2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

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 headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. However, the GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a unique touch, blending the ruggedness of an SUV with the sleekness of a fastback. 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, creating a luxurious and futuristic ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to impress with its stylish appearance and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The CX-5's design updates included improved structural rigidity, enhanced suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise, making it a refined choice in the compact crossover segment. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. While Mazda planned to transition to the CX-50, the CX-5 remained a beloved model, offering quality, refinement, and sophistication across its lineup. The interior featured height-adjustable front seats, power adjustments, and premium Nappa leather upholstery in the Signature trim, adding to its luxurious appeal.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two powerful engine options. The base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine delivered 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generated 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. However, despite its power, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking 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.

In comparison, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a more enticing 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-5's updates improved its structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission responsiveness, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine provided a satisfying surge of power, and the CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and connected ride.

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. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it in the middle range of its class. 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.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support. All versions had a height-adjustable driver's seat, and most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. Higher trims offered power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim boasted Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's interior had limitations, with relatively small storage areas, cramped rear-seat space, and a cargo area offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its tech offerings. It featured a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a glass rotary controller for easy navigation. 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, 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 like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system was a source of frustration. While it had a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics, the system's physical controls were awkward to use, requiring memorization and conscious effort. The control knob often demanded multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. Despite these challenges, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The CX-5's i-Activsense suite included standard driver assistance features, with additional features like a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The system operated smoothly and accurately, providing a refined driving experience. However, the CX-5 lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a potential safety concern.