If there’s a luxury automaker on a roll right now, it’s Genesis. Case in point the new 2022 GV70, the brand’s second SUV behind the larger GV80. It’s a sporty, premium midsize SUV with star power looks. It’s more than just the outside packaging, too. A well-designed, aircraft-inspired interior is loaded with impressive technology. Notably, it’s also the brand’s first vehicle with Highway Driving Assist II, an outstanding semi-autonomous driving system. In short, the GV70 lives up to the high expectations you expect from the Genesis nameplate.
Powertrain
The 2022 Genesis GV70 shares a platform with the all-new 2022 G70 sedan I recently reviewed with high accolades. Neither vehicle disappoints in the powertrain department. My GV70 is equipped with the range-topping 3.5-liter V6 with 375-horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. (It’s a bump of 75-horsepower over the standard 300-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine.) Both engines are paired with a smooth shifting and responsive 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. If you don’t like stop/start you can disable it. The GV70 is also the first Genesis to apply a Launch Control System (which I did not test.) Standard all-wheel drive can shift 50% of power to the front wheels if needed. (Rear-wheel drive is not available.)
Exterior
The GV70 is a terrific-looking SUV that turns heads in a sizzling Mauna Red premium paint hue. The design combines athletic lines, sportiness and elegance perfectly. The entire front end exudes a polished presence - its main feature being Genesis’ large signature crest chrome-trimmed grille. It’s flanked by Genesis unmistakably sleek two-line LED quad headlights with standard high beam assist.
Its available 21-inch Sport Alloy texture-patterned wheels are striking and certainly unique. Power-folding heated outside mirrors feature turn signal indicators. The GV70s chrome window trim and gloss black accents both add to the GV70s polished, sleek look. A coupe-like roofline slopes to the rear where you find two-line LED rear combo taillights, a G Matrix pattern-applied bumper and dual exhaust.
Interior
The GV70’s roomy driver-centric cabin impresses. An Ultramarine navy blue interior with contrasting red stitching and seatbelts gives it a stylishly sporty look. The available carbon fiber trim on the door panels and center console along with quality hardware and aluminum trim look terrific. Alloy pedals greet your feet.
The Sport Prestige features Nappa leather seats with suede inserts. They’re on the sportier, firm side as opposed to cushiony. The driver’s seat is 16-way power and extremely customizable with a thigh extender and driver seat “Ergo Motion” massage function. The passenger’s seat is 12-way power adjustable. Both front seats are heated and ventilated.
You’ll find aircraft-inspired aerodynamic design elements on the door panels and center stack. A center horizontal touch display inspired by the shape of aircraft wings picks up on the other side of the steering wheel (with nice backlit ambient lighting at night.) I found the touch sensitive climate controls easy to use along with two dual-zone temperature control dials. The aircraft wing influence continues on the door panels.
A three-spoke heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel features a glossy black area that reveals steering wheel controls when the vehicle is in use. (Genesis, thank you for the audio mute button!)
The center console is well done with quality material and hardware. Two large dials take up a lot of real estate: a shift by wire rotary shift controller and behind it, a multimedia controller. A USB area above the cup holders houses a vertical-style wireless charger that you have to know exists otherwise you probably won’t find it.
The carbon fiber and aluminum-trimmed door panels extend to the rear seats as well. As equipped, three-zone climate gives back seat passengers their very own climate controls, along with a drop-down center console and manual window sunshades. A panoramic moonroof is standard.
A power hands-free lift gate doesn’t keep you waiting and there is an impressive amount of cargo space back there - we’re talking 28.9 cubic-feet of it. There is also a 12 volt outlet in the cargo area (plus another one in front.)
Technology
Technology shines in Genesis vehicles and the GV70 is no exception. As this vehicle is equipped, you have two large digital displays. One is a very cool 3D 12.3-inch digital cluster. It even displays navigation instructions with symbols, though you won’t see a map.
A notably large and long 14.5-inch multimedia display with navigation is one of the best I’ve seen. The high quality color graphics and screen resolution is exceptional. While it is a very responsive touch screen, it’s set a bit far back in the dash for my reach, which discouraged me from using it as such. Instead I favored using the dial on the center console, the center of which functions like a trackpad. The surface recognizes swiping, handwriting and offers pinch and zoom capability. The multimedia system includes features like Sounds of Nature and both Valet and Quiet Modes.
The GV70s backup camera quality and optional 360-degree surround view monitor is one of the best and sharpest out there. An available head-up display is also terrific with bright, colorful and easy-to-see graphics.
Connectivity includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as two USBs up front and two for the back seat.
Genesis’ digital key used with your smartphone also deserves mention, though I didn’t test it. It features the industry’s first in-vehicle fingerprint reader and start-stop button.
The GV70 is also the first Genesis to offer available Highway Driving Assist II. It’s a fantastic semi-autonomous driving system and one of the best I’ve encountered.
Ride and Drive
With a low center of gravity, the GV70 is a sporty ride. It offers terrific acceleration. You’ll want Sport S+ mode for the most precise steering and sharpest throttle response (Drive modes are Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. ) Braking is on point. The GV70 also provides a quiet ride when you aren’t using the 16-speaker Lexicon premium sound system. I’d love to see this as an all-electric for that instantaneous torque to the rear wheels and better off-the-line acceleration.
Options
All 3.5T models start off as Sport models. You can then add the Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige packages. This model is equipped with both.
The Sport Advanced Package includes a layered edge backlit trim, leatherette upper instrument and door panels, suede headliner and heated steering wheel. It also includes a premium Lexicon 16-speaker sound system, surround view monitor, blind spot view monitor and parking collision avoidance rear assist.
It also has a cool feature called Remote Smart Parking Assist. It allows you to remotely start the vehicle then pull into or out of a parking space. I demo it for you in the video below.
The Sport Prestige package adds Nappa leather with suede insert seats, carbon fiber trim, 3-zone climate, heated 2nd row seats, plus the 12.3-inch digital cluster and Head up Display.
Safety
Genesis’ robust safety features are exceptional. All GV70s come with Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Advanced Forward-Collision Warning w/Pedestrian and Cycling, Junction Turning, Junction crossing and Evasive Steering Assist, plus Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear-Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert based on radar sensors.
This model adds a Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor and Parking Collision Avoidance Rear Assist.
What You’ll Pay
If you’re not sold yet on the Genesis GV70s sizzling looks or impressive features -- you will be when you hear the price. It’s $64,045 as equipped, a great value for everything the GV70 delivers.
Verdict
The new GV70 is an exciting entry into the sport luxury midsized SUV segment and lives up to everything we love about the Genesis brand.
- What I Liked Most: Exterior/Interior Design, Engaging Ride, Superb technology.
- What I would change: Add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Add an electrified powertrain option.
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/25 highway/21 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 826 miles.
- Weight: 4453 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Compact Spare
- Length-Width-Height: 185.6” long/75.2” wide /64.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.43 gallons with the fuel filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- Official Color: Mauna Red ($500)
- 2022 Genesis GV70 in a few words: An impressive midsize luxury SUV destined to steal some of its segment limelight with no apologies.
- Warranty: 5 year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty; 10 year/100,000-mile Warranty; 3 yr/36,000 miles complimentary maintenance. All Genesis vehicles include Service Valet with complimentary scheduled maintenance and at-home pick-up for 3 years / 60,000 miles.
- Final Assembly Location: Ulsan, Korea.
- Manufacturer's website: Genesis
