2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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 strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism to its rugged SUV stance. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling elements, including 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, although base models came with leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design. This trim level aimed to give the Ascent a sportier appearance. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellent but had a tendency to trap sweat. The interior also included metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, creating a modern ambiance. While the Ascent's interior color scheme was limited, it offered practicality with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats, making it well-suited for 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. The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, while the GV70 excelled in straight-line acceleration, its chassis felt heavy, and the steering lacked precision for spirited driving. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

In comparison, the 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Ascent's engine featured a flat-four layout, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhanced its off-road capabilities. While the Ascent felt nimble and maneuverable in urban settings, its suspension tuning allowed for more body motion on winding roads.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. It offered similar front-seat headroom to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom to the BMW X3. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. 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, although some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo capacity measured 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 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 functionality. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. While the system was user-friendly, its voice recognition technology needed improvement. Onyx Edition models used standard stereo speakers, but the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim. Additional technology features, such as a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Touring trim.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard 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 Highway Driving Assist. It also featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the GV70.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.