2024 Genesis GV70 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The GV70 wasn't Genesis' first SUV—that'd be the larger GV80 —but it's the one that really put the brand on the map. This luxury compact SUV entered a highly competitive segment and came away a winner: It earned our 2022 SUV of the Year award . Although stylish, luxurious, and full of features, the GV70 still plays to Genesis' appealing value. Primary competitors to the 2024 Genesis GV70 include the Audi Q5, Lexus NX, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
What's New
- Wi-Fi hot spot functionality added on all models
- Upgraded front brakes and 19-inch wheels become standard on 2.5T models
- Sport Prestige trim for 2.5T engine gains ventilated front seats, premium audio, rear window sunshades, and remote parking capability
- Enhanced front automatic emergency braking and semi-autonomous highway driving assistant are standard on 3.5T models
- Sport Advanced trim for 3.5T engine gets 21-inch wheels
What We Think
Considering the Genesis GV70's distinctive design, driving refinement, and standard equipment, it deserves to be much more expensive. Fortunately it isn't, presenting luxury SUV shoppers with a very compelling option.
Elegant and athletic looks give way to a similar driving experience. The ride quality is smooth and quiet, yet the GV70 remains swift and composed on winding roads. No matter the situation, the GV70 immerses its occupants in a gorgeous cabin lined with lovely trim and materials. In fact, it won a four-way luxury SUV comparison test in part due to its opulent interior and expensive feel.
Its tech features are impressive, too, yet not overbearing as is the case in some rivals. Genesis would be wise to relocate the shift dial or infotainment controller, as both are close in size and shape while being located right next to each other on the center console.
Although both of the GV70's gasoline engines are good, neither is particularly fuel-efficient, and there's no hybrid option in the range. There's an all-electric version, but it's a lot more expensive. Ultimately, we have very few criticisms of the Genesis GV70. It was a deserving winner of our 2022 SUV of the Year contest and remains a benchmark for Genesis' long-established competitors from Europe and America to beat.
Performance and MPGs
Two engines are offered in the Genesis GV70, both of which are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
The standard engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, this engine accelerated the GV70 from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 19-22/26-28 mpg city/highway depending on configuration.
The upgrade engine is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 churning out 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. With this extra power, the GV70 zips to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. However, fuel economy drops to 18/24 mpg.
Is the Genesis GV70 Electric?
Genesis is working to become an all-electric automaker. It has an electric-only crossover, the GV60, but also creates all-electric versions of a few of its gas-powered models, including the GV70. Genesis names this model the Electrified GV70, but we think it's easier to call it the GV70 electric or GV70 EV. Although it looks nearly identical to the regular GV70, its differences under the skin are major. The GV70 EV has a 77.4-kWh battery delivering 236 miles of range, and a dual-motor AWD powertrain making a healthy 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Its acceleration is quicker, but it's also more expensive. See all the details on the Genesis Electrified GV70 here.
Safety Ratings and Features
When evaluated by the IIHS, the 2024 GV70 earned 2023 Top Safety Pick+ status, the agency's highest possible accolade.
Every 2024 GV70 comes equipped with driver assist and active safety features including front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, side cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Higher-end models get enhanced adaptive cruise control, along with camera-based blind-spot monitoring, emergency evasive steering assist, reverse parking collision mitigation, and remote parking capability.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The GV70 isn't just luxurious; it's also practical. It provides plenty of legroom for passengers, and cargo capacity is good for a compact crossover.
Technology
A wide 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on every GV70, which contains built-in navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. A wireless charging pad and USB ports in both rows of seats are standard. Higher-end models get a wild 12.3-inch 3D-effect digital gauge cluster, which replaces the basic 8.0-inch gauge display. A Lexicon premium audio system is added on upper trims. The GV70 has an unusual tech feature: a built-in fingerprint scanner, which can work essentially as the key to start or stop the engine, and pay for fuel at participating gas stations.
Recommended Trim
The GV70 is so nice, you won't be disappointed even with the base model, but we'd spring for a few more niceties with the 2.5T Select configuration. It brings ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel (the front seats are heated as standard), a big panoramic moonroof, and attractive brushed aluminum trim. Sure, the 3.5T V-6 engine is more powerful, but the GV70's basic 2.5T I-4 gets the job done and is more fuel-efficient. The 2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T Select starts at just over $49,000, or about $3,000 more than the standard model.
