The Genesis GV70 Proves Four Cylinders Are Enough

When automakers send us new vehicles to review, they often hand over the keys to a fully-loaded model (so we can test all of the available features) with the biggest engine for good measure. So when the 2022 Genesis GV70 arrived at our door packing the smaller 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, we were pretty excited to experience the version most buyers will choose.

The GV70 3.5T is pretty potent with six cylinders and two turbochargers shoving out 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. But with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, the GV70's entry-level engine is among the most potent four-cylinder mills in this segment. It's so good, in fact, we don't think you need the V6.

Obviously, the four-cylinder GV70 2.5T costs significantly less than the 3.5T, which is why more customers will opt for the smaller engine. The entry-level GV70 2.5T starts at a reasonable $41,500, making it less expensive than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and the equivalent Lexus NX. Oh, and all three of those cars have less power than the Genesis. Stepping up to the GV70 3.5T requires a significant investment, starting at $53,100 before options.

However, that isn't a direct comparison. The 3.5T includes lots of equipment that doesn't come standard on the 2.5T, including 19-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, and High Driving Assist II to name a few. To get these items on a 2.5T, you'd have to step up to the Select Package for $4,000. That's still a $7,600 spread between the two engines though, hence why we'd recommend saving the cash on the 2.5T.

As we mentioned, the Genesis four-cylinder engine is a powerhouse, easily ranking as our favorite four-pot in this segment. Only the Volvo XC60 twin-charged four-cylinder can (almost) match the GV70 on power, but the Genesis drivetrain is far smoother in operation. Audi manages to punch higher with its Q5 55 TFSI e (362 hp), but that requires a plug-in hybrid drivetrain so it's not a fair comparison.

Genesis says the base GV70 2.5T can hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is quicker than comparable rivals. The GV70 is estimated at 5.4 seconds, though independent tests have clocked it at under five seconds. Yes, the V6 is quicker, but other six-cylinder engines in this segment are quicker still. In our opinion, the four-cylinder is more comparably impressive. It's also more efficient, yielding 22/28 mpg city/highway compared to 19/25 mpg for the V6.

Inside, the GV70 loses nothing when you drop down to the four-cylinder. Genesis offers more conventional interior color options like Obsidian Black, Havana Brown, and Vanilla Beige, but our tester came sporting what the Korean automaker calls Velvet Burgundy. To our eyes, it looks purple, adding a substantial contrast with the Savile Silver exterior. Depending on your exterior color, Genesis also offers a Pine Grove Green interior that's truly unique. No other vehicle in this class offers such a range of interior color choices. Stepping up to the Sport Prestige Package unlocks further color schemes, including Sevilla Red and Ultramarine Blue.

No matter which color you choose, the GV70's cabin looks stellar. Details like the light-up glass shifter, intricate ambient lighting, and unique dashboard give this car a post-modern appeal that blends old-school and new-school luxury. This is easily our favorite interior at this price range.

The GV70 isn't just pretty inside, it packs a strong tech game. The standard 14.5-inch display is super-wide, making it easy to navigate and read upon first glance. Aside from missing wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the Genesis infotainment system is hard to fault. Our tester came equipped with the $8,150 Advanced Package, adding niceties such as a surround-view camera, Lexicon premium audio with 18 speakers, remote park assist, and more. With an as-tested price of around $50,225, the GV70 2.5T Advanced is the goldilocks of the lineup.

Our time in the GV70 2.5T and 3.5T variants left us pumped to drive the upcoming Electrified GV70. Revealed at the end of last year, the all-electric GV70 will be the first Genesis model to be built in the United States, arriving as a 2023 model year vehicle. With dual electric motors producing 483 hp, this will be the most potent GV70 variant by far, yielding a scant 4.5-second 0-60 mph time. Though there's no pricing available yet, we have a feeling this could be the ultimate GV70.