2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Genesis GV70 presented a unique blend of ruggedness and sleekness, borrowing some styling cues from its Genesis siblings while maintaining its distinct identity. The vehicle featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that leaned more towards a fastback than a traditional SUV. The ribbed detailing added a muscular touch, and the Sport Prestige models further enhanced this with unique styling elements like 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 was both minimalistic and luxurious. The cabin offered a variety of color options and high-quality materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts, although base models came with leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs, offering a purposeful yet understated appearance. The front end was solid and assertive without being flashy, and the recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern flair. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it no longer resembled the utilitarian designs of the past. The test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with rich undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather on the steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, although the limited physical controls could be frustrating for some users.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four 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 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty aspirations. However, while the Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior, the GV70's chassis and steering lacked the sharpness found in competitors like the Acura RDX or BMW X3. The vehicle felt more at home cruising on highways, though the ride was firm even in Comfort mode.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo introduced the B5 and B6 engines, both featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, which was in the test car, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation, though it didn't offer full-hybrid benefits. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle handled corners well despite its size, and road noise was minimal. The XC90's brakes were solid, and while it lacked extensive off-road features, it offered a straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up 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 in the center console and door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered and featured heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which led to some storage frustrations. The vehicle lacked a dedicated space for cell phones, and the USB port was located in a small center console bin. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with the third row up, 41.8 cubic feet with it down, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, falling short of some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims offered 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, a fingerprint scanner, and a high-tech rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, with built-in Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and the lack of physical controls was a drawback. While the tech was impressive, it required some adjustment for new users.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist system provided smooth control inputs, though its lane-centering function had limitations on curves.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was highly regarded for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and speed on highways. These safety features were standard on the XC90.