Competing in the entry-level luxury-sport sedan segment is no easy matter, especially when you are up against class leaders such as the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But newcomer Genesis is proving that they can be credible in this market, and they are showing just that with this week’s ride – the Genesis G70.
Out since 2018, the G70 is Genesis’ small luxury sport sedan. Using the underpinnings of the Kia Stinger, it’s the brand’s third sedan model, following its larger siblings, the G80 and G90. In its debut year, it was named 2019 North American Car of the Year, so no doubt the G70 got off to a good start.
For 2022, it benefits from a revised front end, including a larger grille and rear fascias to enhance its look even further and bring the car visually in line with the G80 and G90.
The entry-level G70, called the 2.0T, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and offers a nice blend of performance and efficiency at an affordable price, which starts at $39,000. Enhanced performance can be found in the 3.3T and 3.3T Launch Editions, where power comes from a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Last year, the four-cylinder could be had with a six-speed manual transmission – but that has been dropped for 2022, meaning both engines make do with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be added to any G70.
The tester was a 3.3T with rear-wheel drive and was fitted with the Sport Prestige package that includes a microfiber headliner, heated rear seats and a heads-up display. It carried an MSRP of $51,445.
The cabin of the G70 is quite impressive thanks to an updated dashboard design and larger infotainment screen. The upscale interior is very attractive with the dash, doors and center consoles all made of high-quality materials with no signs of cheapness to be found. Replacing last year’s 8-inch touchscreen display is a newer 10.25-inch display.
Looking nice and being comfortable are two different things. Thankfully, the G70 is both. The front seats offer great support with a wide range of seat adjustments, making them very comfortable for the short trip or the long haul. The back seats are not bad, but room, especially leg room, is in short supply, making it a tight squeeze for adults.
With the turbocharged V6, the G70 is a fast, fun car. Change the drive mode to Sport and feel the seat bolsters tighten up and the exhaust change to a more aggressive note and enjoy the drive. The 365 horses under the hood make the G70 capable of hitting 60 mph in less than 5 seconds and it does it with ease thanks to the 376 lb-ft of torque that is on tap. It takes corners and turns with little body roll and has a balanced ride and good handling characteristics. Its suspension smoothes out most uneven surfaces and remains composed in most road conditions.
When it comes to practicality, the G70 lags behind when compared to others in this class. Trunk space is limited to just 10.5 cubic feet, although more room can be had by folding down the rear seats. At least the trunk opening is large, making it easy to load. Back in the cabin, there is nice cubby storage compartment in the center console – perfect for cell phone storage and charging.
Genesis knows to be successful in the luxury car market, they must have a good entry point to their product line. The G70 sedan is just that, as it shows it is a great way to enter the luxury car market as well as get acquainted with the brand. And when put up against its rivals, the G70 easily holds its own – and might even surpass a few of them.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
Base Price: $42,100.00
Price as Tested: $51,445.00
Layout: front-engine / rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3.3 liter turbocharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 365 hp
Torque: 376 ft-lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
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