After the highly successful debut of Genesis’ initial SUV offering, the GV80, it was clear that more SUVs were in the pipeline from this emerging luxury brand.
The first new SUV to be dropped was the 2022 Genesis GV70, a smaller but equally impressive luxury crossover from this upscale branch of the Hyundai world.
Just as the GV80—with its attractive interior and exterior design and smooth, powerful ride quality—immediately made a strong impact in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, the GV70 follows that model to the tee. Add in some pretty impressive tech features, and this compact SUV can stand up to the best in its class – including strong performances from BMW, Lexus, Volvo and more.
I recently got some time behind the wheel, and I’m back with a full report on the GV70, which is based on the styling of the G70 sports sedan but offers higher seating and more cargo space.
for your knowledge
trolley: 2022 Genesis GV70
Price as tested: $65,045 (starts around $42,000)
best feature: Cool design, phenomenal ride quality
evaluation: 4.5 out of five stars
Who would want this car?: Luxury car buyers who seek the latest cutting edge technology and a well-designed vehicle to drive like a dream
look
I’ll start from the inside, as the interior of the GV70 is among the most upscale and stunning I’ve seen in a car in years. The sloped instrument panel design with bright red accents and black seats with red stitching immediately catches your eye and makes them stand out even brighter in a part where all vehicles should shine.
The design is also well designed in terms of giving the driver easy access to all controls; There is no such thing as a chore to reach or control it if you want to do it the traditional way and skip the voice commands.
Leather seat surfaces are attractive and comfortable, and you’ll be drawn to unique touches like the leather door inserts. Comfort features include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
In terms of roominess, the GV70 has enough head and legroom in the front seats, but the rear can be a bit snug.
Moving on to the exterior, the GV70 maintains the signature Genesis look, including a massive, sweeping front grille and unique lighting setup.
The GV70 also features 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and heated, foldable exterior mirrors. The GV70’s wheel design is bold and eye-catching and delivers a sharp silhouette and side lines. In general, a really solid car design.
How is the trip?
“Fabulous!”
That’s what you’ll say when you first take off the GV70, a vehicle you look forward to riding every day.
The powertrain on my test ride was a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but paddle shifters were included. All-wheel drive is standard on the GV70.
If you do not choose this motor, you will get the base; The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. Either way, you have a pony that is capable of riding.
With these numbers, it’s no surprise that 0-60 is fast in less than 5 seconds. The car has pure power and acceleration, instant braking, responsive handling, and it looks great – all while maintaining its composure. This is the kind of experience that only German competition used to offer, but the competitive landscape has definitely changed.
Driving modes are offered and tuning is easy – from Eco mode to Comfort, Sport, Sport + or Comfort, depending on your needs and driving conditions.
The biggest compliment I can give the GV70 is to say that you don’t feel like you’re driving an SUV at all. It’s more than how the car feels in how it works.
technology, safety
Although the driving experience is great in the GV70, its innovative technology helps put it at the top of its class.
The GV70’s infotainment system – based on a 14.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen – offers the best technical experience I’ve had in a new car in a long time. The system looks amazing and works like magic – with ease of use that is unmatched by its competitors.
A rectangular screen can hold tons of information. It can be controlled by voice, touch or the center console and steering wheel, which is very easy to operate. Other luxury brands should take a lesson from what Genesis has done here. Unpleasant touchpads and other systems that often disappoint can not be found here.
The multi-view rear camera, including parking instructions, is very clear and useful, and another powerful technology/security feature of the GV70.
Other tech features include a hands-free smart box, dual automatic temperature control, and USB ports, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Lots of great security features are also included in the GV70.
Even more impressive is that the car can essentially drive itself over long periods of time, with the simple click of a button on the steering wheel. But the driver still has to keep his hands on the steering wheel for the system to continue to operate. I even tested it on a winding road and the GV70 rotated very well using the auto drive setting.
Other safety features include: 8 airbags, Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Rain Sensing Wipers. There is also a rear passenger alert to remind you to check the back seat.
mpg
The official fuel mileage figures for the GV70 I tested with the more powerful engine are 19 city/25 highway/21 combined. But in real-world testing, it averaged 17.5 mpg in the car.
Going with the base engine officially makes you 22 city/28 highway.
Those numbers aren’t as impressive as what you’ll find in some competing luxury compact crossovers, but the ride quality will also be less impressive in many competitors. So you have to choose what is more important. If you want power and performance, you might be willing to live with fewer mpg.
price
In addition to competing with its competitors, the GV70 might think that it is one of the more expensive options. But you would be wrong.
Another way Genesis has been so successful is by cutting its competitors down in the total cost of the car, often by several thousand dollars.
Even the more loaded GV70 will compare favorably with most of its competitors in the compact luxury SUV space, and since that’s money talk could help seal the deal for potential customers considering Genesis and its competitors (which include the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60).
The guarantees are strong, too, including:
- 5 Years / 60,000 Miles New Vehicle Warranty
- 10 Years/100,000 Miles Powertrain Warranty
- 7-Year Puncture Warranty / Unlimited Miles
- 3 years / 36,000 free maintenance
minimum
Genesis has another run at home, perhaps even a major championship, with the 2022 GV70.
With a beautiful display and performance capability, this is one of the most complete cars I’ve tested this year, and worthy of a test drive for anyone shopping for luxury cars.
This first vehicle is making an immediate impact on the sector; And competitors should be careful if Genesis maintains this level of consistency. It’s a legitimate competitor to the old-fashioned luxury brands that are battling it out, even the best-selling German offerings in its class.
Matt Myftiu can be reached via email at [email protected]. All of his previous reviews can be seen online at autotechreviews.com. He can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.
