Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Genesis GV70

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, while quiet on the road, was noted for its dubious quality, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out in the Genesis lineup and among its competitors. It retained certain Genesis styling features for brand recognition, such as split headlights and a large grille, but was sleeker than its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's design was praised for its balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The interior was distinctive, with luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, complemented by unique design elements such as an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller. The GV70's styling effectively conveyed its status as both an SUV and a luxury brand product.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The AWD version included a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its hybrid powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing power and towing capacity, with a maximum towing limit of 3,500 pounds. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road conditions. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel economy, but the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that detracted from engagement.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors, delivering 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode providing 483 horsepower for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning was less sporty than rivals like the Acura RDX and Porsche Macan. The ride quality was competent but not exceptional, with the Electrified model maintaining similar dynamics despite its additional weight. The GV70's regenerative braking system allowed for customizable driving experiences.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family needs, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The front seats offered power adjustment, though additional thigh support was desired. The third row was cramped and uncomfortable for adults, and the SUV's storage areas were unlined, contributing to noise. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than others. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by its battery pack. The stylish interior design limited small-item storage, but a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls were included. The test vehicle featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, with Drive Connect providing additional features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle also featured a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could have been sharper.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than those in some rivals, was user-friendly. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on lower trims, and a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect on higher trims. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen's intuitive layout and rotary controller made it easy to use, and the system included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

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 rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. An available Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.