2022 Genesis GV70

The Genesis brand might not yet be a household name, but the GV70 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that aims to change that. Packing turbocharged 4- or 6-cylinder power and a standard all-wheel drive, the GV70 takes a sporty path with an emphasis on handling prowess.

The GV70 comes with either a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-4 or a 375-hp 3.5-liter turbo-4. Genesis groups optional equipment in three trim levels building on the base car, including Select, Advanced, and Sport Prestige.

Stylish inside and out, with refined engines and transmissions, the GV70 is the kind of crossover that should put its rivals on notice. This model is new for 2022 and it joins a growing lineup of Genesis sedans and crossover SUVs.

Depending on optional equipment, the GV70 ranges between 22 mpg city, 28 highway, 24 combined for the base engine, and either 16/26/22 mpg or 19/25/21 mpg for the 3.5T version.

As a new model, the GV70 has not yet been crash-tested. Its standard suite of safety tech includes a host of airbags including a compact luxury SUV-first: one that deploys between the front seats to provide cushion in a side-impact situation. Other standard fare includes automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot camera that feeds a live view into the digital instrument cluster as well as a surround-view camera system are optional.

Model lineup

The Korea-built GV70 can send drivers down one of two roads: either the 2.5T with its 300-hp turbo-4 or the 3.5T with its 375-hp turbocharged V-6.

Starting at around $43,000, the GV70 2.5T Standard comes with synthetic leather upholstery, a 14.5-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with three years of maintenance covered.

Select trim adds $4,000 plus Lexicon audio, a panoramic glass sunroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels. That trim level also serves as the launching point for the 3.5T, which costs a little over $54,000 to start but includes a driver-assistance system that allows for limited hands-off driving at highway speeds.

An additional $4,150 buys the Advanced trim with its leather seats, heated steering wheel, surround-view camera system, and unique forward and reverse movement ability from the key fob. The Prestige trim adds big 21-inch wheels and unique exterior trim. A loaded-up 3.5T Sport Prestige with extra-cost matte paint runs $65,595.

Exterior

The low-slung GV70 boasts contemporary lines outside and an elevated interior experience. Its big crest-shaped grille is flanked by quad LED lights that almost appear to make their way all the way to the taillights. In profile, the GV70 gives off more “big wagon” vibes than it does “squat SUV.”

Sport trim includes unique front and rear bumpers as well as big 21-inch wheels that show off hefty brakes.

Interior

The GV70 draws aeronautical inspiration to its gorgeous cabin. A low, wide touchscreen perched atop the dash gives way to a smattering of knobs and buttons, plus two big knobs on the center console. Delicate aluminum trim and either synthetic or real leather covers virtually every surface, while high-end versions also include mesh-pattern carbon fiber panels for added flair.

Moreover, while Genesis offers standard tans and blacks, the automaker also experiments with unusual blue and red hues inside.

The front seats offer up to 16 ways of adjustment and a massager that can automatically alter the driver’s posture after an hour of driving to reduce fatigue. Rear-seat passengers have a reclining seatback that combines with 39.1 inches of rear head room to make the second row more than hospitable. Cargo space is class-competitive at a maximum of 57 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Driving Impressions

Robust response from either turbocharged engine helps make the GV70 a joy to drive. The base 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 nails 60 mph in a smidge under seven seconds. The more potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivers 375 hp for a genuinely rapid sprint of around five seconds. Various Sport and Sport+ drive modes are complemented by a custom-tailored mode for drivers who want, say, more steering heft without snappier throttle response.

Precise steering helps the GV70 feel agile both in town and on a winding road. The all-wheel-drive system sends most of its power rearward for a sportier feel, though the optional electronic limited-slip differential can send up to 100% of power to a single rear wheel.

The GV70 offers a more composed ride with base wheels, though the optional 21-inchers are hardly buck-board in their responses.

Final Word

The 2022 Genesis GV70 is the model this brand needed most – a thoughtful, detail-oriented small luxury crossover with a decidedly performance bent.

—by Andrew Ganz with driving impressions by The Car Connection