The GV70 is the best-selling vehicle for Genesis and it’s easy to see why. Since its launch for the 2022 model year, the GV70 has received high marks for its design, ride quality, interior craftsmanship and great value for the money.
Base Price: $70,095
As Tested: $72,225
Horsepower: 375
Mileage: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
For 2026, Genesis gives the GV70 a mid-cycle refresh with updated styling, a much-improved interior tech experience, and minor chasis improvements to keep it competitive against luxury compact SUV rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
The 2026 Genesis GV70 comes in six trims: 2.5T, 2.5T Select, 2.5T Advanced, 2.5T Sport Prestige, 3.5T Sport Advanced and 3.5T Sport Prestige. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
Starting prices range from $47,985 to $70,095. These prices are low for a luxury compact SUV, especially when you consider that the top trims include many features that are often add-ons in other luxury vehicles.
The GV70 is also available as an EV, the Electrified GV70, which is reviewed separately.
The GV70 is a looker. For 2026, the GV70 gets some subtle exterior tweaks including a revised double-mesh grille inspired by its larger sibling, the GV80, updated front and rear bumpers, refreshed wheel designs in 19- and 21-inch sizes, and redesigned exhaust outlets. Lighting updates integrate Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlamps while preserving Genesis’s signature two-line lighting theme.
The GV70 has two available powertrains. The 2.5T models get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T models have a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that makes 375 horses and 391 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The turbo-four delivers peppy acceleration and responsive performance that delivers in everyday driving. The V6 has noticeably stronger acceleration and more mid-range punch with a more robust exhaust note. The eight-speed shifts quickly and smoothly. The GV70 corners well with little body lean. Genesis introduced Highway Body Motion Control tuning for 2026, which improves ride composure and stability at higher speeds. The brakes and steering are responsive; in fact, the steering has more feel than some rivals. The ride is a tad firm but comfortable, with the suspension absorbing bumps and rough roads. And the cabin is nice and quiet with engine, road and wind noise kept at bay. Overall, the GV70 is a joy to drive, but isn’t as engaging or fast as some of its rivals.
Fuel economy is a downside. EPA ratings for the 3.5T models are 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. I got 23 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. 2.5T models with the standard 19-inch wheels are rated at 20/28/23, while 2.5T models with the optional 21-inch wheels get 20/26/22.
When properly equipped, the GV70 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The biggest changes for 2026 are in the cabin. The GV70 has always had an elegant interior, and the mid-cycle refresh makes it even better. Materials are top notch and fit and finish are excellent. Leatherette upholstery is standard, and leather and Nappa leather seating surfaces are available. Front seats are supportive, spacious and comfortable. Second-row seats are comfy with adequate space for average-size adults, but aren’t as roomy as some competitors.
The tech is another highlight. The previous dual screen setup is replaced with a ginormous 27-inch OLED display that stretches from the digital gauge cluster to the center infotainment screen. It looks impressive and is arguably the best display in the segment with its excellent contrast, responsiveness, and clarity. Menus are logically arranged and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as are over-the-air updates and improved voice recognition. Climate controls move to a slimmer touch panel below, and physical knobs remain to keep the system user-friendly. A Bang & Olufsen 16-speaker system replaces the Lexicon system and sounds fantastic.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera,
27-inch instrument and infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, a nine-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot and dual-zone automatic climate control. Additional standard equipment includes synthetic leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, automatic high-beam headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Available features include a digital key, surround-view and blind-spot camera systems, head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, genuine leather upholstery, Nappa leather upholstery, synthetic leather-wrapped dashboard, aluminum trim, suede headliner, carbon-fiber accents, driver’s seat memory settings, massaging driver’s seat with adjustable thigh support, ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering wheel, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless device charging, panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension, limited-slip differential, and 21-inch wheels.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, driver-attention monitoring, safe exit assist (prevents the vehicle’s doors from opening if another vehicle is approaching from behind), and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include reverse automatic emergency braking, side parking sensors, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (allows the vehicle to park itself – parallel, perpendicular, or diagonal – using the key fob while the driver is inside or outside of the car.
Cargo space is decent with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 56.9 cubes with the second row folded. A hands-free power liftgate is standard.
Warranty:
The good:
Attractive looks
Two peppy powertrains
Excellent ride comfort
Long list of standard and available features and tech
Ginormous 27-inch OLED display
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Reasonable price for the segment
The not-so-good:
Doesn’t have the sporty performance of some rivals
Below average fuel economy for the class
Second row less roomy than some rivals
Pricing info:
My 2026 GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige test vehicle starts at $70,095. Ceres Blue paint is $650. The NFC key card is $30. The delivery fee is $1,,450, bringing the grand total to $72,225.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Genesis GV70 is one of the best compact luxury SUVs currently on the market. Sure, there are those who want a vehicle with a fancy brand name or hood ornament, but the GV70 excels at blending performance, luxury, value and comfort in a very competitive segment. Fuel economy is a drawback, but otherwise, it’s tough to beat the GV70.
