2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet significant updates, including new LED headlights and taillights that provided more distinctive illumination. The exterior received a facelift with redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate, while the top-tier Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats offered improved comfort, and the lineup was restructured into the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter boasting a turbocharged engine for those seeking more power.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared stylistic elements with the G70 compact luxury sedan, featuring split-bar headlights and a chrome line that added a coupe-like touch without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70 impressed with its luxurious materials and excellent fit and finish, combining contemporary and classic design elements. The dashboard featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70 was available in gas-powered and electrified versions, with various trims offering a range of features, from power-adjustable front seats to premium Nappa leather and advanced driver-assistance technologies.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It achieved an EPA-rated 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant, running on premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, with a slightly lower fuel economy of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride while maintaining sporty handling.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GV70 Electrified featured dual electric motors generating 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric version had a range of 236 miles and supported fast charging. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, offering a blend of comfort and sporty performance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, centered around the Mazda Connect infotainment system, required acclimation due to the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-organized center console with cupholders and storage trays. Front-seat occupants enjoyed easy adjustments for comfort, while rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. While lacking a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. A three-year trial subscription to connected services was included, except for WiFi. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus, complemented by center console buttons and a rotary dial. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features like ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package on the 2.5T and the Sport Advance package on the 3.5T added features like a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.