Genesis GV70 2022 Review

The 2022 Genesis GV70 is the brand's all-new small luxury SUV. Smaller and less expensive than the similarly new GV80, the GV70 competes against such heavy hitters as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60. After finally getting a chance to drive the GV70 for ourselves, we can state that Genesis is getting tantalizingly close to equaling the established German luxury brands.

While the GV70 shares some visual cues with its larger GV80 sibling, it definitely has its own distinctive style. The two SUVs have a similar-looking front grille and dual-stripe headlight clusters, but the GV70 stands out with a raked roofline and wagon-ish rear end that accentuates its length. Genesis equips the GV70 with the same engines that are in the larger GV80. The 2.5T model comes with a 300-horsepower four-cylinder and the GV70 packs a 375-horsepower V6. Both engines have strong power outputs for the class.

There's no shortage of interesting features inside the GV70. The new SUV comes with a 14.5-inch touchscreen atop the dash, and an available digital instrument display that has a cool 3D effect for its graphics. A host of advanced driver aids come standard, and other neat tech features include a fingerprint reader that can restore a driver's seat, climate and audio preferences with a simple touch on the dashboard.

Genesis has been steadily improving the quality, performance and refinement of its vehicles over the short time since the brand was established. The 2022 GV70 is a clear example that it's capable of challenging Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to get our test team's full report on this new luxury SUV.

The GV70 comes with an impressive list of standard features. While we haven't yet had the opportunity to drive the 2.5T engine, on paper it seems like the better option. It offers plenty of power for most people, and the money you'd save by not choosing the 3.5T Sport can be used toward the Select package and you'd still spend a few thousand less than the 3.5T.

The GV70 is a small luxury SUV available in two trim levels: 2.5T and 3.5T Sport. The 2.5T model comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the GV70 3.5T Sport has a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 good for 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The GV70 also has an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Standard and optional feature highlights include:

2.5T Starts off with:

• 18-inch wheels
• Hands-free liftgate
• LED headlights
• Power-adjustable and heated front seats
• Simulated leather seating
• 8-inch digital instrument cluster with analog gauges
• 14.5-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Nine-speaker sound system
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Fingerprint authentication (allows you to open the doors and start the engine without a key via the Genesis connected services)

Standard driver aids include:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Genesis and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision
• Lane keeping assist (uses a windshield-mounted camera to monitor lane markings, then applies corrective steering assistance when necessary)
• Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your path while you're in reverse)

Select (2.5T)

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic roof
• Ventilated front seats
• Power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• 16-speaker Lexicon sound system
• Driver's seat memory settings

Advanced (2.5T)

• Features of the Select package
• Leather seating surfaces
• Adjustable interior ambient lighting
• Manual rear side sunshades
• Heated steering wheel
• Surround-view monitor (gives you a top-down view of the GV70 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Blind Spot View Monitor (video of either blind spot is shown on the instrument display after the turn signal has been activated)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (allows the driver to park the vehicle using the key fob as a remote control)
• Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Rear seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)

Sport Prestige (2.5T)

• Features of the Advanced package
• 21-inch wheels
• Faux leather upper instrument and door panels
• Upgraded ergonomic driver's seat
• Genesis Digital Key (smartphone application allows driver to start, lock and unlock the vehicle)
• Upgraded adaptive cruise and lane keeping systems
• Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

3.5T Sport The 3.5T Sport includes a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine and comes with most of the features from the 2.5T's Select package.

Sport Advanced (3.5T) This package has most of the items from the Advanced (2.5T), plus these added features:

• Upgraded leather seating surfaces with sport pattern quilting
• Faux leather upper instrument and door panels
• Simulated suede headliner
• Heated steering wheel
• 16-speaker Lexicon sound system
• Genesis Digital Key

Sport Prestige (3.5T) This trim builds upon the Sport Advanced trim and adds these features:

• 21-inch wheels
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Heated second-row seats
• Manual rear side sunshades
• Acoustic rear door glass
• Three-zone climate control
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with 3D graphics
• Head-up display