When it comes to my list of favorite vehicles - this one is on it. It's the Genesis G70 luxury sports sedan. Gorgeous inside and out, with amazing performance, and superb driving dynamics, it just checks off all the boxes, every time.
Redesigned in 2022, the 2024 G70 has a few enhancements. Notably, the base model gets a huge bump in power thanks to a new, more powerful engine.
But power is something that's never been a problem for my test vehicle - the 3.3T. It steadfastly enamors me with its performance time and time again.
The Genesis G70 oozes sporty sophistication from every angle. It's certainly a stunner, too, in a gorgeous new-for-2025 hue, Kewah Blue ($650) set against 19-inch Sport Alloy wheels. Its Sport Prestige status is denoted with a dark chrome grille. Genesis' new emblem adorns the hood.
The G70 offers two engine options. My vehicle's top-of-the-line 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 is my absolute favorite. With 365-horsepower and 376 pound-feet its acceleration is incredible. It's paired to an smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. Standard Brembo brakes are crisp. This vehicle is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available.
While I'm reviewing the 3.3T, I'd be remiss not to mention the big powertrain news for 2024. Genesis has equipped the base model with a new, more powerful 2.5T engine. And WOW was I impressed when drove the 2.5T model at an event earlier this year. It delivers 300 horsepower, a huge boost over the previous engine and quite impressive for an entry level model. This was a fantastic move by Genesis.
I'm always taken aback with how truly wonderful Genesis interiors are. The soft-touch materials, leather quality, and beautiful switchgear make me practically swoon. Its driver-centric, sporty cabin is well-designed and executed with superb craftsmanship and attention to detail. For 2024, Genesis says it adds even more design details to the multi-function switches, door and console garnish patterns, air vents, cup holders, and key fob.
A new-for-2024 two-tone Obsidian Black/Fog Gray cabin greeted me when I opened the door. Oh-so-comfy quilted Nappa leather seats feature 12-way power along with a driver's seat power bolster and cushion extender. Both front seats are heated and ventilated.
A leatherette-wrapped lower instrument panel and microfiber suede headliner and pillars are all part of its luxurious appeal. The quilted leather adorning all four door panels looks great and I must also remark on the sleek look of the Lexicon speakers as well as the nice heft to the interior door handles, a detail I've found lacking on some models made by other manufacturers.
Above the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, with well-done contrast stitching, you find an 8-inch digital driver cluster with analog elements.
There's a great update to the center stack. It now features a touch-type climate control display, instead of the previous dials. The center console hosts the leather-gear-shift knob with and a bunch of polished switchgear including your drive mode control and buttons for the brake auto hold, the electronic parking brake, and surround view camera. And, of course, what would a center console be with two cupholders.
The G70 is a compact luxury sedan so as you'd expect the 60/40 split second row isn't terribly large. But it sure is comfy with its quilted leather seats and wonderful headrests. There's a drop-down cup holder console with cupholders and rather large A/C vents - and new for 2024, new USB-C ports.
A hands-free smart trunk opens up to 10.5 cubic-feet of cargo space.
While I remain a fan of Genesis' multimedia system, it's doesn't yet offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, just the connected versions.
Ride and Drive
There is no getting around wanting a G70 once you drive one. The driving dynamics are just so, well, fun. It's engaging to drive with tight, sporty handling especially in Sport+ mode . The G70's available Variable Exhaust Valve really amps things up a notch in Sport+. At the same time, this is a incredible daily driver as well, in Comfort mode. It's a quiet ride, too, if you're not listening to its 15-speaker sound system or enjoying the Sport+ exhaust note.
My review vehicle comes with a standard Advanced Sport package. It includes sport aluminum trim, a wide sunroof, Lexicon audio, power driver's seat bolster with cushion extension, parking distance warning (forward and reverse), wireless phone charger, a variable exhaust value system and Genesis digital key.
The Sport Prestige package is additional and includes Nappa Leather seats, microfiber suede headliner, power trunk, limited slip differential, electronically controlled suspension, head up display, surround view monitor, blind spot view monitor and heated steering wheel
The G70 is equipped with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, high Beams, Driver Attention Warning and Rear Occupant Alert. It also has an available surround view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.
I'm a huge fan of Highway Driving Assist, Genesis' semi-autonomous driving system, however note that it won't engage when you're in Sport+ mode.
For 2024, a new rear side airbag is standard.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The G70’s value can't be understated. You get SO much for the money. Luxury, performance, technology, safety, you name it. There is no MSRP on my vehicle Monroney this week, but as priced on Genesis' build site it looks the MSRP is roughly $56,000 with the premium paint charge and Sport Prestige package.
There's just no denying the continuing allure of the Genesis G70. Yes, my favorite powertrain remains the 3.3T. But I really do encourage you to test drive the new base engine model. Genesis really has made the entry-level G70 more attractive for those looking to spend less.