Compare the2025 Genesis GV70VS 2024 Subaru Forester

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The GV70’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Forester doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GV70 and Forester have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The GV70 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Forester’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The GV70 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Forester doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the GV70 deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The GV70’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Forester’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The GV70 v has a standard Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Forester only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The GV70 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Forester’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GV70 has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and automatically engage the brakes. Subaru charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Forester and its not available on the Base and the Forester’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the GV70 and the Forester have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

The Genesis GV70 weighs 655 to 1129 pounds more than the Subaru Forester. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Genesis GV70 is safer than the Forester:

	GV70	Forester
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	57	107
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	223 lbs.
Neck Compression	-67 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	1.5 in
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	959 lbs.	1071 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	130	544
Head Peak Forces	no contact	81 G’s
Neck Compression	-89 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.43 in	2.2 in
Shoulder Force	178 lbs.	469 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.1 in	1.26 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL

The Genesis GV70 (built after November 2023) achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Forester last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023.

Warranty

The GV70 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Forester’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Genesis’ powertrain warranty covers the GV70 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Subaru covers the Forester. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Forester ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The GV70’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Forester’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the GV70 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Genesis will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Subaru doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Forester.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the GV70 has a standard 740-amp battery. The Forester’s 620-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis above average in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 71 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 22nd.

Engine

The GV70’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 118 more horsepower (300 vs. 182) and 135 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 176) than the Forester’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The GV70’s optional 3.5 turbo V6 produces 193 more horsepower (375 vs. 182) and 215 lbs.-ft. more torque (391 vs. 176) than the Forester’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Genesis GV70 is faster than the Subaru Forester:

	GV70 turbo 4 cyl.	GV70 turbo V6	Forester
Zero to 30 MPH	2.2 sec	1.9 sec	3.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	5.4 sec	9.6 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	9.9 sec	8.9 sec	15.5 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3 sec	2.8 sec	4.4 sec
Quarter Mile	14.5 sec	14 sec	17.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.4 MPH	99.2 MPH	82.3 MPH

Transmission

The GV70’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Forester doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GV70’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Forester:

	GV70 2.5T	GV70 3.5T	Forester Base	Forester
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	14.2 inches	11.6 inches	12.4 inches
Rear Rotors	12.8 inches	13.6 inches	11.2 inches	11.2 inches

The GV70’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Forester are solid, not vented.

The GV70 stops much shorter than the Forester:

	GV70	Forester
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	181 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GV70 has larger standard tires than the Forester (235/55R19 vs. 225/60R17). The GV70 Sport Prestige’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Forester (255/40R21 vs. 225/60R17).

The GV70’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Forester’s standard 60 series tires. The GV70 Sport Prestige’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Forester Sport/Limited/Touring’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GV70 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Forester. The GV70 Sport Prestige’s 21-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Forester Sport/Limited/Touring.

Suspension and Handling

The GV70 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Forester’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GV70’s wheelbase is 8.1 inches longer than on the Forester (113.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the GV70 is 3.3 inches wider in the front and 3.8 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Forester.

The GV70’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the Forester’s (57.3% to 42.7%). This gives the GV70 more stable handling and braking.

The GV70 Sport Prestige handles at .86 G’s, while the Forester Wilderness pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GV70 Sport Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the Forester Touring (26.4 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the GV70 Advanced is quieter than the Forester Limited:

	GV70	Forester
Full-Throttle	73 dB	74 dB
70 MPH Cruising	65 dB	69 dB

Cargo Capacity

The GV70’s cargo area is larger than the Forester’s in almost every dimension:

	GV70	Forester
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	37”/72”	35.7”/69.9”
Max Width	56.5”	51.2”
Min Width	40.2”	43.3”
Height	29”	34.8”

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the GV70’s liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Forester doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The GV70’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Forester’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The GV70 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Forester uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Forester doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the GV70 and the Forester have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GV70 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Forester prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The GV70’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Forester’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

On a hot day the GV70’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Forester can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GV70 has a standard Proximity Key that allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring offers a Keyless Access and Start.

The GV70’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Forester’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GV70 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Forester doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GV70’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Subaru only offers heated mirrors on the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the GV70 Sport Prestige/3.5T keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Forester doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The GV70 Sport Prestige/3.5T has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Forester.

The GV70 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Forester Wilderness/Limited/Touring.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Genesis GV70 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Forester doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The GV70 Advanced/Sport has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Forester doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GV70 Sport Advanced/Sport Prestige’s Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Forester doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GV70 third among compact premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Forester isn’t in the top three in its category.

The GV70 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 2023. The Forester hasn’t been picked since 2006.

Motor Trend selected the GV70 as their 2022 Sport Utility of the Year. The Forester has never been chosen.