RDX vs GV70
Rivals in the compact luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the RDX and the GV70 are no exception. Expect a close race. The RDX and the GV70 trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GV70 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Space & Practicality7.8
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Space & Practicality6.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The GV70 has 28 hp more power
The GV70 has a modest edge on total system output: 300 hp against 272 hp for the RDX. The GV70’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The GV70 has 31 lb-ft more torque
It’s a small lead (311 lb-ft versus 280 lb-ft), but it’s real, and it goes to the GV70. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | RDX | GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113.2 in |
Engine & Performance
GV70 leads
The RDX is outclassed on engine & performance; the GV70 leads by a clear margin. The GV70 scores with 28 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. That makes the GV70 the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
RDX: 272 hp GV70: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
RDX: 280 lb-ft GV70: 311 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the RDX and the GV70 cover space & practicality equally well on paper. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RDX | GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | N/A (not specified) | AWD |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RDX | GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 29.5 cu ft | 28.9 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 58.9 cu ft | 56.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RDX | GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 3,500 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RDX | GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | RDX | GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the GV70 if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 272 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (311 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Genesis does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RDX or the GV70?
On the specs compared here, the GV70 makes more sense for most buyers; the RDX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the RDX and the GV70, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. Here’s what matters most to me: the GV70 offers 28 hp more power.
In my head, the RDX is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick and the GV70 is the engine & performance pick.
My pick: the GV70.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.