In the luxury SUV market, most people equate price with the level of luxury – the higher the price of the vehicle, the more luxurious it is. But that formula just doesn’t hold water when it comes to the Genesis GV70. Here is a compact SUV that is priced lower than its competitors, mainly the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, yet is more luxurious and even delivers the same, if not better road manners.
Out since 2022, the Genesis GV70 is a small crossover luxury SUV that has become a favorite in its class. The GV70 is quite stylish with its two-bar headlights, Bentley-esque grille and elegant body lines. At the rear is a unique floating triangular quarter window that really blends in nicely with the lines of the rest of the vehicle. And just like nearly all vehicles from Genesis, the GV70 looks like no other SUV in its class.
The GV70 shares the same powertrains as the larger GV80. The base model, the GV70 2.5T, comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.5T uses a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 good for 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Every GV70 has an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard.
Inside, Genesis knocked the ball out of the park by making the GV70’s cabin both daring and luxurious at the same time. Atop the smooth dash is a wide-format 14.5-inch display for the easy-to-read infotainment system. The top part of the dash is a dark color while the lower section is available in a variety of different colors giving the cabin a two-tone look. The fit and finish is excellent; in fact, it may even be better than what I have recently seen in some vehicles mentioned above. Like in the GV80, a knurled rotary wheel is used for the gear selector, but other than that, the two interiors are very different. The cabin of the GV70 is far more striking and elegant. Genesis took a risk with the interior design of the GV70 and it looks to have paid off.
The GV70 seats five people in two rows. The front seats are a little firmer than one might initially expect in a luxury SUV, but with many power adjustments, along with heating, ventilation, and a massaging feature, they are comfortable. Backseat room is adequate (more than in the G70 sedan), but legroom is still in short supply.
Driving the GV70 turns out to be a lot of fun. With five different drive modes, the GV70 allows you to pick how you want to drive. Driving enthusiasts will enjoy the Sport+ which amps up the dynamics and performance of the GV70 as well as enables launch control which maximizes initial starting performance. Switching to Sport+ mode also inflates the driver and passenger seat side bolsters to hold you in the seat better. All other modes do this when you reach 80 mph.
The tester is a 3.5T, so it has the turbocharged V6 under its hood. And boy will it scoot. There is an ever-so-slight lag from the turbos, but once they kick in, the GV70 can hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The torque comes on early and the transmission shifts at the right times, although paddle shifters are there if you so choose to use them.
Thanks to its small footprint, the handling and steering are both very good in the GV70. With all-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential, the GV70 feels well planted and is very controlled as it goes through the corners. In normal driving, the suspension does a good job at absorbing bumps and road imperfections. Wind noise is kept to a minimum at highway speeds, but on rough, coarse surfaces, road noise can get a little loud.
As with other Genesis models, the GV70 comes with a lot of available features, some not even offered on other makes. These features include a color heads-up display, a fingerprint recognition that can be used to customize the settings of the car for different drivers and remote smart parking assist that allows you to be able to pull the GV70 into or out of a parking spot remotely.
The 2024 Genesis GV70 starts at just over $46,500. The tester, a fully loaded 3.5T Sport Prestige carries an MSRP of $68,870.
It’s hard to find fault with the GV70. It looks great, has a stunning interior and can be driven like a sports car if one wants to. And with prices coming in well under its rivals, then throw in one of the best warranties in the business (10-year, 100,000-mile warranty that includes 3 years complimentary maintenance), it just keeps getting better. Really, the only area where its rivals have the Genesis beat is when it comes to name recognition. Or as some see it, the Genesis GV70 is simply the best kept secret around and they like to keep it that way.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2024 Genesis GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige
Base Price: $57,500.00
Price as Tested: $68,670.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 3.5-liter turbocharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 375 horsepower
Torque: 391 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city / 24 highway mpg
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