2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 borrowed styling elements from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The Sport Prestige models added character with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with most controls housed in a thin elliptical pod. The design was minimal, with a touchscreen atop the dashboard and hidden air vents. The GV70 offered a wide array of interior color options, and the Sport Prestige model featured luxurious materials like Nappa leather upholstery with suede seat inserts.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm, relaxed driving experience with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, suggesting a sporty intent. The Sport+ drive mode sharpened throttle response and held high revs, but the chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of competitors like the Acura RDX or BMW X3. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but had a firm ride with 21-inch wheels, lacking the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but tied for worst rear-seat headroom with the Audi Q5. Legroom was average, and cargo space was 21.6 cubic feet with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down for mild-hybrid models. Plug-in hybrids offered slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space, with front-seat headroom comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to the BMW X3. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them down, placing it in the middle of the segment. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The Sport Prestige model featured heavily bolstered front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a cloud-based driver profile. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features free for three years.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, and more. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70 impressed with smooth control inputs but had limitations in handling curves.