Comparison: 2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Infiniti QX50

2022 Genesis GV70 

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $49,000 CAD

Pros

• A pair of powerful engines
• Respectable towing capacity
• Extra-long factory warranty

Cons

• Genesis luxury brand still a newcomer to buyers
• Small rear cargo area
• Mediocre fuel economy

2022 Genesis GV70 – Highlights

Similar to the Infiniti QX50 from Japan’s Nissan, the 2022 Genesis GV70 from South Korea’s Hyundai is an SUV built to provide an alternative to smaller luxury SUVs from the usual German brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Built atop the same rear-wheel-drive platform as Genesis’s G70 compact luxury/sport sedan, the GV70 SUV has a sporting demeanour and stance.

The 2022 GV70 has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $49,000 in Canadian dollars for the base 2.5T Select AWD trim. A turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard highlights. With 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, the GV70's base 2.5-litre engine is plenty powerful for most drivers. But its 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) combined city and highway fuel economy can't match the Infiniti's more frugal 9.0 L/100 km estimate. The most expensive 4-cylinder trim is the $63,000 Prestige AWD, which includes such niceties as Electronic Suspension Control, leather seating, and a Lexicon audio system. 

The base GV70 3.5T Sport AWD trim gets a turbocharged 6-cylinder, starts at $68,000, and tops out with the $75,500 3.5T Sport Plus AWD, adding features such as Electronic Limited Slip Differential and additional active safety technologies. Compared to the base 4-cylinder, more power (375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque) is available with the 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 but at the cost of an 11.6 L/100 km combined estimate.

Keep in mind: Genesis’s 5-year/100,000-kilometre factory tops the Infiniti program by one extra year and 20,000 extra kilometres.

From either engine, power is directed to a competent 8-speed automatic transmission. From there, the GV70's standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system apportions power to the appropriate tire as traction demands, though during sedate commutes, most of that thrust is directed to the rear wheels. The GV70’s maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms), topping the QX50 by 500 pounds (227 kilograms).

“Gorgeous” is an appropriate description for the 5-passenger 2022 GV70’s interior. It feels modern while avoiding gimmickry. We suspect some buyers might prefer a volume knob to Genesis’s volume roller. But overall, the interior’s indulgent quality and style are hard to deny. Like the QX50, the GV70’s rear quarters accommodate average-sized adults with respectable clearance.

2021 Infiniti QX50

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $45,495 CAD

Pros

• Reasonable entry pricing
• Excellent fuel economy
• Well-established Infiniti brand

Cons

• Low price advantage fades higher up the trim level ladder
• Drone-prone CVT
• Some buyers may want more power and sharper handling

2021 Infiniti QX50 - Highlights

Pitted against other luxury compact SUVs, the 2021 Infiniti QX50 marks out its territory with a long list of standard driver assistance features, an ingenious variable-compression engine, and a wide range of trims allowing buyers plenty of scope for personalization.

With 7 trim levels to choose from, the base QX50 Pure 2.0T AWD trim starts at $45,495, and includes wi-fi, laminated front-side window glass, rear-side airbags, automatic collision notification, and emergency calls. Although its base price undercuts the GV70, the QX50's value proposition fades when buyers are obliged to purchase one of the higher trims to acquire features like leather upholstery or hands-free tailgate operation. 

Equipment-wise, the $48,495 QX50 Luxe is more in line with the GV70's base trim. A top-line QX50 Autograph starts at $57,648 and features white semi-aniline leather seating with suede trim separated by blue piping.

All 2022 QX50 trims come with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder gas engine putting power to the road via all four wheels and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Well shy of the Genesis, the Infiniti’s turbo-4 makes 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Infiniti says the engine’s variable compression means the action of its pistons can be changed to optimize either power or efficiency and can run on regular 87-octane gasoline, but premium is recommended. A 9.0 L/100-km combined fuel economy estimate saves money, too.

Aesthetically, the Infiniti’s interior is arguably handsome for the most part. The dual touchscreens for infotainment and climate control can be a bit slow to respond and have an almost aftermarket look that’s not as polished or integrated as the Genesis’s system. There are plenty of physical knobs for volume, tuning, temperature, and fan speed on the upside. From a packaging perspective, the QX50 shines with a spacious interior that includes a generous cargo bay of 880 litres—62 more than found behind the rear seats of the GV70.

On the road, the QX50 is tailored for efficiency and practicality. This makes it feel less sporty than its Genesis rival. The engine suffers from occasional lag under hard acceleration, despite the unit’s high-tech ability to change compression ratios to suit power or efficiency needs. 

Compared to the GV70's more conventional automatic transmission, Infiniti's CVT isn't our favourite choice. On the daily commute, drivers may not notice (or care) that there are no set gears. But when driving the QX50 aggressively, the transmission drones. The electric steering setup is also overly light and insufficiently tactile to please an enthusiast.

Final Recommendation

If you are in the market for a luxurious compact SUV that doesn't wear a German badge, both the 2022 Genesis GV70 and 2021 Infiniti QX50 have a lot to offer.

The QX50’s strength lies with its accessible base pricing, excellent fuel economy, and generous rear cargo room.

However, we think the GV70, with its choice of powerful engines, more engaging driving experience and longer factory warranty, is the better overall choice.