2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, giving it an aggressive appearance. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint color or the Onyx Edition with black wheels and trim could complement the design. The Onyx Edition became more accessible in 2023, available with the base powertrain at a starting price of $33,495, offering a $5,100 savings compared to the turbocharged version.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out in the Genesis lineup with its sleek design, featuring split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition. It was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. 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 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as the gasoline models, with a shiny grille housing the charge port for convenience at charging stations.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better acceleration. However, the XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 25 mpg combined, and the Wilderness trim rated at 23 mpg. All Outback models came with a CVT and standard AWD, with an X-Mode traction system for off-road capabilities. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Outback excelled in ride quality and off-road performance.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 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 engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode providing 483 hp. While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. The ride quality was competent but not exceptional, with the Electrified model maintaining similar handling despite its additional weight.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring model offered a comfortable interior with 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats, and the Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle's design made entry and exit easy, and the robust roof rack was ready for accessories. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the center console.

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 provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Electrified GV70 had minimal impact on interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design, featuring an orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage. The Electrified GV70 included automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The base model had a 7-inch screen with wired connectivity. The Starlink system offered subscription-based services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional navigation and premium audio. The voice recognition system was limited, and additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 came standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades featured 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 offered an alternative interface. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob.

The 2023 Subaru Outback earned top safety marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. The Base model featured EyeSight technology with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback's safety features were effective, but the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS 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 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.