2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 presented a unique blend of ruggedness and sleekness, borrowing some styling cues from its Genesis siblings while maintaining its distinct identity. The vehicle featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that leaned more towards a fastback than a traditional SUV. The ribbed detailing added a muscular touch, and the Sport Prestige models further enhanced this with unique styling elements like big vents, 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 that housed most controls in a minimalistic design. The cabin offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, although base models came with leatherette seats instead of real leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality over form, with a design that prioritized practicality. The Wilderness trim, tested in the Cascade Mountains, featured a rugged look with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding. Inside, the Forester's cabin combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, focusing on quality construction and clarity of purpose. The interior was equipped with an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, physical knobs, and buttons for easy navigation. The Wilderness trim also included copper-colored stitching and accents, adding a touch of character to the otherwise straightforward design. Despite its somewhat dated appearance, the Forester's interior was well-made and functional, catering to those who valued utility over aesthetics.

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 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 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, while the powertrain could deliver impressive performance, the chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving, and the ride was firm even in Comfort mode.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 25.9 mpg. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and worked well with the SI-Drive system for a more lively response. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered 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 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 for small items. 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 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, allowing for a three-person roof tent. The interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 was equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added a touch of luxury. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. 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.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Forester's PIN Code Access feature allowed drivers to leave the key fob in the vehicle and re-enter using a PIN code, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with a range 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 with automated lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Optional 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 at the time.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.