2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX presented a sharp, angular style that was unique in its class, yet it maintained a conventional enough appearance to blend in with other vehicles. Its front featured the signature Acura grille, which, despite its evolution over the years, seemed to be showing its age and was in need of a refresh. The sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork and hood gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was marked by a distinctive character line that suggested forward movement, even when stationary. However, the rear design was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX diverged from the trend of horizontal dashboard layouts, opting instead for a vertical cockpit design. The center stack of controls flowed into the center console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. Above this were physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel combined a digital center display with analog gauges, enhancing the sporty feel. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals with oversized touchscreens, it offered a familiar layout for those averse to the latest glass cockpit designs.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out with its sleek design, balancing SUV size with luxury-car style. It featured Genesis' signature split headlights and large shield-like grille, but with a sleeker profile than its larger sibling, the GV80. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70's styling effectively conveyed both SUV robustness and luxury brand sophistication, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse.

The GV70's interior was distinctive, with traditional luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof, complemented by unique design elements. The climate controls and other buttons were housed in an elliptical pod, and the infotainment system featured a rotary controller with a futuristic design. The dashboard had a rounded cross-section, reminiscent of an airplane wing. These design choices set the GV70 apart, offering a fresh take on luxury interiors.

The 2023 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) available on all models. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, a competitive time for its class. The throttle response was immediate, and the turbo powertrain provided ample power for most drivers. The engine and exhaust produced a pleasing, sporty sound, and the transmission efficiently selected gears for optimal power delivery. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and excellent traction from the advanced AWD system. It offered a sporty driving experience without compromising ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 was also available, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors, producing a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX or BMW X3. The suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash over bumps rather than glide. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar handling characteristics despite its additional weight, and offered adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space for front-seat occupants, with generous cushioning and additional power adjustments in top trims. Heated and ventilated seats offered quick comfort adjustments. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open feel. Cargo space was competitive, with 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 79.8 cubic feet with them folded. A deep bin under the cargo floor added versatility. Front passengers had various storage options, though the center stack's design could have been more space-efficient.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than some competitors. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The Electrified GV70's battery pack minimally impacted interior space. The stylish interior design, with its orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage, though a dedicated phone nook and rear-seat climate controls were included. The Electrified GV70 featured automatic side bolsters for added support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved usability, allowing for easier navigation with quick glances. Despite the interface issues, the system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim featured a 16-speaker ELS audio system with excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, borrowed from Hyundai, was simpler than those in BMW or Mercedes models. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The touchscreen was intuitive and accessible to both driver and passenger, with an alternative rotary controller. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob.

The 2023 Acura RDX received top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, though lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.

The 2024 Genesis GV70, both gasoline and Electrified versions, received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, but the 2023 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering. An advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system offered automated lane changes and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also provided high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.