2024 Genesis G70 2.5T AWD First Test: Do More Driven Wheels Deliver Notable Benefits?

The Genesis G70 received a major update for the 2024 model year, with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine option getting a decent boost in power and torque. That engine can now be configured with all-wheel drive, so we wanted to discover how more driven wheels impact the performance of the typically playful 2024 Genesis G70 luxury sedan. 

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The 2024 Genesis G70 2.5T AWD now delivers 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, moving a curb weight of 3,895 pounds compared to the rear-drive model’s 3,745 pounds, with the AWD adding about 150 pounds. The AWD G70 model starts at $44,850, and our test car carried a final MSRP of $49,050 with options; that’s compared to the $42,750 starting price of the rear-drive model, which we tested similarly equipped at $47,600. The message here? The weight and price penalties for all-wheel drive are tangible but should also be manageable for most who want the potential performance benefits of all-wheel drive.  

If you seek typical performance on paper, stick to the rear-wheel-drive Genesis G70 for better acceleration figures. In our 0–60-mph testing, the all-wheel-drive G70 2.5T was 0.2 second slower to 60 mph, at 5.9 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. This translated to a 0.2-second-slower figure-eight time, as well. In the quarter mile, the G70 AWD 2.5T logged a time of 14.4 seconds, 0.3 second slower than the RWD 2.5T trim. But overall, you barely notice the AWD “penalty” in the real world, though it certainly is there when you measure it. 

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Good Feels 

Multiple members of our test team complimented the 2024 Genesis G70 AWD with the “sports car” moniker (after the right driving-mode buttons are pressed, at least), given its handling is very sharp with a little bit of play if you push it. “It reminds me of how BMWs used to feel,” road test editor Chris Walton said. Power delivery is a little weak right off the line but builds quickly and linearly as you progress through the revs. The four-cylinder's engine and exhaust sounds are decent compared to some of the rattly competition (though none sound excellent), encouraging you to push the G70 a little further each time to listen to the soundscape. Our Detroit editor Alisa Priddle described it as “a bit like an angry mosquito, but other times the engine sounds good and feels very satisfying and sporty.” 

If you’re worried Genesis decreased the fun by adding all-wheel drive, don’t be. We eked out a bit of oversteer if we wanted for both corner entry and exit, especially on the skidpad, and when we did push it over the traction limit, it caught and held the slide. It seemed like the AWD system perfectly managed exactly what we asked of it, providing good harmony between the driver and car through communicative steering and braking controls. As for the brakes, though, we’d prefer a little more bite a little earlier.  

Driving the RWD and AWD Genesis G70 luxury sedan models back to back, you immediately notice the all-wheel-drive car’s added weight, particularly in the steering and handling, but the car manages it well and still glides through corners. We also noted you need to disable some of the active driver aid systems for more spirited driving, whereupon the car rewards reasonably skilled drivers.  

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Not as Big a Design Step 

The 2024 Genesis G70 AWD we tested loses some steam when it comes to the contents and intentions of its recent design refresh, which is a marked improvement but ultimately doesn’t step up to the level of other Hyundai-Genesis-Kia products. This 2024 G70’s update doesn’t include the impressive dual 12.3-inch screen option found in other family products and overall feels like a bit of an afterthought in the Genesis lineup given just how impressive the rest of the vehicle designs, inside and out, have become in recent years. The G70 is still a nice-looking sedan but doesn’t represent much design advancement.  

We’ve previously described the Genesis G70 2.5T as a car that can return a heavy wallet and stay light on its feet (in comparison especially to the 3.3-liter engine models that jump the price), and the addition of two more powered wheels doesn’t change that bargain for 2.5T models, which are peppy and playful. Some people we know say 300 horsepower is the perfect amount for most cars, and the latest Genesis G70 makes one hell of an argument in their favor, all-wheel drive included.

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