. Despite these shortcomings, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities and rugged charm made it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four with 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 engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. While the GV70's powertrain was impressive, its chassis lacked the sharpness of some competitors, and the steering was not as precise as expected. The GV70 was more comfortable on highways, but its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. The back seat provided good visibility and included air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. While a third-row seat was available, the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck, which was useful for various activities. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded down. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but overall, the 4Runner's interior was practical and well-suited for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while offering adequate interior space, did not lead the segment in measurements. It provided similar headroom to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3, but its cargo space was mid-pack, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The GV70's daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, it included a covered storage cubby with USB ports for convenience. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering support for spirited driving but potentially feeling confining for some. The GV70's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated seats, but its design choices impacted practicality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition was equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also included a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. While the 4Runner's technology was not cutting-edge, it was functional and easy to use, with physical buttons and knobs for convenience. The infotainment system's software was effective, and the navigation map even included trails at Hungry Valley.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Its tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added a touch of luxury. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display, with a 3D effect for enhanced graphics. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system and a fingerprint scanner for added convenience. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles. The GV70's technology was advanced and well-integrated, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, did not have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA at the time. However, it came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured Highway Driving Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control. The GV70's safety features were advanced and well-suited for modern driving conditions.