2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its Genesis siblings, despite sharing some styling cues. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a prominent shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that lent it a fastback silhouette. The ribbed detailing added a muscular touch, blending the ruggedness of an SUV 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-finished 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, door handles, and armrests. The design was minimalistic, with a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents, creating a baroque spaceship-like ambiance. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, with Nappa leather upholstery and suede seat inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, embraced a classic truck design with its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors set parallel to the ground. The chopped tail and steep angles, like the windshield and lower front bumper, contributed to its industrial aesthetic. The Defender paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a body-color square separating the side glass. The Defender was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, each offering different seating configurations. The interior prioritized function and durability, with rubber and plastic coatings, exposed screws, and plain-looking air vents. Despite its utilitarian design, the Defender maintained excellent build quality and fit. However, its price tag, especially for the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive compared to its less opulent feel.

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, setting it apart from competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which offered rear-wheel drive as standard. The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced its performance, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The steering, while adequate at most speeds, lacked precision for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled on highways and in urban settings, but its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing its incredible grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its permanent four-wheel drive and Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered seamless engine restarts and quick response at low speeds. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning poor ratings of 14/19/16 mpg. While the Defender's off-road prowess was undeniable, its on-road performance fell short of expectations, resembling a Toyota 4Runner more than a luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided comparable front-seat headroom to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom to the BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good due to thin rear pillars. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground between competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, it included a covered storage cubby with USB ports for phones. 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 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in seating configurations, offering unmatched flexibility. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 had a standard third row for up to eight seats. The interior featured large glass areas, including alpine lights and panoramic moonroofs, enhancing visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the third row and second row folded. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various accessories, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and a console refrigerator. The Defender's interior prioritized functionality, with features like a heated windshield, power-deployable side steps, and a winch available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive tech package, including a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, while the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trim levels featured 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, such as remote camera activation and a radar-based rear-seat monitor.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered greater legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims included features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Defender's tech package emphasized functionality, with features like a 360-degree camera system and automatic steering for trailer reversing.

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, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control. The GV70 included eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, though it lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender offered optional features like a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, it did not offer a self-steering highway assist.