2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself with a sleek design that balanced brand recognition and modern aesthetics. It featured signature Genesis elements like split headlights and a large grille, yet maintained a sleeker profile compared to its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's design included standout features such as a hatchback-like rear window, large exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and unique wheel designs. It successfully combined SUV presence with luxury style, offering a more refined look than competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Electrified GV70 retained the same styling, with a unique grille housing the charge port, making it convenient for charging.

Inside, the GV70 offered a distinctive interior with luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof. The design was memorable, featuring an elliptical pod for controls and a rotary infotainment controller with a futuristic look. The dashboard had a rounded cross-section, adding to its unique appeal. Genesis aimed for a different approach, making the interior stand out in the luxury SUV market.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its evolution with a refreshed design that enhanced its rugged appeal. The front end was restyled to give it a wider, more handsome look, while new LED taillights and trim added sophistication. The Explorer's proportions, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive platform, contributed to a sleeker appearance. Interior updates improved the overall ambiance, with better materials and design, making it competitive in its segment.

Ford streamlined the Explorer's trim levels, offering four options: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505. During a driving event in Michigan, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages showcased its capabilities. The Explorer's design and features aimed to provide a balanced blend of style and functionality for families and adventure seekers alike.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered two gasoline engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering 429 hp, with a Boost Mode increasing it to 483 hp temporarily. Despite its power, the GV70's chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals, feeling heavier and less agile through corners. The ride quality was decent but not exceptional, with the suspension tending to crash over bumps. The Electrified model maintained similar driving dynamics, with adjustable regenerative braking and a 236-mile range.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed transmission delivered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and optional performance brakes. The Explorer's handling was commendable, offering a balance of firmness and comfort. The twin-turbo V6 in the ST and Platinum trims provided fast acceleration and a pleasant engine note. The Explorer's off-road capabilities were adequate, but it wasn't designed as a dedicated off-roader.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The Electrified GV70 had minimal impact on interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design came at the cost of limited small-item storage, but features like automatic side bolsters in Sport mode added to its appeal.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured comfortable front seats with heating and massage functions, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. The third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The Explorer's interior design focused on practicality and comfort for families.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller for convenience. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrumentation. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with Google Maps and app downloads available. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the Platinum and ST trims featuring a 14-speaker setup. The technology focused on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings included four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models. 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.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The ST-Line and higher trims featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it required driver intervention in certain situations. NHTSA ratings included five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings. The IIHS had not published ratings for the 2025 Explorer at the time of review.