2023 Genesis G70 Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
The G70 was the first all-new Genesis product when it made its debut for the 2019 model year, and it impressed us so much we named it our Car of the Year . Last year's midcycle refresh was transformative for the Korean compact, with updated styling, improved tech, and a sportier V-6 offering, so changes for 2023 are minor. The G70 competes with other sport luxury sedans including the BMW 3 Series, Acura TLX, and Lexus IS.
What's New
- All models now include 19-inch wheels
- The 2.0T Sport Prestige (previously known as the Prestige) gains new interior and exterior trim, ventilated seats, and alloy pedals
- The 3.3T Sport Prestige gains power trunk
- Siberian Ice and Mallorca Blue paint options no longer available
What We Think
There are plenty of reasons the G70 is one of our favorite compact luxury sedans. Its athletic handling, strong available V-6, and luxurious interior earned the G70 our 2019 Car of the Year. We appreciated the active exhaust and Sport+ drive mode when we tested a 2022 V-6 model, and the agile chassis made itself known when we drove it on the track.
We're also still big fans of this cabin, which retains the luxurious interior design and quality materials that stood out when we first drove it. The new-for-2022 standard touchscreen is larger and high-resolution, and it runs newer software, which made great steps in modernizing the interior. That instrument cluster display, however, isn't as configurable as some of its peers.
Alongside its steep and well-established competition, the G70 is a beautifully styled, great driving sport sedan with all the luxury and modern tech you'd want. Last year's update delivered meaningful improvements to a car we already loved.
Performance and Efficiency
Genesis offers the G70 with a pair of turbocharged gas-powered engines. Base models work with a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 putting out 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; RWD is standard, and AWD is available. All G70s mate their engines with an eight-speed automatic. In our testing, the four-cylinder G70 is good for 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. EPA fuel economy numbers read 20-21/28-31 mpg city/highway depending on whether you opt for RWD or AWD.
For those seeking more performance, Genesis offers a G70 with a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that develops 365 hp and 376 lb-ft, also with standard RWD or optional AWD. Fuel efficiency drops to 17-18/26-27 mpg, but the 0-60-mph figure goes down to 4.5 seconds.
Safety Ratings and Features
Although it hasn't been evaluated by the NHTSA, the G70 earns the highest possible designation of Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Genesis also includes a host of driver assist active safety features on every trim. Adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning are all standard.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
With the exception of front legroom, the G70 measures smaller than the Audi A4 and Alfa Romeo Giulia inside. We didn't notice any heinous space discrepancies during our time with the G70, but know this is no limousine, even within its segment.
Technology
As of last year's refresh, every G70 now includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and the infotainment software is capable of over-the-air updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and audiophiles can choose a trim with the Lexicon premium audio system.
A Genesis G70 Wagon?
A conventional four-door sedan isn't the Genesis G70's only body style. Genesis also builds the G70 Shooting Brake with 40 percent more cargo space than the sedan and a curved wraparound rear window. Tragically, folks in the United States aren't big wagon buyers, so Genesis won't sell it here.
Recommended Trim
For our money, it's the G70 3.3T RWD. Because the G70 is such a strong value play, buyers can score a 365-hp V-6 G70 for the same price as a similarly equipped four-cylinder competitor. Fuel economy isn't anything special, but when you hear the exhaust valves open and feel the six force-fed cylinders shove you down the road, it'll be worth it.
