2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

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 both headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline added a fastback flair, while ribbed detailing enhanced its muscular profile. This combination of SUV bulk and athletic elements gave the GV70 a unique blend of ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model further distinguished itself with unique styling elements, including large vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior embraced an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with minimalistic design elements and a rotary gear selector that added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors. Its design was characterized by a boxy shape, flared fenders, and pincer-shaped lighting. The Touring trim, however, stood out with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's interior prioritized functionality, offering features like Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a straightforward control layout. While the Forester's design was busy, it excelled in practicality, with excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit. The Forester's focus on function over form made it a reliable and practical choice for those seeking a no-nonsense SUV.

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 more powerful 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 its performance, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors, and its steering, while adequate, wasn't precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled on highways but fell short of delivering a truly luxurious driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction management system, available on most trims, offered various driving modes for different terrains. The Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, with light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's handling and ride quality were its standout features. However, it fell short of its official fuel economy rating, and a turbocharged engine option would have been appreciated for better performance at higher elevations.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom and legroom in both rows. 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 of the segment. 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 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and spacious interior. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester excelled in outward visibility, with tall glass and thin pillars providing excellent spatial awareness. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked leg support. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and a usefully shaped cargo area. The Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Its tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, while a glass rotary controller added functionality. 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 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have appeared outdated, but it offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Premium trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation.

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 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. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. While the GV70's safety features were impressive, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Models with blind-spot monitoring added Automatic Emergency Steering, assisting with obstacle avoidance. Rear Automatic Braking was available on higher trims, though it could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim featured a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award. It received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.