2026 Genesis GV70 vs 2026 Toyota bZ

The 2026 Genesis GV70 showcased the brand's "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy with a refined style, featuring a strong grille and fascia treatment, and a sweeping profile and roofline. The vehicle was available in nine colors, including a new Ceres Blue, inspired by the first dwarf planet discovered by humanity. The front of the GV70 was sharpened with a redrawn crest-shaped grille flanked by two-line headlamps fitted with micro lens array lighting elements. The interior boasted a 27-inch OLED screen dominating the dashboard, with redesigned lighting elements adding a techy glow. The Sport model offered unique styling elements, including dark chrome molding and carbon fiber trim, with flashy interior color options like deep blue with orange contrast stitching or bright red paired with black.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims with options for single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD, and two battery sizes. The larger battery provided more power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895. The bZ's exterior design was improved with body-color trim, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the dashboard and center console were cleaner and more organized, with fabric seats featuring an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control with the display. However, the digital driver display was criticized for being too far away and difficult to read. The bZ's interior offered a comfortable and spacious experience, with thoughtful storage solutions and standard features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 came with a base 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The optional 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine on Sport Advanced 3.5T and Sport Prestige 3.5T trims delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance. The GV70 offered Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with a new Terrain Mode for various road surfaces. The vehicle featured hydro bushings and Highway Body Motion Control for a smooth ride, with a Road Preview feature using forward-facing cameras to enhance comfort.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery pack, providing 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ supported DC fast charging and was compatible with Tesla Superchargers. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. The vehicle offered a comfortable ride but lacked one-pedal driving capability and had issues with front wheelspin during acceleration.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 provided ample space for tall drivers in the front seats, though the 27-inch OLED screen was partially blocked by the steering wheel. The wide center console featured a rotary shifter and infotainment dial, which could be confusing. Rear seats offered good headroom and shoulder room, but legroom was less generous. The sloping rear roofline made the back seat feel cramped, and cargo space was adequate but less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats featured eight-way power adjustment, with heated and ventilated options. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, though foot space was tight. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 featured a 27-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system with over-the-air updates, customizable themes, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen displayed various camera angles, including a 360-degree Surround View Monitor. The digital gauge cluster was customizable, and voice commands controlled climate, infotainment, and windows. The GV70 included Genesis Digital Key 2 and a Fingerprint Authentication System for keyless entry and start.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was generally easy to use, though it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Drive Connect powered the native navigation system and Intelligent Assistant, which responded well to voice commands.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist, and more. The Highway Driving Assist technology detected driver hands on the steering wheel and proved reliable. While the 2026 model hadn't been tested by safety organizations, previous versions received high ratings, suggesting similar results for the new model.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The bZ received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with Good ratings for front-crash avoidance but Poor ratings for headlights.