2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. However, the GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a unique touch, blending SUV bulk with sleek, car-like elements. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with an elliptical theme and minimalistic design. The cabin offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained a familiar appearance with subtle updates. It introduced new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-tier Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5's interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The 2022 model featured new seats, providing improved comfort and a sportier driving position. The CX-5's interior was equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing its appeal in various weather conditions.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced performance by holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors, and the steering was not as precise for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but had a firm ride, even in Comfort mode, and lacked the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas. Both engines came with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-5's fuel economy was competitive, with the base engine achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing driving dynamics. The 2022 CX-5 exhibited improved ride and handling, with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. It offered a sporty and composed driving experience, instilling confidence in the driver. The CX-5's solid construction and quiet cabin contributed to Mazda's premium brand aspirations.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it offered comparable front-seat headroom to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom to the BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle ground among competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The Sport Prestige model featured heavily bolstered front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, with a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a rarity among rivals. The CX-5's back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents enhanced passenger comfort. The control layout, however, remained a source of frustration, as the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its tech offerings. It featured a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and 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 included a digital-key feature, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided remote access to the vehicle's cameras and other features, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, but it lacked touch sensitivity and natural voice recognition. Instead, users had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls. While some drivers acclimated to this approach, it fell short of competitors' offerings. The CX-5 included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was available, providing satisfactory audio quality. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control. The GV70 included eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were not available, the GV70's safety tech impressed with its smooth control inputs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 prioritized safety with its i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5's Traffic Jam Assist provided low-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for busy commutes. The CX-5 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.