2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of luxury and style, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and a design that was both contemporary and classic. The dashboard was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70 was available in both gas-powered and electrified versions, with various trims offering a range of luxurious features, from genuine leather upholstery to advanced driver-assistance technologies.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a design that had remained consistent over the years. Its exterior was practical, with robust roof rails and a utilitarian shape. Inside, the Forester offered a straightforward and functional cabin, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats available from the Premium trim level. The Touring trim added more luxurious touches, such as perforated leather and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's interior was designed for practicality, with excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit. While the design was not as luxurious as the GV70, it was well-suited for those who valued simplicity and functionality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, providing a refined and well-rounded driving experience. The GV70 Electrified featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth acceleration and a Boost Mode for an extra power surge. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging, making it a practical choice for those seeking an electric luxury SUV.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for improved responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction management system provided additional capability. The Forester excelled in challenging weather conditions, offering confidence-inspiring performance on flooded roads and muddy trails. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with a comfortable yet communicative ride and excellent handling. However, the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, and a turbocharged engine option would have been a welcome addition.

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, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The interior featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders, and a center console with a retractable lid. While the front seats were comfortable and adjustable, rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for rear passenger comfort.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality, offering 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Forester's interior was designed for functionality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated front seats available in higher trims. The Forester's excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit made it a practical choice for families. However, the rear seats could have offered more leg support, and the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating.

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. The GV70 also offered four USB ports, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the proximity of the rotary dial to the vehicle's rotary shifter could lead to confusion.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but it offered a practical and user-friendly interface. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's infotainment system featured separate climate controls and easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation.

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

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, offering improved performance with updated software and cameras. The Forester also included Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking, though the latter could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim offered a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.