2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 SUV bulk, creating a blend of ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling elements, 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 the cross-section of an airplane's wing, with an elliptical theme that extended to the controls and door handles. The design was minimalistic, with a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents, while a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller added a touch of luxury. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, although base models featured leatherette seats.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, evolved from its origins as a "cute-ute" into a mature crossover SUV. While its exterior design fit the current crossover trend, closer inspection revealed angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the body-side bends. The RAV4's expressive headlights and grille created a playful yet aggressive face. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for easy access, and the interior design incorporated a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various elements together. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive look.

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 powertrains came 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, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. While the GV70 excelled on highways, its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net horsepower and achieving impressive fuel economy ratings. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone. The RAV4's naturally aspirated engine provided smooth power delivery, and the eight-speed transmission offered familiar sensations. The RAV4's car-like handling, MacPherson struts, and multi-link suspension contributed to its popularity. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate front-seat headroom and rear-seat visibility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The daring interior design 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 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated for varying towing capacities. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with a roomy front row and numerous storage options. The middle seat in the second row was less comfortable but functional. The RAV4's interior design emphasized practicality, with cupholders, bottle holders, and storage compartments throughout the cabin.

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 with a 3D effect. The GV70 also included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and advanced rear-seat monitors. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, with base trims including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a wireless charging pad. The top trim level also featured a bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch head-up display.

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, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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. While crash-test ratings were not available, the GV70's safety features impressed during testing.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, with features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also offered LATCH child-seat anchors and child-guard locks. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.