Overview

Enthusiasm is high for the Genesis brand, as the lineup grows further into hot territory: premium utility vehicles. Their first-ever SUV, the GV80, debuted for the 2021 model year, joining the Korean luxury automaker’s steady lineup of three upscale sedans.. Now, it’s joined by a more compact utility choice:  the 2022 GV70. This exciting vehicle  has the characteristic sportiness and sophistication of its GV80 sibling, but in a smaller and leaner package. Of course, it hosts plenty of high-end amenities and will ride on a new, state-of-the-art platform.

Appearance-wise, the GV70 shows off the signature Genesis crest grille up front, with the profile looking fully modern with a parabolic line that meets the prominent rear fenders. Its C pillars are edged in chrome for a glamorous accent. In back, the patterned bumper, vertically oriented muffler, and body-colored diffuser add to the GV70’s distinct style. Genesis has created a vibrant paint palette of exterior colors as well. The uncluttered interior of the ’22 GV70 is inspired by the minimalistic Korean architectural style that’s all about the white space.


       

PERFORMANCE

CLASS-LEADING STANDARD HORSEPOWER

There are two trim choices for the ’22 GV70: 2.5T and 3.5T. Each trim’s namesake is its engine: the 2.5T has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 311 pounds-feet of torque, and the 3.5T has a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 making 375 hp and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. They both get an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain. Buyers can choose from a series of packages to customize their GV70 (see the following sections for details). As stated by the EPA’s official estimates, the 2.5T achieves 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the 3.5T gets 19 city/25 highway.

2.5T

The 2.5T with the Standard Package gets a nice slate of upscale features that you’d expect in a base-level Genesis but won’t find on most other manufacturers’ lowest-priced models. On the exterior there are 18-inch wheels, quad-beam LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free liftgate, dual exhaust pipes, rooftop rails, and an industry-first fingerprint recognition system that allows drivers to open the doors (and start the engine) without a key using Genesis Connected services. Inside, the Standard Package bundles simulated-leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster with analog gauges, a wireless smartphone charger, and a rearview camera.

The infotainment system has a touchscreen that measures out to 14.5 inches and includes augmented reality (AR) navigation, an advanced technology that provides useful on-road information through the infotainment system. As far as safety features, the Standard Package issues forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, driver attention warning, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and safe exit assist.

The Select Package outfits 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, aluminum interior trim, and a premium Lexicon sound system with 18 speakers. On top of that, it adds a blind-spot view monitor and parking collision-avoidance assist. The Advanced Package has genuine leather upholstery, waveline backlit interior trim, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Sport Prestige Package contains 21-inch wheels, sportier exterior trim (this includes dark chrome beltline molding, black exterior elements, twin exhaust pipes, and a distinctive dark-tinted radiator grille pattern), mesh inserts for the leather seats, and haptic carbon interior trim.

3.5T

The 3.5T Sport has a mix of the aforementioned features. The exterior includes the Sport Prestige’s unique exterior trim, an electronically controlled suspension with road preview (to track any obstacles in your path), monobloc front brakes, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, quad-beam LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free liftgate, a dual exhaust system, roof rails, and fingerprint recognition.

The cabin is stocked with heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, mesh/leather-upholstered seats, an 8-inch digital instrument panel with analog gauges, a rearview camera, a wireless smartphone charger, drive mode select (Eco, Comfort, Custom, Sport, and Sport+), and haptic carbon interior trim. It has the same 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, too, and its driver aids reflect those from the 2.5T with the Standard Package.

The Sport Advanced Package comes with Genesis Digital Key (which allows your smartphone to act as the vehicle’s key fob), quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a suede headliner, layered edge backlit interior trim, a heated steering wheel, and the 18-speaker Lexicon sound system. This package also provides a blind-spot view monitor, parking collision-avoidance assist, remote smart parking assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Sport Prestige Package includes 21-inch wheels, an electronic limited-slip differential, Nappa leather upholstery with suede, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, heated rear seats, and carbon-fiber interior trim.