Genesis was once a high-end Hyundai model. But Hyundai decided it needed a luxury brand to compete with Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, BMW, and Cadillac. The experiment appears to be a success, judging by the 2026 Genesis GV70, along with other Genesis models I’ve driven.
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty.
The 2026 Genesis GV70 Is Well-Equipped
The GV70 is, category-wise, a bit hard to place. A four-door hatchback, is it a “coupe” - my, how automakers have stretched that word like taffy - or a crossover SUV? Whatever it is, it looks good.
My test unit showed up quite well-equipped with a base price of $70,095. Standard features included a panoramic sunroof, power hands-free liftgate, high-beam assist, heated and cooled front seats, power tilt and telescope steering wheel, intelligent speed-limit assist, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, adjustable ambient interior lighting, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, wireless phone charger, digital key, carbon-fiber trim, heated outboard second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, head-up display, Nappa leather seats, suede headliner, 21-inch wheels, all-season tires, remote parking assist, and carpeted floor mats.
Available advanced driver-aid systems included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver-attention warning, forward-attention warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, park distance warning, parking collision-avoidance assist, safe-exit assist, rear occupant alert, 360-degree monitor, and blind-spot monitor. Options were minimal, just the paint job and an NFC key card.
As-tested, the price came to $72,225.
On The Road With The 2026 Genesis GV70
You’ve probably read more than a few Genesis reviews in which the writer tries to compare the upstart brand to BMW or Lexus or Infiniti. There’s no reason for that anymore - Genesis has been on the market long enough to establish itself, but more to the point, its vehicles are good enough that the only comparison needs to come from those shopping the various brands, trying to make a choice. In other words, Genesis no longer needs to use its rivals as a measuring stick, its offerings stand alone.
That’s the case with the GV70. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque has plenty of pull, and the eight-speed automatic transmission mates well to this mill.
The electronically controlled transmission with what Genesis calls “road preview” works well to mix ride and handling. The GV70 isn’t small, but it feels nimble enough, though you do get some body roll when you push too hard in cornering.
Ride-wise, it’s generally a smooth experience without ever being soft, though it can be a bit too stiff on the worst roads that Chicago throws at you.
Like a luxury rig should be, the GV70 is quiet until you prod the accelerator - the 3.5 growls when it’s go time. It’s a lovely sound.
While those driving dynamics appeal to this author’s enthusiast heart, the cabin is the star. It’s well appointed and looks good - this is what luxury should look like. And, for the most part, feel like. There are some materials that let you down and/or show a dive into Hyundai’s parts bin, but they’re few and far between - and tend to be located where it’s harder to feel or see.
The big, sweeping gauge-into-infotainment screen works for me, though it does look a tad tacked-on. The controls are easy to reach and use, though some use of haptic touch is disappointing, even if they work better than what’s on offer from other brands. There’s four key knobs, thankfully, and the ovoid shape that surrounds the HVAC vents and audio controls looks nice.
It’s a pleasant place to do business, though headroom feels limited up front and a tad cramped in back.
Fuel economy, bee tee dubs, is a not-great 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.
Does Genesis Need To Chase BMW or Lexus? In A Word, No
Seventy-two grand is a lot of cheddar, but the GV70 feels worth it. Anyone disdaining this as a gussied-up Hyundai/Kia will be technically correct but also wrong on the merits. Yes, like many of its brethren, it shares parts and bones with “lesser” models. But Genesis got the cabin and performance right.
There’s also no need, beyond the normal car-shopping comparos, to really worry about other brands as a measuring stick. Of course car buyers will compare, to see what’s right for them, but there’s no need to worry if the GV70 can play in this class. It can.
Genesis has done a bang-up job on the GV70, as it has on its other vehicles. Whether it’s a coupe, crossover, hatch, or something else, the GV70 is quite good.
Images: Tim Healey
About The Author
Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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