2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper designed for off-road obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. Despite its age, the 4Runner's appeal lay in its niche market for off-road enthusiasts, supported by trims like the Trail Special Edition and TRD Off-Road, which offered features tailored for rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and elegance with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. The exterior design was complemented by a matte Brunswick Green paint job, enhancing its stately presence. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with quilted leather seats, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the spacious interior was adorned with Nappa leather and a suede headliner. Despite a minor quibble with the infotainment screen's placement, the GV80's interior was a testament to luxury and comfort.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrains effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower. Our tester featured the larger engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it a quiet and comfortable ride on the freeway.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, with limited space behind the rear seats. While not available with a power rear liftgate, the 4Runner featured a power-open/close rear window, adding convenience. Despite its age, the 4Runner's interior was functional, though not as spacious as more modern SUVs.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features and spaciousness. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with our tester featuring ventilated front and rear seats and an Ergo Motion driver's seat. The GV80 offered a third row, though legroom was limited. The interior boasted a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, and a panoramic glass roof. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GV80 could tow up to 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While not the most advanced system, it offered straightforward controls with hard buttons and dials, catering to those who appreciated a more analog driving experience. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics, though it lacked features like a head-up display.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. A standout feature was the remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side-impact testing, and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was packed with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, providing a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.