2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model was showcased in a Nordic Forest Pearl color, adding to its refined aesthetic. The HR-V offered various wheel options, with the Sport trim featuring 18-inch black alloy wheels and a more aggressive grille design. Inside, the HR-V's interior was marked by a trend toward refinement, with features like perforated leather seats in the EX-L trim, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof. The cabin's design elements, such as the metal honeycomb grille and sculptural center console, lent a premium feel, while visibility remained excellent despite the fastback design.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared stylistic connections with the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the beltline. The split-bar headlights and chrome line that curved from behind the rear window visually linked the GV70 to its sedan counterpart. The interior of the GV70 was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The gas-powered GV70 was available in two trims, while the Electrified GV70 offered its own set of trims. The GV70's interior boasted genuine leather upholstery, ambient cabin lighting, and a range of tech features, making it a compelling choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This marked an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered various drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and ECON, with Sport mode available for a more spirited driving experience. The HR-V's suspension and widened tracks contributed to a surprisingly fun driving experience, though it was not overpowered. The HR-V was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and its handling on mountain roads was commendable.

The Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV70's turbo-four engine provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered extra performance for enthusiasts. The GV70's driving experience was a blend of comfort and sharp handling, making it a well-rounded choice. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The electric version offered a smooth and confident acceleration, with a Boost Mode for additional power. The GV70 Electrified had a range of 236 miles and supported fast charging, making it a practical choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but it still provided ample space. Cargo capacity measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. Front-row legroom improved to 41.9 inches, while rear-seat legroom decreased slightly to 37.7 inches.

The Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed center console with cupholders and storage options. Front-seat passengers enjoyed comfortable seating, while rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats. The rear bench offered a reclining feature for added comfort.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display with Smart Shortcuts and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a range of audio systems, with the EX-L featuring an eight-speaker setup and WiFi capability.

The Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 included a rotary dial for control, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V's safety features were generally unobtrusive and provided peace of mind. While the 2023 HR-V had not been crash-tested, the 2022 model received favorable ratings from safety organizations.

The Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T's Advance Package added features like a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera. The GV70 Electrified included most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.