2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a few bold paint colors and wheel designs. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic profile.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design. It retained signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition, while offering a sleeker profile than its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's design included standout details such as a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive wheel designs. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined appearance compared to competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterpart, with the charge port cleverly integrated into the grille. Inside, the GV70 featured a distinctive interior with traditional luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, while unique details like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a futuristic rotary controller for the infotainment system added a touch of innovation.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to deliver both refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, available in two power outputs: 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360, and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 was available in limited early-build models. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension, impressive ground clearance, and off-road tech like Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 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 delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The GV70's suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash over bumps. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar handling characteristics despite its additional weight. It featured steering-wheel paddles for adjusting regenerative braking, allowing for one-pedal driving. The Electrified GV70's EPA-rated range was 236 miles, making it a viable choice for those seeking an EV with minimal compromises.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's full-size spare limited underfloor storage, but Land Rover provided a contraption to secure smaller items.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the expense of small-item storage, but it included a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls. The Electrified GV70 featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and unreliable voice recognition. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but could be challenging to access.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, borrowed from Hyundai, was simpler but effective. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen had an intuitive layout, and a rotary controller on the center console provided an alternative control method. The GV70 also included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, but the 2023 GV70 received a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.