2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a sporty, fastback-like appearance, blending SUV bulk with sleek, athletic 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 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with a minimalistic design that included a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents. The interior 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 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The GLS avoided gaudy grilles and excessive chrome, opting for a subtle yet elegant design. However, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS 450's interior exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, providing a modern and sophisticated look. While the GLS 450's interior felt high-quality, it maintained a subdued elegance that might not appeal to those seeking a more opulent experience.

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 intentions. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced the driving experience by sharpening throttle response and holding high revs. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors, and the steering was not as precise for spirited driving. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was assisted by Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was seamlessly integrated. The GLS 450 featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the inline-six engine offered smooth performance, the GLS 450's air suspension exhibited poor body control, resulting in excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. It provided adequate headroom and legroom in both rows, with good rear-seat visibility. 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 front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension lowering for easier loading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a comprehensive tech suite, including a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system featured a tile-based layout and crisp graphics, with a glass rotary controller for easy navigation. Higher trim levels 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 additional features like remote camera activation and cloud-based driver profiles.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, responding to natural speech. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and challenging to use. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature found in the S-Class sedan, and the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard 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, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The GLS also included Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential rollover. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.