AUTO REVIEW: The 2022 Genesis GV70 Is Not Your Neighbors’ Compact Luxury SUV — It’s Better

Considering a new compact SUV? Here’s a question: Are you brave enough to consider the Genesis GV70? You should be. After all, when it’s time to buy or lease a new ride, you’ll probably opt for the same brand or dealer that you’ve used before, and maybe even buy the same luxury brand again — you know, like the ones your neighbors have. Which leads to another question: Why?

Variety is the spice of life — unless you’re trying to lose weight, in which case chicken and broccoli are a way of life. But who wants nothing but chicken and broccoli? Consider the Genesis GV70 the antidote to all of that, a refreshing change of pace.

The test vehicle in question is the 2022 Genesis G70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige, which starts at $52,600 and stickered at $65,045 as tested with options. (Opting for a lower trim reduces the GV70’s starting price to $42,045). The extra cash tarts up this sweet young thing, which shares its underpinnings with the athletic and much-admired G70 sedan. It starts with a $1,500 optional paint job, accentuated by the $4,900 Sport Prestige Package, which adds the sort of options all the cool kids are wearing these days, including 12-inch alloy wheels, electronic limited slip differential, Nappa leather seating surfaces with suede inserts, carbon fiber trim, three-zone automatic climate control, rear sunshade and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. In addition, the $5,000 Sport Advance Package cranks it up to 11, with quilted leather seating, leatherette door trim, suede headliner, a heated steering wheel, an incredible Lexicon 16-speaker audio system, and a number of driver assistance systems, including a blind spot monitor, around view camera, parking assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

And the GV70 wears it all so well, with masterful and distinctive styling that stands apart in its segment. The large shield grille boldly proclaims its heritage, as do interesting details such as the dual horizontal front and rear lighting, which plays to the brand’s signature “dual line” design cues.

The lack of derivative design is evident throughout the vehicle, especially when you climb inside. The instrument panel has a distinctive bullet shape, housing the climate controls and other functions, while its massive 14.5-inch touchscreen is operated by a solid, well-engineered and beautifully crafted rotary controller on the center console. Material quality throughout is first rate, heightening the interior’s visual simplicity that is the very quintessence of luxury.

As moving as all of this is, nothing will quite prepare you for how good this vehicle is once it’s time to move.

The Genesis GV70 is offered with all-aluminum double-overhead cam engines: the 2.5T, with a 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and the 3.5T, with a 375-horsepower six. An 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive is standard. A drive mode selector, with Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Custom driving modes, is standard as well, so that you can tailor your car’s responses. As you might expect, the 3.5T is also fitted with larger brakes and a suspension comprised of MacPherson struts in front, multi-link in the rear with adaptive dampers — the latter being something the 2.5T lacks.

The result of this mechanical wizardry is the golden mean of a modern luxury conveyance. Its comfort is impressive, but so is its athleticism. One doesn’t come at the expense of the other. This means that if you’re a driving enthusiast, you’ll have fun testing its dynamics. If you’re not, you’ll enjoy its remarkable comfort. And it’s so quiet.

Like all of the newest Genesis vehicles, the brand has evolved away from its roots as a bargain-priced luxury brand, now boasting vehicles that you aspire to own, and not for their bargain basement price. They are truly special, and clearly superior to their competitors, particularly given their price.

Just don’t tell your neighbors; they’re going to want one too.

2022 Genesis GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige

Base price: $52,600

Engine: Turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Horsepower/Torque: 375/391 pound-feet of torque

EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 19/25 mpg

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 185.6/75.2/64.2 inches

Ground clearance: 7.3 inches

Payload: 1,257 pounds

Cargo capacity: 28.9-56.9 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Photos courtesy of Genesis/TNS