2022 Genesis GV70

The all-new 2022 Genesis GV70 luxury compact crossover has a primary mission: Genesis is seeking to convince first-time luxury buyers that the popular BMW X3 and Audi Q5 aren't the only game in town when it comes to comfortable family utility and sporty vehicle dynamics. It uses the larger GV80's approach to comfort, technology, and build quality and adds a dose of performance ideally suited to its size. The GV70 also has a fresh and handsome face compared to its older German rivals, and its appeal should increase with the Korean company's reputation for reliability and customer service.

Under the hood is a choice between a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 300 horsepower or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 offering a bucket-full of torque along with 375 hp. Add either of those to an elegant exterior and a stylish interior, and you have a recipe for what could be the newest segment leader. To find out if it is the sum of all its parts, we spent a week with the GV70.

Genesis doesn't often step out of line when it comes to designing cars, and the 2022 GV70 follows the Korean brand's reserved but painstaking approach to styling. The result is a handsome car with an air of sophistication that matches what brands like BMW and Audi offer. The large diamond front grille, swooping side profile, and rounded rear end work well together. Base exterior features include LED lighting, double-glazed soundproof glass, roof rails, and dual exhaust tips. The 3.5T also has a panoramic roof. The base model GV70 rolls on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels that can grow to 21-inches if you're so inclined, whereas the 3.5T has 19-inch alloys as standard. Sport Package vehicles add styling features such as sporty front and rear bumpers, grille, and restyled exhaust tips.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 is classified as a compact crossover SUV and measures 185.6 inches in length and is 75.2 inches wide and 64.2 inches tall. All GV70 models ride on a 113.2-inch wheelbase.

The heaviest model, the GV70 3.5T AWD, weighs 4,453 pounds, while the 2.5T comes in at 4,167 lbs. Compared to competitors such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, the Genesis GV70 is perfectly average for its class and is slightly longer than the Audi and a touch shorter than the X3. Light off-road work isn't out of the equation with 7.3 inches of ground clearance at your disposal.

The sophisticated exterior of the 2022 Genesis GV70 is complimented by your choice of 11 paint colors, ranging from striking to understated. The color options available for 2022 are Alta White (no cost) and $575 options such as Barossa Burgundy, Uyuni White, Himalayan Gray, Cardiff Green, Adriatic Blue, Mauna Red, Savile Silver, and Vik Black. $1,500 options include Barossa Burgundy Matte and Melbourne Gray. The 3.5T adds Matterhorn White and Brunswick Green (both at $1,500) but loses out on metallic Barossa Burgundy. Mauna Red is possibly the loudest of the bunch but still manages to be stylishly understated.

With two impressive powertrains on offer, you can't really go wrong. The entry-level 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a strong 300 hp, resulting in a uniquely engaging driving experience in a class that tends to be rather mute in that department. As for the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 vehicle, it produces 375 hp and pulls strongly from the bottom of its rev range right to its power peak at 5,800 rpm. Both the 2.5T and 3.5T are offered with all-wheel drive and show some serious athleticism. With Sport+ mode engaged, the AWD system launches this SUV out of the starting block with vigor, and independent testing has shown a 0-60 mph sprint time of only 4.9 seconds for the 3.5T. We'd love to see an upcoming Genesis GV70 with even more power, perhaps in the realm of Hyundai's N sub-brand, but there's no sign yet that this will happen.

Regardless of which model you go for in the lineup, the GV70 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

The all-new GV70 crossover SUV is offered with two engine options. The entry-level choice is a turbocharged 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 option produces a serious 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission in both configurations.

Referring to the 2.5T model as entry-level almost does it an injustice, though. It has genuine get-up-and-go and doesn't feel like it's been tuned with only fuel economy in mind. However, the 375-hp twin-turbo V6 has a real sense of purpose and a wide torque band - fuel economy be damned. It has a hefty shove to it off the line and just keeps on going, making overtaking a safer option on shorter stretches of clear road. In Comfort or Eco modes, the transmission is quick and graceful in its shifting, but venture into Sport and Sport+ modes, and it becomes snappy and aggressive to extract the most performance out of the engine as possible.

When we first pulled away in the GV70, it was with a smile. We're fans of the larger GV80 already, and the GV70 has the same feeling of assured comfort and style straight off the bat. After our first trip out to explore with the GV70 3.5T, we learned Genesis is serious about the Sport part of the package. Our week-long loaner was the 3.5T AWD, which comes standard with the Sport package, so ride comfort was our first concern. The ride is firm, as expected of a sport trim where keeping the chassis cornering flat is ideal, but the suspension is compliant in the right places despite being on the Prestige-optioned 21-inch wheels. The throttle response is a little touchy in Comfort mode for our taste, but it's outright aggressive in Sport and Sport+ modes, which we appreciated. Initial bite on the brakes is strong, but then braking becomes progressive. Around town, though, the brakes can be grabby. When unleashed, the V6 engine is an animal, but around town, it settles down and is nicely refined.

On a windy road, the steering and chassis are even more responsive than expected, and the grip level is confidence-inspiring, as is the entertaining rear-biased AWD system when it comes to getting the power down. Initial turn-in is particularly impressive, likely improved by the torque-vectoring limited-slip rear differential supplied with the Sport Prestige package and bolstered by the sticky rubber. The steering is heavily weighted, super-responsive, and clinically direct. Around town, we never lost the feeling that the GV70 is a sporty crossover, but it's capable of being a comfortable commuter and grocery-getter. Just be wary that in 3.5T AWD guise, the GV70 is always willing and wanting to play. It can be quite aggressive when poked, so we spent most of our time in Comfort and Sport mode as Sport+ is just a tad too aggressive for the road.

With at least 300 hp at your disposal and a not-so-lightweight body, efficiency ratings are never going to be fantastic, but Genesis has managed to keep the GV70's efficiency specs reasonable. The EPA has given the 2.5T model a rating of 22/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined. With optional 21-inch wheels, the 2.5T's rating dips to 19/26/22 mpg. The 3.5T will manage 19/25/21. Both the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 have a combined figure of 25 mpg in base form, and the 382-hp BMW X3 M40i xDrive will see 23 mpg.

The GV70's 17.4-gallon fuel tank gives it a range of between 365 and 418 miles. After our week with the 3.5T, we only got a return of just over 17 mpg but, as we've noted, this model encourages you to drive with a heavy right foot.

The shapely theme of the GV70's exterior continues inside the cabin, where Genesis has endowed its compact crossover with a more flamboyant look and feel than the larger GV80. The space is ruled by flowing lines, premium materials, and a general sense of quality that stands up to the best the Germans have to offer. Visibility out the front is good, but the small, sloping rear window detracts from the rearward visibility, and it would seem that Genesis has failed to address a common G70 complaint: rear legroom. Standard features include smart cruise control, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 14.5-inch HD infotainment display.

The GV70 is a five-seater, but like many compact crossovers, the 37.2 inches of rear legroom will be a bit tight for six-footers, especially if the driver or front-seat passenger moves their seat far back. Children and smaller adults will be fine, however. The rear seats are comfortable, but the real luxury is up at the front with legroom and elbow room to spare. The front seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive, and the driver gets a standard 12-way power adjustment for their seat, while the passenger gets an eight-way power front seat. Wide door openings make ingress and egress easy.

The Genesis GV70 exudes premium quality from the outside in, and the choice of materials reflects its upmarket image. The 2.5T model comes standard with leatherette seating surfaces in Obsidian Black or Vanilla Beige, but adding the Advanced Package for premium leather opens up more color schemes: Velvet Burgundy, Havana Brown, and Pine Grove Green, but availability depends on exterior colors selected. Adding the Sport Prestige Package switches out the Beige and Burgundy options for Sevilla Red and Ultramarine Blue. The latter options are standard on the 3.5T while adding the Sport Advanced Package adds quilted Nappa leather in Obsidian Black, Sevilla Red, Ultramarine Blue, and Vanille Beige. The Sports Prestige package adds suede inserts in the same hues.

Both models get aluminum trim on the doors and center console, and leatherette material on the upper instrument panel and door panels is an optional extra. Carbon fiber is optional on the 3.5T, as is a microfiber headliner. Both models come with a leather steering wheel.

The main reason buyers get crossovers over their sedan siblings is space, and the 2022 GV70 offers a decent amount of it. Behind the rear seats, you get an impressive 28.9 cubic feet, which is more than the 25.8 cubes you get in the Audi Q5 and the 28.7 in the BMW X3. With the 60/40-split folding rear seats flipped down, the GV70 loses its edge. In this configuration, it has 56.9 cubic feet on offer; the BMW X3 comes out on top with 62.7 cubes.

As far as small-item storage goes, the GV70 includes front and rear cupholders, an illuminated glove box, a full floor console with two 12V DC power outlets, a cargo-area concealed storage compartment, a front center armrest with storage, and door pockets front and rear.

Genesis has never been shy when it comes to standard features, and the 2022 GV70 is jam-packed with all the modern tech and luxuries you'd expect from a car in this class. The cabin of the GV70 features an eight-inch color LCD driver information display (upgraded to 12.3-inch cluster on Sports Prestige-equipped models), a frameless electrochromic rearview mirror, wireless phone charging, a proximity key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power driver's seat, and an eight-way power front passenger seat. The front seats are heated on both models while the 3.5T has ventilated front seats as well.

In terms of driver assistance features, each GV70 comes standard with forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, driver attention warning, highway driving assist, intelligent cruise control with stop & go, navigation-based smart cruise control, and reverse parking distance warning.

A head-up display is added when you opt for the Sport Prestige package, and other available extras include a surround-view monitor, remote parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist.

The GV70's 14.5-inch widescreen touch display only adds to the sweeping style of the interior. It's the perfect height to glance at while driving but awkward to reach, so the click-wheel control on the center console is particularly useful. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation are all standard features, as is a nine-speaker sound system. HD Radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and USB data ports provide additional choices for listening to music or connecting your phone. If the standard speaker count is a bit low for you, there is also an optional 18-speaker Lexicon sound system. Three years of complimentary over-the-air updates will future-proof your GV70 with the latest software and features.

Although it is a brand new arrival in the US market, the 2022 Genesis G70 SUV has already been recalled once for a seat belt pretensioner that may explode. Genesis models tend to be reliable, though, so this single recall shouldn't put you off the crossover. J.D. Power doesn't yet have a reliability ranking for this model.

For added peace of mind, the company offers this compact SUV with a slew of impressive warranties. First off, there's a five-year/60,000 basic warranty backed up by a seven-year corrosion warranty, a ten-year/100,000 drivetrain warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan. It doesn't get much more comprehensive than that.

The list of safety features on the 2022 GV70 is seemingly endless and has paid off big time for the Korean manufacturer. The IIHS review of the GV70 is glowing, and it managed to bag a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2022. No Genesis GV70 crashworthiness reviews have yet been published by the NHTSA.

With a Top Safety Pick+ award behind its name, it should go without saying that the 2022 Genesis GV70 is safe as houses. Each GV70 comes standard with eight airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and a front, center airbag.

Advanced driver-assist features such as rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, advanced rear occupant alert, forward collision-avoidance assist, highway driving assist, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, navigation-based intelligent cruise control, high beam assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control with stop & go, and reverse parking distance warning are all standard. As expected, a rearview camera is standard. Front parking sensors and a surround-view monitor are options you can add by Package upgrade, but only the 3.5T can be optioned with a head-up display.

With the GV70, Genesis has cut right to the heart of the compact luxury segment by delivering oodles of style, comfort, and aggressive sportiness for those who want it. In base model spec, the four-cylinder engine is more than adequate for swishing around town and the occasional backroad blast, while the six-cylinder offers even more oomph and a beast mode. In its lower trim guises, the GV70 easily goes head to head with BMW X3 in style, ride comfort, and performance. However, in its 3.5T configuration, don't expect the GV70 to be an X3 M killer just yet when it comes to dynamics. Still, it nearly matches the BMW X3 M40i for pace and feels more agile. Essentially, f you're looking at a BMW X3, Audi's Q5, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, then you really, really should be test-driving a GV70 in a similar trim as well. Genesis has put the Germans on notice here.

It is a wonder how Genesis has squeezed so many standard features into the 2022 GV70 while keeping the price this competitive. The entry-level 2.5T AWD goes for an MSRP of $41,500 excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,095 in the USA. The 2022 Audi Q5, in base form, costs $43,300, and the BMW X3 goes for $43,700 with RWD or $45,700 with AWD. Both have fewer standard features and are significantly less powerful. Stepping up to the 3.5T AWD sees the price increase to $53,100. Prices quoted here exclude a $1,095 destination charge.

Fully loaded with packages, accessories, and the 3.5T engine, the Genesis GV70's price will set you back $66,670, including destination.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 is offered in two configurations: the 2.5T AWD and the 3.5T AWD. The 2.5T AWD is powered by a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which sends its power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5T AWD backs a 375-hp punch and uses the same drivetrain.

Standard features on the 2.5T AWD include wireless phone charging, faux leather seats with 12-way power-adjustability for the driver and eight-way adjustment for the front passenger, an eight-inch TFT LCD cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a frameless electrochromic rearview mirror, and heated front seats. The infotainment system consists of a 14.5-inch touchscreen display with a nine-speaker sound system, Bluetooth streaming, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Standard driver assistance features include lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, advanced rear occupant alert, forward collision-avoidance assist, highway driving assist, smart cruise control with stop & go, driver attention warning, and reverse parking distance warning.

The 3.5T AWD comes standard with the Sport Package, which adds features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, a sport exterior styling package, and leather seating. The 3.5T AWD can also be optioned with the $9,900 Sport Prestige package, which adds 21-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, a 12.3-inch 3D digital cluster display, a head-up display, carbon fiber trim, and an electronic limited-slip differential.

The 2.5T AWD is available with the Select package, which, for $4,000, adds a set of 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, aluminum trim, and a Lexicon premium sound system with 18 speakers. The $8,150 Advanced package adds leather seats, a surround-view monitor, and remote smart parking assist. Finally, for the 2,5T, the $11,750 Sport Prestige package includes 21-inch wheel, an aesthetic upgrade, mesh inserts for the leather seats, the Genesis digital key, and an Ergo Motion Seat for the driver.

The 3.5T AWD can be optioned with the $5,000 Sport Advanced package that adds features such as Nappa leather upholstery, a suede headliner, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view mirror, the 18-speaker Lexicon sound system, and remote smart parking assist. The $9,900 Sport Prestige Package adds 21-inch wheels, Nappa leather seats with suede inserts, heated rear seats, and a 12.3-inch 3D digital cluster.

For most people, the 2.5T without any packages will be plenty of crossover and represents the best value for money. As a new family vehicle, it excels in style, comfort, and cargo space. However, we wouldn't blame anyone for adding the Select package for a wheel, sound, and seating upgrade. The Sport Prestige is a hefty upgrade that should be considered if you're going to be putting in serious seat time in your GV70.

While we said the 3.5T AWD isn't a match for the X3 M, that doesn't mean we would rule it out as it's not trying to compete there. If you're looking for exhilaration and entertaining driving dynamics as well as luxury and utility, but not a track monster, then the 3.5T AWD doesn't need the exclusive Sport Prestige package. However, if you take your backroad bombing seriously, you'll want to tick that box and go all in.

The GV80 was introduced in 2021 as Genesis' new luxury midsize SUV and rides on a bespoke platform, unlike the GV70. The GV80 is the larger car and is over nine inches longer than the GV70. With this comes more front and rear legroom and far superior cargo space. Behind the first row, you get 84 cubic feet of space compared to the GV70's 56.9 cubes. Under the hood, the GV80 shares its 300-hp 2.5T and 375-hp 3.5T engines with the GV70 and sends its power to all four wheels via the same eight-speed automatic transmission. Both cars are similarly specced in terms of features, but the GV80 does let you have a third seating row. The GV80 is a relaxed vehicle on the road and not as sporty as the GV70, but it will suit larger families better. Depending on your needs, there isn't a bad SUV here.

The BMW X3 is one of the most popular compact luxury crossover SUVs in the US, and offers a great balance of practicality, luxury, and safety. On top of that, it's also one of the better compact crossover SUVs to drive. Starting at nearly $44,000, the BMW is more expensive out the gate, and with a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing only 248 horsepower, it's also down on power. In M40i xDrive configuration, the BMW manages to offer slightly more power than the 3.5T Genesis, but at a significant price premium. Inside, the BMW shares its general cabin design with the rest of the BMW family, and build quality is good, but the Genesis offers more standard features and passenger space. Both cars offer good trunk space, but the BMW offers more when the seats are folded down. The X3 will be the top choice for brand snobs, but we think the Genesis GV70 offers better value for money.