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 it 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. A super thick, flat bottom steering wheel greets the driver
while atop the dash is a wide-format instrument panel that blends into 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.
For 2026, the GV70 gets some minor exterior tweaks, mainly with the bumpers and
lighting. Inside, the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen are combined to
make one large 27-inch OLED display screen. There is also a new 16-speaker Bang &
Olufsen premium audio option that replaces the previous Lexicon system.
The tester was a 3.5T, so it had 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 early and the transmission shifts at the
right times, although paddle shifters are there if you 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.
Pricing for the 2026 Genesis GV70 starts at $49,435. The tester, a fully loaded 3.5T Sport
Prestige carries an MSRP of $72,225.
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.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2026 Genesis GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige
Base Price: $70,095.00
Price as Tested: $72,225.00
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 / 25 highway mpg [Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]
