2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of classy and sporty aesthetics with its exterior styling, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which had a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section, unlike some rivals with awkward rear ends. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens. While materials were of good quality, the Q5's interior felt less special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually linked it to its sedan counterpart. The GV70's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring 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 included 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 GV70's interior was luxurious, with features like genuine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a premium stereo system. The Electrified Prestige trim impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring cream-colored seats with a quilt stitch pattern and a high-contrast design.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, and the Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal road and wind noise.

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 used an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The turbo-four provided ample power, while the V6 offered extra performance and a throaty engine note. The GV70 blended comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery with dual electric motors, producing 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered smooth acceleration, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. It featured external and cabin noise options, with well-rounded handling leaning towards comfort.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to be functional and user-friendly. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were used for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front passengers, and rear seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with the Sportback offering 24.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, and 28.9 cubic feet with seats in use, which was above average for the class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate. The GV70's front seats were comfortable, with decent storage options, though rear legroom was tighter. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. However, system boot-up and Apple CarPlay activation were slow. CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. Genesis provided helpful buttons and a rotary dial for control, though the dial was close to the rotary shifter, causing potential confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim included matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera. The 3.5T's Sport Advance package included these features. The Electrified GV70 had most features standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.