2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, continued to build on its legacy of practicality and reliability. Initially launched in 1996 as a compact alternative to larger SUVs, the RAV4 quickly gained popularity among young buyers, leading to a wave of similar "cute-ute" competitors. Over the years, the RAV4 evolved, growing in size and sophistication, and by 2022, it had become a mature crossover SUV, often topping the sales charts in the United States. The exterior design of the 2022 model, while fitting in with the current crossover trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and unique design elements that tied the cabin together.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its bold grille and quad-lamp headlights. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, offered a stately presence on the road. The Prestige trim, with its 22-inch alloy wheels and matte Brunswick Green paint, added an elegant touch to the exterior. Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin, horizontal air vents. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite a minor quibble with the placement of the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, the GV80's interior was spacious, luxurious, and a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, catering to a variety of driving preferences. The gasoline-only model, which was tested, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was available as an option. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive models was impressive, with ratings of 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The RAV4 Hybrid, with a combined net horsepower of 217, offered even better fuel efficiency, achieving 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, delivered a robust 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The Adventure AWD model tested provided smooth power delivery and car-like handling, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, available only in all-wheel drive, offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower. The larger engine, tested in this review, delivered 391 pound-feet of torque and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a smooth and quiet ride. However, the GV80's handling was not as sharp as some of its German rivals, and it felt a bit sloppy in turns.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, despite being classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo space and utility. With 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, it provided ample room for storage. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four passengers, with plenty of legroom and storage options throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, while not as fun to drive, made up for it with luxury features and spaciousness. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available in higher trims. The Ergo Motion driver's seat, with its inflatable pockets, helped reduce fatigue. The GV80 offered a third-row option, though legroom was limited. The proximity key and digital key added convenience, while the tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and six-speaker audio system. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they could access more advanced tech, such as a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime offered additional features like five USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Smartphone integration with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay was standard across all models.

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 could be cumbersome. The GV80 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though neither was wireless. The vehicle 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 RAV4 was equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System, which included features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite added driver-assist systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A unique feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80's Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.