2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, with boxy fender flares and a scowling front end that set it apart from other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive appearance, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry. This meant that while the RAV4 looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as unique roof colors and interior accents, to enhance its adventurous appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 combined elements from other Genesis models with its own unique design. It featured quad LED headlights and a large shield-shaped grille, paired with a sloping roofline that gave it a sleek, fastback appearance. The Sport Prestige model added distinctive styling features, including 21-inch wheels and dark chrome trim, which contributed to its muscular profile. Inside, the GV70 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalist design that included a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and was known for its high-revving nature. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked the precision needed for an engaging driving experience. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models focused on off-road capability, with features like a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but lacked the suspension articulation for serious off-roading.

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 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and kept the engine in its power band, but the chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 was more comfortable on highways, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was above average but not class-leading. The interior included oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a larger shift lever.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design prioritized aesthetics over storage, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering features like heating, ventilation, and massage, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with larger screens available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features like a head-up display, which was only available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, featuring a tile-based layout and crisp graphics. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It offered standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The GV70 also featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag.