2022 Genesis GV70 is an SUV alternative to G70 sports sedan
Published 11:00 am Monday, December 27, 2021
The 2022 GV70 is a new premium compact SUV from the Hyundai-owned Genesis luxury brand. It’s based on the charismatic G70 sports sedan and contains that car’s handling and performance attributes, but offers the benefits of an SUV including better cargo carrying capacity. And, every GV70 model comes equipped with all-wheel drive.
Genesis aims to insert itself as a contender in the luxury car market, a tough task, and attracts buyers by delivering the same premium amenities as its competitors, at more affordable pricing.
The GV70 gives a choice between two engines: a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, or a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings for the four-cylinder are 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. For the V6, the numbers are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Genesis GV70 models are named for their engine size followed by four different trim levels: Standard, Select, Advanced, and Sport Prestige.
Base pricing with a $1,045 destination charge included starts at $42,045 for the GV70 2.5T AWD Standard model and tops out at $63,545 for the GV70 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige.
Features of the 2.5T AWD Standard model include 18-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, smart cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The top-tier 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige picks up the many added features of the successive trim levels and adds 21-inch alloy wheels, carbon fiber trim, 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, heated second-row seats, head-up display and electronic limited-slip differential.
I drove the GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige model. Based on the rousing acceleration of the 3.5T engine, the 2.5T is likely more than enough power for sane drivers. The 2.5T’s extra 3 mpg in both city and highway driving is a big deal, too. Sport and Sport+ driving modes give a good boost in dynamics if desired. (Other modes include Snow, Eco, Comfort, and Custom. The six different modes are included on 3.5T models as well.)
GV70 styling inside and out is beautiful, and true to form the Sport Prestige interior is packed with comfort, convenience and tech features. The upgraded infotainment system includes a 14.5-inch screen, advanced navigation, and a Lexicon premium audio system with 16 speakers. Operation is intuitive and its primary controller is excellent: a large rotary knob in the center console that also functions as a radio tuner. Due to the large size, it’s practically free-spinning and you can whiz past dozens of SiriusXM stations in a flash.
There is, however, an unfortunate situation in the center console. The GV70’s electronic gear selector, also a large rotary control knob, is positioned pretty close to that nifty multimedia controller, so it’s easy to reach for the wrong knob while driving unless you (I mean me) look at them first. The mindless reaching mistake doesn’t cause any harm other than to make the repeat offender feel like an idiot. Still, being able to keep eyes on the road is always best.
The GV70 cargo area is an impressive 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats in upright position. With rear seats folded down, capacity expands to 56.9 cubic feet. Try finding that in a sedan.
2022 GENESIS GV70 AWD 3.5T SPORT PRESTIGE
Base price, including destination charge: $63,545
Price as driven: $65,045
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
