2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in multiple trims including the rugged Wilderness, was a practical compact SUV with a starting MSRP of $25,195. It featured standard all-wheel drive and a variety of dealer-installed accessories. The Wilderness trim, tested in the Cascade Mountains, had a distinctive look with its suspension lift, matte-black hood decal, and oversized cladding, which some found unappealing. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard and soft materials, copper-colored accents, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system. Despite its somewhat dated appearance, the Forester was well-constructed and intuitive to use.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its design cues from the G70 sedan, offered a luxurious and stylish experience. Its interior was crafted with high-quality materials and a blend of contemporary and classic design elements. The GV70 featured a full touchscreen with a rotary dial and button controls, providing a user-friendly interface. Available in gas-powered and electrified versions, the GV70 offered a range of trims with various luxury features, including genuine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Electrified Prestige trim impressed with its comfortable, quilt-stitched seats and high-contrast interior design.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Forester's towing capacity was doubled to 3,000 pounds, and it achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined driving. While the Forester excelled in off-road conditions, its naturally aspirated engine felt sluggish at higher altitudes, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 Electrified featured dual electric motors producing 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 236 miles and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. The GV70 provided a refined driving experience, balancing comfort and handling, though the electric version leaned more towards comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. It featured upgraded roof rails with a dynamic load capacity of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, accommodating a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space without the sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use. It came standard with a hands-free power liftgate and featured a well-designed interior with large cupholders and a center console tray. While front-seat comfort was easily adjustable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, and the PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included four USB ports, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with a rotary dial and button controls, though the proximity of the rotary shifter could cause confusion. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Advance Package added features like a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera. The Electrified version included most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.