Buyers can't get enough of leather-lined compact SUVs with status badges, which are now the core of the premium-car market. While consumers are giving up some of the performance and handling of sedans, the demand for wagon-like versatility and an above-the-cars seating position has propelled these SUVs to prominence. Into this white-hot arena Genesis throws its new GV70 crossover, arguably the most important product yet from Hyundai’s nascent luxury brand.
Unfortunately, the vast number of vehicles in this segment is matched by the vast scope of the auto industry's supply disruptions. Vehicle shortages made a giant comparison test impossible. Instead, we opted to take the GV70's measure against two SUVs that have long stood as templates for the segment: the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX.
Most entries in this segment kick-off just north of $40K.But all-wheel-drive, six-cylinder power, and a long list of extras pushed our average as-tested price to $64,243, with our three competitors separated by a slim $1930. The price point works in the GV70's favor, as that money will buy the top Sport Prestige model fitted with the optional 375hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 and nearly every imaginable feature, from leather-and-suede seats to a head-up display.
Lexus started this automotive genus when it launched the RX300 for 1998. Easygoing refinement and proven reliability-plus annual sales that regularly top 100,000 have been the RX's hallmarks ever since. Its current fourth-generation also pushes the boundaries of tasteful SUV exterior design and offers both conventional and hybrid powertrains. We settled on the RX350, powered by a standard 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and dressed in optional F Sport regalia.
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Car and Driver.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Car and Driver.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Selective Evolution
Now hybrid only, the Toyota Camry features careful tweaks for its ninth generation.
Stress Reliever
IN THE LINCOLN NAUTILUS, the loudest sound you hear at highway speeds is the rhythmic respiration of the massaging seats. With just 66 decibels of interior noise at 70 mph, this slick-looking new Lincoln is on a mission of zen.
Mega Bus
A three-row mid-size SUV trying to look and feel bigger, the latest has size on its side but still lacks charisma.
Going to Extremes
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT pulls out all the stops in its quest for EV supremacy.
What the Tech?
IT’S NO COMPLAINT TO SAY that given the slow visual evolution of the Mercedes-Benz E-class, many wouldn’t notice that the stately three-box sedan has entered a new generation this year.
Drivelines
Refreshed but Not Revitalized
The Full Monty Carlo
EVERYONE IS NAKED. Just putting that out in the open.
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS
THE MAZDA MX-5 MIATA RF CLUB AND THE SUBARU BRZ IS MAY BE SMALL IN STATURE, BUT THEIR PERSONALITIES ARE LARGER THAN MOST.
Sterrato > Dirt Road
Nothing lost in translation here. Might as well call it what it is: the best Lamborghini Huracán ever.
DEAD OR ALIVE?
Is the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser the real deal? We venture into the wilds of Utah to find out.
