The Genesis G70 is the small luxury sedan from Hyundai’s upscale brand. It has sleek looks, nimble handling, an elegant cabin, lots of standard features and tech, and a great warranty. The G70 is similar to offerings from European automakers, Acura, and Lexus but doesn’t cost as much. Drawbacks include a tight backseat, small trunk, and below average fuel economy.
Base Price: $49,950
As Tested: $56,250
Horsepower: 365
Mileage: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
The G70 was introduced for the 2019 model year, refreshed for 2022, and got only minor tweaks for 2023. For 2024, the G70 gets some additional standard features and the 2.0-liter engine is no longer offered.
The 2024 G70 comes in two trims: 2.5T and 3.3T. Both are offered with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Starting prices are $41,500 and $49,950, respectively, for the rear-wheel drive models, and $43,600 and $52,050 for the AWD models.
Technically, there’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating; however, the second row is tight so it’d be tough to squeeze three adults back there.
The 2.5T models get a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3T models get a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 that produces 364 horses and 376 pound-feet. Both engines get the same transmission, an eight-speed automatic.
Both powertrains deliver plenty of power for everyday driving. My tester with the larger engine has snappy acceleration with little turbo lag and there’s plenty of oomph for merging and passing at freeway speeds. The Brembo brakes, which are standard on both trims, make for quick stopping. The eight-speed shifts smoothly but is sometimes a tad slow for downshifts. The ride is a good balance of comfort and firmness, and the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and rough roads. There’s little body lean when cornering. All in all, the G70 has peppy handling that makes it fun to drive.
Fuel efficiency is below average for a small luxury sedan. EPA ratings for my RWD tester are 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with a combined rating of 21. I got 21 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is elegant with top notch materials but not quite as posh as some German luxury sedans. Front seats are comfortable, supportive, and roomy. The back seat is tight. Two adults can squeeze back there but it’s probably best suited for kids. A large touchscreen dominates the dash. While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, a cord is needed – many rivals offer standard wireless connectivity.
Standard features include proximity key, keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette seating surfaces, power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar, power front passenger seat, heated front seats, eight-inch digital gauge cluster and analog gauges, infotainment system with 10.25-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and LED headlights with automatic high beams.
Available features include a digital key, surround-view camera system, head-up display, leather seating surfaces, Nappa leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, ventilated front seats, front passenger seat with power four-way lumbar, heated steering wheel, alloy pedals, Lexicon 15-speaker premium audio system, Genesis digital key, wireless device charging, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof.
The Genesis digital key can recognize the driver and will automatically load their customized vehicle preferences. The digital key is paired using Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass. The system also lets the driver share keys with others through their device – for example, a driver can share or revoke a key using iMessage.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, Highway Driving Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering), Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitoring, vehicle exit warning (alerts passengers leaving the vehicle when other vehicles are approaching from behind), and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include a blind-spot camera, which displays video of the left and right blind spots when the turn signal is activated), and front and rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system looks great with its large 10.25-inch touchscreen and is user-friendly. It’s easy to see and reach, menus are logically arranged, and the system responds quickly to inputs.
The trunk is smaller than many rivals at 10.5 cubic feet and has a narrow opening which can make it challenging to load large and/or bulky items. The rear seats split-fold 60/40 providing flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo. A hands-free power trunk lid with auto open is standard.
The warranty is excellent with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The good:
Elegant looks
Punchy acceleration
Packed with features and tech
Upscale, attractive cabin
Costs less than many rivals
Great warranty
The not-so-good:
Tight backseat
Small trunk
Below average fuel efficiency
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $49,950. Cavendish Red paint is $650. The Sport Prestige Package is $4,400 and includes an electronically controlled suspension, limited slip differential, head-up display, Nappa leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, surround view monitor, and heated steering wheel. Delivery fee is $1,250 bringing the grand totally to $56,250.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Genesis G70 has just about everything you’d want in a small luxury sedan and costs less than many rivals. If you can live without a status badge on your car, the G70 is worth consideration for its elegant looks, sporty handling and posh cabin. But below-average fuel economy, a cramped back seat, and small trunk may make some buyers look elsewhere.
