Genesis GV70 2022 review

Genesis has a big challenge in Australia: to become the first Korean luxury player in our market.

In a segment largely dominated by legendary European marques, it took decades for Toyota to enter the market with its luxury Lexus brand, and Nissan will testify to just how tough the luxury market is as its Infiniti brand just couldn't hold its own outside of North America. .

The Hyundai Group claims to have studied and learned from these issues and that its Genesis brand will, no matter what, last for the long term.

After several successful breakthroughs in the rental car market with its launch model, the G80 large sedan, Genesis quickly expanded to include the base G70 midsize sedan and the GV80 large SUV, and now the car we're reviewing for this GV70 midsize SUV review.

Playing in the most competitive space in the luxury goods market, the GV70 is the Korean newcomer's most important model to date, arguably the first vehicle to truly put Genesis in first place among luxury buyers.

Does it have what you need? In this review, we'll take a look at the entire GV70 lineup to find out.

Genesis GV70 2022: 2.5T AWD LUX
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.5 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	10.3l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$79,786

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

To start with, Genesis stands for the business of offering a stellar deal to curious buyers for a luxury marque.

The brand brings the spirit of Hyundai's core values ​​to a relatively simple lineup of three choices based on engine options.

At the entry point, the base 2.5T starts. As the name suggests, the 2.5T is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and is available in both rear-wheel drive ($66,400) and all-wheel drive ($68,786).

The entry point is the base 2.5T, which is available in both rear-wheel drive ($66,400) and all-wheel drive ($68,786). (Image: Tom White)

Next up is the mid-range 2.2D four-cylinder turbodiesel, which is only available in an all-wheel drive version for a suggested retail price of $71,676.

The top of the range is the 3.5T Sport, a turbocharged V6 petrol engine that is once again only available in an all-wheel drive version. Its price is $83,276 excluding traffic.

Standard equipment on all variants includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in navigation, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, power front seats 12-way adjustable power steering column, keyless entry and push-button ignition, and puddle lights in the doors.

Standard equipment on all variants includes a 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in navigation. (Image: Tom White)

You can then choose from three option packages. The Sport Line is available for the 2.5T and 2.2D for $4500 and adds sporty 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport brake package, sportier exterior trim, different leather and suede seat designs, optional interior trim, and a completely different three-spoke steering wheel design. .

It also adds special dual exhaust ports and a Sport+ driving mode to the 2.5T petrol variant. Improvements to the Sport line package are already present in the top 3.5T variant.

Our 2.2D had a Luxury Pack that added quilted Nappa leather seat trim. (Image: Tom White).

Further, the Luxury package carries a higher price of $11,000 for the four-cylinder variant or $6600 for the V6, and adds much larger 21-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, quilted Nappa leather seat trim, suede headlining , larger 12.3" digital instrument cluster with 3D depth effect, head-up display, third climate zone for rear passengers, smart and remote parking assistance, 18-way electric driver's seat adjustment with message function, premium audio system with 16 speakers. , automatic braking when maneuvering in reverse and heating of both the steering wheel and the rear row.

Finally, four-cylinder models can be selected with both the Sport package and the Luxury package, priced at $13,000, which is a $1500 discount.

Pricing for the GV70 range puts it well below its big specification rivals, which come in the form of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC from Germany and the Lexus RX from Japan.

However, it levels the new Korean rival with slightly smaller alternatives such as the Volvo XC60, Lexus NX and possibly the Porsche Macan.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

The GV70 is amazing. Like its older brother the GV80, this Korean luxury car does more than just make a statement on the road. Its signature design elements have evolved into something that not only places it far above parent company Hyundai, but is something completely unique.

The GV70 is amazing. (Image: Tom White)

The large V-shaped grille has become a hallmark of Genesis models on the road, and dual strip lights that match front and rear in height create a strong bodyline across this car's midsection.

The wide, beefy rear end hints at the GV70's sporty, rear-biased base, and I was surprised to find that the exhaust ports that jut out of the rear on the 2.5T were not just plastic panels, but very real ones. Chill.

Even the chrome and black trim has been applied with noticeable restraint, and the coupe-like roofline and overall soft edges also suggest luxury.

The large V-shaped grille has become a hallmark of Genesis models on the road. (Image: Tom White)

It's hard to do. It is difficult to create a car with a truly new, distinctive design that combines both sportiness and luxury.

Inside, the GV70 is truly plush, so if there is any doubt about whether Hyundai can create a proper premium add-on product, the GV70 will put them to bed in no time.

Seat upholstery is luxurious no matter what class or option package is chosen, and there are more than generous soft-touch materials running the length of the dashboard.

I am a fan of the unique two-spoke steering wheel. (Image: Tom White)

In terms of design, it is very different from the previous generation Genesis products and almost all of Hyundai's common equipment has been replaced with large screens and chrome switchgears that give the Genesis its own style and personality.

I am a fan of the unique two-spoke steering wheel. As the main point of contact, it really helps separate the luxury options from the sporty ones, which get a more traditional three-spoke wheel instead.

I was surprised to find that the exhaust ports that stick out in the rear on the 2.5T weren't just plastic panels, but very real ones. (Image. Tom White)

So, is Genesis a true premium brand? No question to me, the GV70 looks and feels just as good, if not better in some areas, than all of its more established competitors.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

The GV70 is as practical as you'd hope. All the usual upgrades are present, large door pockets (although I found them limited in height for our 500 ml. Cars Guide test bottle), large center console bottle holders with variable edges, large center console drawer with additional 12V socket and fold-out tray with vertically mounted cordless phone charger and two USB ports.

The front seats feel spacious, with a good seating position that strikes a good balance of sportiness and visibility. Easily adjustable from power seat to power steering column.

The seats are comfortable to sit on and offer improved lateral support compared to previous generation Genesis products. However, the seats in the base and Luxury Pack cars that I tested could have added support on the sides of the cushion.

The big screen has slick software, and while it's quite a distance from the driver, it can still be controlled with a touch. A more ergonomic way to use it is with a center-mounted watch face, although it's not ideal for navigational functions.

There is enough room in the back seat for an adult. (Image: Tom White)

The location of this dial next to the gearshift dial also leads to some awkward moments when you pick up the wrong dial when it's time to shift gears. A minor complaint, sure, but one that could mean the difference between rolling into an object or not.

The dashboard layout and customizable systems are very sleek, as we'd expect from Hyundai Group products. Even the 3D effect of the digital instrument cluster in vehicles equipped with the Luxury Pack is subtle enough to be unobtrusive.

There's enough room in the back seat for an adult my size (I'm 182 cm/6'0") and the same plush seat trim is retained regardless of option or package chosen.

Each variant also gets dual adjustable vents. (Image: Tom White)

I have plenty of headroom despite the panoramic sunroof, and standard equipment includes a bottle holder in the door, two coat hooks on the sides, nets on the backs of the front seats, and a fold-down armrest console with an additional two bottle holders.

There's a set of USB ports under the center console, and each variant also has dual adjustable air vents. You'll have to splurge on the Luxury Pack to get a third climate zone with independent controls, heated rear seats and a rear control panel.

To make things easier, the front passenger seat has controls on the side that allow rear seat passengers to move it if needed.

Trunk volume is a very reasonable 542 liters (VDA) with the seats up or 1678 liters with them down. The space is suitable for all our Cars Guide a luggage set with raised seats with headroom, though for larger items you'll need to keep an eye out for a coupe-like rear window.

All variants, with the exception of the diesel, have compact spare parts under the trunk floor, and the diesel kit makes do with a repair kit.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

There are two petrol engine options and one diesel engine option in the GV70 lineup. Surprisingly, for 2021, Genesis has released an all-new nameplate without a hybrid option, and its lineup is appealing to traditional audiences and enthusiasts with rear-shift options.

A 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 224 kW/422 Nm is offered as entry level. There are no complaints about power here, and you can choose it with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Next comes the mid-range engine, a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. This engine puts out significantly less power at 154kW, but slightly more torque at 440Nm. Diesel only full.

A 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 224 kW/422 Nm is offered as entry level. (Image: Tom White)

The top equipment is a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 petrol. This engine will appeal to those who may be considering performance options from the AMG or BMW M division, and delivers 279kW/530Nm, again only as an all-wheel drive.

Regardless of which option you choose, all GV70s are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission (torque converter).

Fully independent sport suspension is standard on all variants, although only the top-of-the-line V6 comes equipped with an adaptive damper package and a correspondingly firmer ride.

The mid-range engine is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 154kW/440Nm. (Image: Tom White)

Top-of-the-line V6 vehicles, as well as those equipped with the Sport Line, have a sportier brake package, Sport+ driving mode (which disables ESC), and larger exhaust pipes built into the rear bumper for petrol variants.

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

Without any sign of a hybrid variant, all versions of the GV70 in our time have proven somewhat greedy with them.

The 2.5-liter turbo engine will consume 9.8 l/100 km in the combined cycle in the rear-wheel drive format or 10.3 l/100 km in the all-wheel drive version. I saw over 12L/100km when testing the RWD version, although it was a short test of just a few days.

The 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 is claimed to consume 11.3 l/100 km on the combined cycle, while the 2.2-litre diesel is the most economical of the lot, with an overall figure of just 7.8 l/100 km.

At one time, I scored much more points than the diesel model, 9.8 l / 100 km. Instead of a stop/start system, the GV70 has a feature that allows you to disconnect the engine from the transmission when the car is coasting.

The 2.2-liter diesel is the most economical of all, with a total consumption of just 7.8 l/100 km. (Image: Tom White)

It has to be manually selected in the options panel, and I haven't tested it long enough to say if it has a meaningful effect on consumption.

All GV70 models have 66-liter fuel tanks, and petrol options require mid-range unleaded gasoline with at least 95 octane.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The GV70 has a high standard of safety. Its active set includes automatic emergency braking (operated at motorway speeds), which includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as a crosswalk assist feature.

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning also appears, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Reverse Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, Manual and Smart Speed ​​Limit Assist, as well as a set of surround sound parking cameras.

The luxury package adds automatic braking when maneuvering at low speed, forward attention warning and an automatic parking package.

Expected safety features include conventional brakes, stabilization and traction control systems, and a large array of eight airbags, including a driver's knee and center airbag. The GV70 does not yet have an ANCAP safety rating.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 10/10

The Genesis not only delivers on the traditional Hyundai owner mindset with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty (with appropriate roadside assistance), it also outperforms the competition with free maintenance for the first five years of ownership.

Genesis beats the competition out of the water with free maintenance for the first five years of ownership. (Image: Tom White)

Yes, that's right, Genesis service is free for the duration of the warranty. You really can't beat that, especially in the premium space, so that's a total score.

GV70 needs to visit the workshop every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. It's built in South Korea, in case you're wondering.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

The GV70 excels in some areas, but there are others where I fell short. Let's take a look.

First of all, for this launch review, I tried two options. I had a few days on the base GV70 2.5T RWD, then upgraded to 2.2D AWD with the Luxury Pack.

The twin-spoke wheel is a great point of contact, and the standard ride on the cars I tested was great at soaking up what had to be tossed into the suburbs. (Image: Tom White)

Genesis is great to drive. If it does something right, it's the luxury feel of the whole package.

The twin-spoke steering wheel is a great touching point, and the standard ride on the cars I tested (bear in mind the V6 Sport has a different setup) soaked up the slack in the suburbs just fine.

Another thing that immediately stunned me was how quiet this SUV is. It's damn quiet. This is achieved through a lot of noise cancellation as well as active noise cancellation through the speakers.

While its ride and cabin ambiance create a luxurious feel, the available powertrains suggest a sportier slant that isn't as pronounced. (Image: Tom White)

This is one of the best salon atmospheres I have ever experienced in a long time. Better than even some of the Mercedes and Audi products I've tested recently.

However, this car has an identity crisis. While its ride and cabin ambiance create a luxurious feel, the available powertrains suggest a sportier slant that isn't as pronounced.

First, the GV70 doesn't feel as nimble as its native G70 sedan. Instead, it has an overall weighty feel, and the softer suspension results in more lean in corners and isn't as appealing as the engines make it feel in a straight line.

The steering is also untrue, feeling heavy and a little blunt when it comes to feedback. It's weird because you don't feel how the car responds to the steering like some electric power steering systems do.

Instead, it gives the impression that the electric setting is enough for it not to feel organic. Just enough so that he doesn't feel reactive.

So while the punchy drivetrain is meant to be sporty, the GV70 isn't. Still, it's great in a straight line, with all engine options feeling punchy and responsive.

This is one of the best salon atmospheres I have ever experienced in a long time. (Image: Tom White)

The 2.5T has a deep note too (the audio system helps get it into the cabin), and the 2.2 turbodiesel is among the most advanced diesel transmissions I've ever driven. It's quiet, smooth, responsive, and on par with VW Group's very attractive 3.0-liter V6 diesel.

It is not as sharp and not as powerful as the petrol variants. Compared to the 2.5 petrol engine, some of the fun of the top version is missing.

The feeling of weight creates safety on the road, which is enhanced in all-wheel drive vehicles. And the eight-speed transmission offered across the range proved to be the smartest and smoothest shifter in the time I spent with the four-cylinder models.

For this review, I didn't get a chance to test the top-end 3.5T Sport. My Cars Guide Colleagues who did try it report that the ride with the active dampers is quite stiff and the engine is incredibly powerful, but nothing has been done to lessen the dull feel of the steering. Stay tuned for future reviews for more details on this.

If it does something right, it's the luxury feel of the whole package. (Image: Tom White)

Ultimately, the GV70 delivers a luxurious feel, but perhaps lacks sportiness in all but the V6. While it looks like it needs a bit of work on the steering and, to some extent, the chassis, it's still a solid debut offering.

Verdict

If you're looking for a design-first SUV that combines the promise of a mainstream automaker's ownership and values ​​with the look and feel of a luxury model, look no further, the GV70 hits the mark.

There are some areas where it could improve driving for those looking for a more sporty presence on the road, and it's odd that the brand is launching a brand new nameplate in this space without a single hybrid option. But fresh metal with such a strong value proposition, grabbing the attention of high-profile luxury players, is great.