2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The Atlas Cross Sport boasted a bold and sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. While the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized, the SE with Technology and SEL trims offered more appropriately sized 20-inch wheels. The vehicle was available in six paint colors, with the test model featuring a striking Pure Gray exterior paired with a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior. Despite its upscale look, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics and unlined storage areas, which detracted from the overall quality impression.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared stylistic elements with the G70 compact luxury sedan, featuring split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually connected it to its sedan counterpart. The GV70's interior was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The gas-powered GV70 was available in two trims, 2.5T and 3.5T, while the Electrified GV70 offered Advance and Prestige trims. The base 2.5T trim came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The 3.5T trim added genuine leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and performance-inspired touches. The Electrified GV70 offered a luxurious experience with features like genuine leather upholstery, a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options. The standard engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel. The available 3.6-liter V6 engine delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The V6 engine, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, provided a more energetic feel despite the vehicle's weight. However, the V6 was aging, and the drivetrain occasionally lacked refinement, with an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, offering a comfortable ride, though road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A Boost Mode increased output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, leaning slightly towards comfort, and it compared favorably to the Genesis GV60 in terms of SUV capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, minus the third row. It offered ample space for five adults, with generous rear legroom. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the spacious feel, and rear side-window sunshades provided additional comfort. The Atlas Cross Sport offered plenty of storage space, though many areas lacked lining, leading to potential rattling noises. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was above average for the segment. The GV70 came standard with a hands-free power liftgate. The front featured decently large cupholders and a helpful tray in the center console. While the front seats offered easy adjustability for comfort, the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM. The infotainment system supported Car-Net connected services, though the user experience could be frustrating. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

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 menu navigation. Genesis provided helpful buttons and a rotary dial for control, though the dial's proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The IQ Drive system included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, though Travel Assist's steering inputs could be too obvious. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. 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. The Electrified GV70 included most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.