2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Genesis GV70 showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its Genesis siblings, despite sharing some styling cues. It featured quad LED strips for both headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism, 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 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with a minimalistic design that included a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede seat inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia retained a mature design, having been in its second generation for 14 years. Its exterior exuded timeless elegance with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. The Sequoia's substantial dimensions, including a height of 77 inches and a length of 205.1 inches, contributed to its commanding presence. Inside, the Sequoia's age was evident, with a dated dashboard design and a 7-inch touchscreen that paled in comparison to modern SUVs. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome or black-painted exterior trim and split-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its overall appearance.

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 (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 competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. While it excelled on highways, the ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was less than pleasant.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on highways, with excellent anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. Its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a capable off-roader, especially in the TRD Pro off-road model. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. It offered front-seat headroom comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar 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, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering roomy seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The center console and glove compartment provided ample storage, while rear passengers enjoyed cup holders and power access. The cargo compartment offered 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. An auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the cargo area added convenience for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a comprehensive tech suite, including a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system featured a tile-based layout and a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom 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 for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio package offered 14 JBL speakers and a subwoofer. Despite its age, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting, a rear backup camera, and front and rear parking sonar.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a range 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 with automated lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The GV70 included eight airbags, including a front-center airbag, and optional driver-assist features like Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety in a large SUV. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. A full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and energy-absorbing features contributed to passenger safety.