The GV70 is the latest example of how Genesis appears to be able to do no wrong with the new models it releases.
The 2022 GV70 was revealed by the South Korean automaker precisely one year ago as a smaller and more appealing alternative to the bigger GV80. Given the movement in customer demand away from traditional sedans and toward crossovers and SUVs, Genesis arguably should have released the GV70 before the G70 sports sedan. However, as we just learned, the brand’s entry-level crossover was well worth the wait and may be the best overall package among its current lineup.
An emphasis on comfort
Smooth is the term that comes to me when I think about what it’s like to drive the GV70. This car is wonderfully polished and comfy, making each journey a delight.
As previously stated, the GV70 we tested came with a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that is shared by a number of Hyundai and Kia cars. It’s the least appealing of the three engine options for a car like this, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In reality, the reverse is true.
The new CRDi diesel engine from Hyundai is quite quiet, and it’s only when you push the throttle that you can hear the unmistakable truck-like sound that all diesel engines make. You’d be hard-pressed to tell this was a diesel at any other time.
Straight-line performance for the GV70 with the 2.2-liter engine isn’t very impressive. As previously said, it takes 7.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h, although it feels slower. Will this be a problem for the majority of customers? Certainly not. After all, consumers looking for more power and willing to forego fuel economy will choose between the 2.5-liter and the new 3.5-liter engines.
The GV70’s name could make you think it’s just an SUV version of the G70 sports sedan, and that it’ll drive similarly. That is just false. While all G70 models, even the 2.0-liter, have an athletic feel to them, the GV70’s increased size is instantly felt when pushing it into turns. The steering is less precise and the suspension is mushy. It is all the better for putting comfort and elegance ahead of speed and performance. The GV70 shines on long treks.
An fantastic massaging feature for the driver’s seat was included on our test vehicle, as well as an innovative Head-Up Display that works excellently, especially when utilizing the car’s in-built navigation system. Road noise has also been reduced to a minimum, so you’ll feel as if you’re in a cocoon of comfort on long highway rides. Soft-touch materials are abundant throughout the cabin, further enhancing the SUV’s luxury feel.
Some improvements could be made
The GV70’s biggest flaw is its eight-speed automatic gearbox. While competent, it isn’t the greatest eight-speed automatic out there, and at low speeds, it may seem abrupt and unrefined. The modern wet-type dual-clutch eight-speed transmission seen in a slew of Hyundai and Kia cars, from the Santa Fe and Sorento to the i30 N hot hatch, could have easily been fitted to the GV70. This dual-clutch transmission outperforms the GV70’s present eight-speed transmission, offering snappier shifts, greater predictability, and, unexpectedly, improved low-speed handling.
The gear selector may potentially be a problem for some consumers. By rotating a huge dial on the central console, you may change gears. However, the infotainment system is controlled by a dial, and on several occasions, I attempted to shift into Drive or Reverse while parking but instead scrolled through the infotainment settings because I was moving the wrong dial.
The diesel GV70 has a distinct advantage over its petrol equivalents in terms of fuel economy. The 3.5T uses 7.8 l/100 km (30 US mpg) on the combined cycle, compared to the 2.5T RWD’s 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg), the 2.5T AWD’s 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg), and the 3.5T’s 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg). We got 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) on average, which isn’t terrible given we mostly drove it in cities. Because it’s not especially quick, you’ll never be tempted to drive the GV70 2.2T in a sporty style.
This is Genesis at its best
Over the last few years, we’ve driven a number of new Genesis models. None has left a greater impression on us than the GV70. This is a car that feels every bit as luxurious as its German competitors and attracts more attention. The inside, on the other hand, is a true standout for us and helps to set the GV70 apart from the rest of the Genesis lineup.
The standard GV70 2.5T 2WD starts from AU$74,917 driveway, rises to AU$78,221 for the 2.5T AWD, AU$81,415 for the 2.2D AWD, and tops out at AU$93,793 for the 3.5T AWD. Our tester’s driveway cost AU$97,390 thanks to the Luxury Sport Line upgrade and Brunswick Green paint. A similarly equipped 3.5T vehicle with the Luxury package and the same shade of matte green paint starts at AU$102,952, which is certainly the better value considering the increased performance.
The 2.5T AWD Standard starts at $41,000 and rises to $45,000 for the 2.5T AWD Select, $49,150 for the 2.5T AWD Advanced, $52,750 for the 2.5T AWD Sport Prestige, $52,600 for the 3.5T AWD Standard, $56,700 for the 3.5T AWD Sport Advanced, and $62,500 for the 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige in the United States.
The Genesis GV70 is the brand’s most significant model, and it will need to sell well in order for the company to expand its premium footprint. Will it succeed despite having all of the necessary ingredients? Only time will tell if this is true.
