Since its debut in the U.S. in 2016, Genesis, the luxury car brand of Hyundai, has enhanced its offerings with two beautiful electric crossovers in the form of their EV GV70 and GV80 EVs.
This new brand is noted for their posh, beautiful interiors, unbeatable warranties, great driving dynamics and classical styling. With these accolades, Genesis has become a major player in the luxury car segment.
The GV70 non-EV is offered in five trim models. Of those, we tested the top-line 2026 AWD GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige. As its name implies, it’s the sporty, performance version and as it’s described by Genesis as “Athletic Elegance.” In a previous review of GV70s brother car the GV80 mid-size SUV, we named it our “Car of the Year.” And the GV70 is an extremely close contender.
As for the interior, it’s totally luxury-car status with quality materials which is typical of all Genesis vehicles. It’s very upscale with sofa soft, diamond tufted Nappa leather front seats with extended under thigh support. They’re heated and ventilated while the front passenger seatback can be powered backward to form a snooze seat.
But the first thing to grab the eyes is the 27-inch long, almost full dash width, display that encompasses the gauge cluster on the left side and the infotainment display on the right side with a huge navigation screen. In addition, and when activating the left and right turn signals, side cameras embedded in the outside side mirrors, show the blind spots wherein a biker or car could sneak up when you’re attempting to make a turn. It’s a great accident avoidance feature. The left camera view takes over the speedometer’s position and the right signal camera takes over a portion of the right portion of the display. There are also rearview and front view cameras.
On the vertical stack, HVAC controls are comprised of a nifty digital touch-sensitive panel that are easy to use and view with selections displayable on the infotainment display.
Below them, are large and small round rotary switches. The small one controls the infotainment display while the larger one is the gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission that is supplemented with paddle shifters. If coming from a stick selector, the rotary shifter is easy to use and acclimate to. In front of those is the Drive Mode rocker switch for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and My modes. By pressing down on the mode switch, it also serves Terrain Mode selections for Snow, Mud and Sand conditions.
Sharing the console is a wireless phone charger. The entire console and doors are adorned with faux carbon fiber trim. Adding to GV70s sportiness are brushed aluminum pedals and a racy flat-bottom heated steering wheel.
As for the heated rear seat, you literally sink into them after a low 18-inch step-in. The super soft seats are comfy for two adults with good leg and headroom.
Back in the cargo area and with the rear seats upright it’s rated at 28.9 cubic feet and measures 37 inches deep, 40.5 wide and 28 high. Flip the rear seatbacks and space expands to 56.9 cubic feet for 68 inches of loading depth for lengthy items or added luggage. And the trunk lid can open automatically when standing behind the car with the keyfob in a pocket.
Get the Genesis Digital Key app and it allows you to lock/unlock the doors and start the car in cold weather. It operates with Apple iPhones and Android phones. Another nifty feature is a navigation-based cruise control that uses information from the nav system to adjust speed in oncoming curves.
Under the hood is a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder that generates an impressive 375-hp and 391 lb/ft of torque. It garners EPA mileage ratings of 18 city, 25-highway mpg. Coupled to the 8-speed transmission, acceleration is awesome from a standing stop and during highway passing maneuvers. There’s certainly no want for power. Select Sport or Sport Plus modes and G70 is a rocket with quick shift points. For stopping power, premier Brembo brakes are standard.
Aside from the power ratings, GV70 rides smoothly and quietly on Michelin 21-inch tires. When crossing an unimproved railroad crossing, the sensation is merely a ripple. It’s also easy to park with a turning diameter of a tight 37.7 feet. GV70 will also park itself via the keyfob operation.
Loaded with a long list of standard safety features and amenities, the list includes forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep/following assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision warning, rear cross traffic collision alert, safe exist warning and advanced rear occupant alert.
One more standout feature is Genesis’s outstanding and unbeatable warranty of 5-year/60K new vehicle warranty, 10/100K powertrain warranty, 5/Unlimited roadside assistance, 7/Unlimited Anti-perforation, 3/36K complimentary maintenance, 3/36K complimentary service valet, 3/year complimentary map care and complimentary Genesis connected services. Compare those to any other carmakers warranties.
Bottom line reflects a base price of $79,095 to which was added Mauna Red paint ($650), NFC Key Card ($30) and delivery ($1,450) that took the price to a competitive $72,225.
