Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche – watch out because the new Genesis GV70 has joined the compact luxury SUV segment and is already a top contender in this popular class. The GV70 boasts nimble performance, a beautiful cabin and is jam packed with features and tech.
Base Price: $52,600
As Tested: $65,045
Horsepower: 375
Mileage: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
Genesis is the luxury brand made by Korean automaker Hyundai. It used to be a model in the Hyundai line-up, then became its own brand with the launch of the Genesis G90 sedan in 2017. Every year, the brand gets better at producing vehicles that are well-rounded and loaded with a lot of luxury features. The new 2022 GV70 is already racking up accolades.
The five-passenger 2022 GV70 comes in two trims: 2.5T and 3.5T Sport, named for the engines in each. Starting prices are $41,000 and $52,600. These are thousands of dollars less than other luxury SUVs in the segment. All-wheel-drive is standard.
The 2.5T has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 311 pound-ft of torque. The 3.5T gets a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 375 horses and 391 pound-feet. Both engines provide peppy performance. An eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with each engine.
The GV70 isn’t the quickest or most athletic performer among luxury SUVs, nor does it provide the cushiest ride, but it strikes a nice balance between zippy handling and a refined ride. The 3.5T is quick off the line with just the slightest hint of turbo lag, and the engine gives a pleasing growl when pressed. Getting up to speed for merging and passing at freeway speeds is a breeze, and the eight-speed shifts smoothly and quickly to the right gear. The GV70 handles well around tight turns with minimal body lean and is also easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic. The cabin is quiet with little engine, road and wind noise. Visibility is good all the way around. The GV70 is sure pleasant as a daily driver and I enjoyed my time behind the wheel.
Fuel efficiency is about average for a compact luxury SUV. EPA ratings for my tester are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with a combined rating of 21. I got 21 during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The posh and comfortable cabin is one of the nicest in the segment – and that’s a huge compliment considering the tough competition. Materials are beautiful and high-end, including faux or genuine leather, controls are well placed, and everything looks gorgeous. The front seats are comfy and can be adjusted a myriad of ways so you can find the perfect position. The rear seats are on the firm side and could use more support, but they do recline, and backseat passengers have decent leg- and headroom. The wide door openings make it easy to get in and out.
The GV70 has a long list of standard features including remote start, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-inch digital gauge cluster, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, infotainment system with 14.5-inch touchscreen, nine-speaker audio system, navigation, Bluetooth, USB ports, satellite radio, HD Radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and wireless device charging,
Available features include a digital key, surround view camera system, head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 16-speaker Lexicon audio system, real leather upholstery, Nappa leather upholstery, faux suede headliner, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, manual rear side sunshades, and a panoramic sunroof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include reverse automatic emergency braking, front parking sensors, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and intersection assist, which provides braking assistance when a risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle is detected when turning left at an intersection.
The 14.5-inch touchscreen looks great with its sharp, modern graphics, and menus are logically organized. The system responds quickly to commands, and you can provide inputs through the touchscreen, physical buttons, or a rotary control knob, which takes some time to figure out. One peeve is that the knob is right next to the gear shift. Thankfully, the system won’t let you shift accidentally into reverse or park while driving.
The GV70 has more cargo space than most rivals. There are 28.9 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and 56.9 cubes with the rear seats folded. The rear seats fold 60/40 providing flexibility in hauling gear and passengers. A hands-free power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Peppy handling
Opulent interior
Loaded with features and tech
Spacious cabin for passengers
More cargo room than most rivals
Low price tag for the class
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Infotainment system has a few quirks
Rear seats could use more support
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $52,600. Barossa Burgundy paint is $1,500. The Sport Advanced Package is $5,000 and includes Nappa leather seating surfaces with sport pattern quilting, layered edge backlit trim, Leatherette upper instrument and door panels, suede headliner, heated steering wheel, Genesis digital key, surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking assist, front parking distance warning, rear parking collision-avoidance assist, and Lexicon premium audio system with 16 speakers. The Sport Prestige package is $4,900 and includes 21-inch sport Alloy wheels, electronic limited slip differential, Nappa leather seating surfaces with suede insert, carbon fiber trim, three-zone automatic climate control, heated second-row seats, manual rear side sunshades, 12.3-inch 3D digital cluster, and a head-up display. Delivery fee is $1,045 bringing the grand total to $65,045.
Bottom line:
Be sure to check out the new 2022 Genesis GV70 if you’re shopping for a small luxury crossover. It competes well against the stalwarts in this class and its lower sticker price means you get a lot of vehicle for the money.
