Move over, BMW 3 Series. There’s another sporty sedan that rivals the Bimmer and other luxury brands. The 2022 Genesis G70 boasts nimble performance, a swanky interior and lots of bells and whistles.
Base Price: $42,100
As Tested: $51,945
Horsepower: 365
Mileage: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
The five-passenger G70 is the smallest sedan from Hyundai’s upscale brand. It was introduced for the 2019 model year. For 2022, the G70 gets some exterior styling tweaks including a larger grille, nicer materials in the cabin, and more standard features, including an updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen. Also for 2022, the manual transmission is no longer offered as Genesis just didn’t sell enough of them.
Genesis says the G70 is the most athletic sports sedan they’ve ever made and it holds its own against similar sport sedans from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
The G70 is offered in two trims: 2.0T and 3.3T. Starting prices range from $37,525, which is average for the class, to $42,100, which is bargain-basement low for a small luxury sedan. Rear-wheel-drive is standard and all-wheel-drive is available on both trims.
The 2.0T models get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3T gets a potent 3.3-liter V6 that produces 365 horses and 376 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic.
The G70 is a nimble performer. Acceleration is quick off the line, steering is responsive, and brakes are strong. Merging and passing at freeway speeds is a breeze. The eight-speed provides snappy shifts or you can use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Put the G70 in Sport+ mode for even more engaging performance. The suspension is a good blend of firmness and comfort. Yep, the G70 is a joy to drive!
Fuel efficiency is below average for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 18 mpg city and 27 mpg city with a combined rating of 21. I got 22 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Premium gas is required.
The sumptuous and handsome cabin features top notch build quality and materials with an attention to detail. My tester has beautiful diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery, and every stich is exactly in place. Controls are angled towards the driver so they’re easy to see and reach. However, this can make it a little tough for the front passenger to reach controls. Seats are comfortable and supportive. While front-row passengers have decent leg- and headroom, the backseat is cramped and best suited for kids. Although the G70 technically has room for five passengers, three passengers won’t really have enough room in the rear seats.
The G70 comes with a ton of standard features including proximity key, push button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, infotainment system with 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two front USB ports, one rear USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and a rear-seat reminder.
Available features include a surround-view camera, head-up display, real leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system, wireless device charging, sunroof, and rain-sensing wipers.
Standard driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, intersection assist (braking assistance when a risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle is detected when turning left at an intersection), pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, vehicle exit warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include front and rear parking sensors.
The new larger infotainment system touchscreen is user-friendly and looks great. The system responds quickly to touch and voice commands, and there are handy buttons and knobs for common functions.
The trunk is smaller than most rivals with only 10.5 cubic feet of space and the opening is fairly narrow. At least the rear seats fold which can provide some space for larger items. A hands-free trunk lid is standard.
The good:
Engaging, sporty handling
Swanky interior
Tons of standard and available features
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple Car Play
The not-so-good:
Below average fuel efficiency
Cramped back seat
Rivals have more trunk space
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $42,100. Black Forest Green paint is $500. The Sport Advanced Package is $4,300 and adds front and rear parking sensors, 19” sport Alloy wheels, Aluminum trim with sport pattern, ventilated front seats, wide sunroof, Lexicon 15-speaker premium audio system, wireless device charging, dark chrome grille and daylight opening, variable exhaust valve system, power driver seat bolster and cushion extender and Genesis digital key. The Sport Prestige Package is $4,000 and includes a head-up display, surround view monitor with blind-spot view monitor, Nappa leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner, Brembo braking system, limited-slip differential, electronically-controlled suspension and heated steering wheel. Delivery fee is $1,045 bringing the grand total to $51,945.
Bottom line:
While Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz fans probably aren’t going to rush out to buy the G70, it’s sure worth a look by anyone shopping for a luxury sports sedan. The G70 has handsome looks, engaging performance, beautiful interior, and lots of standard features and tech, all at a very reasonable price.
