This week I’m behind the wheel of the 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T, a compact luxury sports sedan that impresses from the moment you set eyes on it. The redesigned 2022 model improves on the already impressive G70 that debuted in 2019 in all the right ways, as Genesis continues to prove you don’t have to be a German automaker to deliver a bonafide sports sedan that will set your soul on fire.
The G70’s redesigned exterior looks amazing. It adopts the design cues from the rest of the Genesis lineup and results in a more overall striking presence. The redesign adds sharper body creases, a lower and wider front bumper, and Genesis’ distinctive stacked Quad LED headlights and taillights. My test model sizzles in a cool light blue-gray Siberian Ice hue that really sets off the black accents and spectacular statement-making 19-inch black alloy sport wheels with available red Brembo brakes.
Sharp creases form a V-shape on the hood and flow down to the diamond Crest Grille. A functional air vent is now placed behind each front wheel. The tail end is vastly different from the previous design. Updates include a taller and wider trunk area adorned by new Genesis lettering. Dual exhaust tips and a body-colored diffuser give it a great look.
The big story with the G70 3.3T is its incredible performance. The available 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivers 365-horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. (The base turbocharged 2-liter engine offers 252-horsepower and in case you were wondering Genesis also no longer offers a manual.) The 3.3T is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with Shift-by-Wire along with steering wheel paddle shifters. It is so smooth and responsive. The result is jaw-dropping acceleration. Even paddle-shifting to get on the highway becomes a thrill ride. This thing is FAST. It seemingly slices through the air. It feels light yet extremely planted to the ground thanks to its high performance summer tires that provide excellent grip. Sport-tuned suspension engages the driver as it deftly navigates curves and you’re held in place by probably my favorite sport-bolstered seats out there. They actually move, and tighten up when you put it into Sport mode. Genesis has added a Sport+ mode as well that further optimizes the engine and transmission in a way you can really feel. Brembo brakes are supremely confident. My test vehicle is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. This model is also equipped with available limited-slip differential.
Genesis says on its website that you’ll be yearning for more open road in the G70 and no truer words were spoken because that sums up how I felt this week. With its low center of gravity, this is an incredibly engaging sports sedan to drive. It’s not a sedan meant to be held up in a traffic jam. Of course, you have Eco and Comfort modes for that. Sport and Sport+ mode decidedly make things more exciting and you don’t just feel its performance you hear it too, when the new Variable Exhaust Valve system kicks in the moment you dial it into Sport mode and gets even more aggressive sounding in Sport+. Its tight suspension delivers exactly the kind of sporty ride and precise steering feel you want while also delivering a smooth and adept ride over potholes. As a daily driver you’ll also feel comfortable with smooth driving in city and highway driving. It also delivers a quiet ride in the cabin, that is if you’re not enjoying the sound of the exhaust or the 15-speaker sound system.
The G70's driver-centric, sporty interior seals the deal. It’s well-designed and executed with quality, premium materials and hardware and an incredible attention to detail. The Nappa Leather Obsidian Black with red accented cabin features quilted seats and door paneling, sporty red seat belts and a microfiber suede headliner. Real aluminum trim with a sporty geometric pattern looks terrific on the center console area and door panels.
Genesis did a fantastic job with the sporty, comfortable 12-way power, heated and ventilated front seats. The available power driver seat bolster (which I love) and cushion extender is an unexpected surprise at this price point. I found I didn’t need the seat cushion extender, but love that it’s offered. Another cool convenience feature is that the driver can control the passenger’s seat using controls on the side of the passenger’s seat.
The heated and leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with steering-wheel mounted controls is just the right size. The G70 comes with a partially digital driver gauge cluster. The coolest thing about it is the Blind Spot View Monitor that appears in the analog areas when you use the turn signal. The updated center display is better looking but still could still use a little jazzing up, especially to go along with Sport or Sport + modes. It would be a great place to amp up the emotion you feel with this car even more. Adding ambient lighting would also do so.
There are no major updates to the center stack and console area’s polished, minimalist design. You’ll find push-button start along with easy to use buttons for the multimedia controls and large dials for dual-zone climate. The leather-wrapped gear shifter utilizes a button for Park. You’ll also find your drive mode dial, and controls for automatic brake hold and the electric parking brake.
While the front row felt roomy for a compact sedan, the rear seat is less so. It’s technically a five seater but it could get cramped for three people in the back seat, especially with the unusually high hump in the middle seat floorboard. There’s not an exceptional amount of legroom in the back seat overall and if you’re very tall, headroom could be an issue.
You can’t expect a cavernous trunk area in a compact sedan. You’ll get 10.5 cubic-feet of cargo space, which was roomy enough for my needs, with mesh netting to hold things in place.
The big update in the cabin is a new standard 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and the next-gen infotainment system. It’s an excellent, responsive system that’s easy to navigate with great graphics. The map quality is excellent as well and you can configure it into a split screen. It hosts a backup camera and available panoramic view. The entire infotainment system looks great at night. Most impressive is the Voice Command function in not just selecting SiriusXM stations but using the navigation system. Connected car services include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The G70 conveniently gets over-the-air updates and you’ll find a Valet Mode in the settings. A bright color Head Up display includes speed limit sign info.
This top of the line Sport Prestige model comes with two packages. The Sport Advanced ($4,300) adds aluminum trim,19-inch wheels, dark chrome grille, ventilated seats, sunroof, forward and revers park distance warning, wireless charging, the variable exhaust value system, Lexicon sound system, and the power driver seat bolster and cushion extender along with the Genesis Digital Key. The Sport Prestige ($4,000) includes the head up display, surround view camera, Nappa leather, Brembo braking system, limited-slip differential, and electronically controlled suspension.
Genesis is on point with its safety, too, being underneath the Hyundai brand umbrella. Safety systems are terrific and are updated with the latest Genesis offers. They’re quite robust, too, with both display warnings and audible alerts. Safety includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Multi Collision Brake and Rear Occupant Alert. A new center airbag and Safe Exit feature are added for 2022.
Smart Cruise control worked well and applied the brakes when needed and Genesis’ semi-autonomous driving feature really impressed in highway driving. (Remember to keep both hands on the wheel.) Note, the system won’t work in Sport+ mode.
The G70’s value in the segment cannot be understated- there is a LOT of performance, luxury, comfort and features packed into this compact luxury sedan. And all this - for just over $51K? It’s downright incredible.
The G70 is a fantastic compact luxury sports sedan and an amazing value and if you’re into performance it should be on your shopping list.