2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer visually resembled other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while blacked-out roof pillars created a "floating roof" effect. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials. Overall, the Explorer King Ranch was appealing, but its interior sometimes hinted at the base trim.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, with split-bar headlights and a chrome line curving from behind the rear window. The GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a better experience than touch capacitive controls. The gas-powered GV70 came in two trims, 2.5T and 3.5T, while the Electrified GV70 offered Advance and Prestige trims. The base 2.5T was well-equipped, and the 3.5T added genuine leather upholstery and performance-inspired touches. The Electrified Prestige trim impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring quilt-stitched cream-colored seats and a high-contrast design.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic in daily driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5T had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The GV70 Electrified used a 77.4-kWh battery with dual motors for 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 236 miles and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, blending comfort and sportiness, while the Electrified version leaned more towards comfort. The GV70 Electrified emitted external and cabin noise, with customizable sounds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat for occasional five-person capacity. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. Massaging front seats were standard, with 14-way power adjustment for drivers and eight-way for passengers. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical pockets and shelves. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, above average for the segment. It came standard with a hands-free power liftgate. The GV70 had large cupholders in the center console, a tray with a retractable lid, and a center console bin. Front-seat passengers could easily find a comfortable seating position, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The King Ranch had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, often misinterpreting commands. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available. The rotary dial for infotainment was located near the vehicle's rotary shifter, which could cause confusion.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The system operated smoothly, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a full suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package on the 2.5T and Sport Advance package on the 3.5T added a blind-spot camera, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera. The Electrified GV70 included most features as standard, except for the head-up display, which was part of the Prestige trim.