Genesis GV70 Review: Luxury SUV Features, Performance, and Value

Genesis GV70 Review: Luxury SUV Features, Performance, and Value

Overview

There was a time when luxury and affordability were opposites, but in the 1990s that all changed when Japanese carmakers created their own high-end sub-brands. South Korean manufacturer Hyundai followed a few decades later with Genesis and has been making a strong impression since. The 2025 Genesis GV70 is the company’s small SUV, positioned between the smaller all-electric GV60 and the larger midsize GV80. Like Hyundai, Genesis stands out with value, offering many features at a more reasonable price while keeping a very high level of quality.

Comfort is a top feature

You can’t go wrong with either of the Genesis GV70’s engine options, as both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder provide plenty of power that will easily satisfy most drivers. Unlike some of its European competitors, the GV70’s suspension is designed to prioritize comfort and smoothness over handling performance. As a result, it stays more composed over rough roads for a calmer in-cabin experience. It’s not as sporty as some of its rivals, but we believe this isn’t as important for most luxury SUV buyers. Check out our Expert Rating below to see why the GV70 stands out.

Performance 8.0/10

How does the GV70 drive?

The GV70’s enjoyable driving experience starts with its smooth and strong powertrain. The turbocharged V6, which we tested, delivers easy and accessible power across its rpm range. In our tests, the GV70 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The automatic transmission provides smooth shifts during casual driving but can deliver quick, assertive shifts when you’re in the mood for spirited driving.

Around turns, the GV70 isn’t as sporty as a Porsche Macan, but it responds intuitively and predictably to your inputs. Braking is also reliable, with a natural-feeling pedal that makes it easy to stop smoothly. Overall, it is a quick and smooth SUV, though not as athletic as some others.

Comfort 8.5/10

How comfortable is the GV70?

Comfort is a major factor in what makes the GV70 a great SUV. The front seats are highly adjustable, and our test vehicle’s seats included heating, ventilation, and a massaging feature. The rear seat cushions are also quite comfortable and offer a good amount of recline. An adaptive suspension (standard with the V6) adjusts based on the road conditions ahead. The ride isn’t as plush as in the larger Genesis GV80, but it strikes a commendable balance between comfort and smoothness.

The climate control has a dedicated touchscreen that’s easy to use. The seat heating and cooling are exceptionally intense, and the heated steering wheel is equally impressive. A quiet cabin completes the luxury experience, with dual-pane windows keeping out much of the wind and ambient noise. Only some low-level road noise was noticeable on particularly textured surfaces.

Interior 8.5/10

How’s the interior?

The GV70 features a slightly different interior design than other recent Genesis models, and it benefits from this change. The infotainment control knob is much easier to use than the one in the GV80. The dial rotates, moves, and even has a touch-sensitive surface, all of which can be used to navigate the menus. However, it’s easy to mistake the infotainment dial for the gear selector, which is also a dial. Additionally, the touchscreen is positioned a bit too far from the driver, so you might find yourself stretching to reach it.

The GV70’s cabin feels more spacious than many other small luxury SUVs. The extra-wide door openings make it easy to get in and out. We love the driving position and appreciate that Genesis makes all the main controls easily accessible for the driver. Despite the GV70’s sleek design, it offers good visibility.

Aspect	Description
Interior Design	Slightly different from other recent Genesis models; benefits from the change
Infotainment Control	Easier to use than GV80’s knob Rotates, moves, and has a touch-sensitive surface Can be mistaken for the gear selector, which is also a dial
Touchscreen Positioning	Positioned a bit too far from the driver
Cabin Spaciousness	Feels more spacious than many other small luxury SUVs Extra-wide door openings for easy ingress and egress Good visibility despite sleek design
Driving Position	Liked by testers Appreciation for easily accessible main controls for the driver

Technology 8.0/10

How’s the tech?

The GV70 is equipped with a good amount of modern technology. Advanced driving aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision prevention, are all standard. The available 16-speaker Lexicon audio system is a great choice if you’re an audiophile.

There are plenty of power options for keeping devices charged, including four USB outlets, a wireless phone charger, and an available household-style outlet. The GV70’s voice controls understand a decent amount of natural speech but can only perform functions related to the navigation system, audio system, and phone.

Storage 8.0/10

How’s the storage?

Rear cargo space is very generous at 28.9 cubic feet, comparable to the class-leading Acura RDX and Jaguar F-Pace. The loading area is wide, allowing for easy loading of larger items. The rear seats can be folded flat from the cargo area, so there’s no need to walk around to the rear doors. Genesis’ smart trunk opens automatically based on your proximity.

Storage space within the cabin isn’t super generous, but it’s adequate. The center armrest bin is a decent size, and we love how the tandem cupholders stay out of the way of the driver controls. The wireless charger is deep and out of the way, so you can charge a phone on it and have another one plugged in resting on top of it in that open cubby. The door pockets are a little small and the glovebox is modest, but there are enough options.

Got kids? The spacious back seat makes it easy to install child safety seats. The anchors and top tethers are easy to access. Towing, however, is limited to just 3,500 pounds, which is well below class leaders.

Fuel Economy 7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy?

The GV70 with the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. That’s decent, though some competitors are slightly more efficient thanks to the integration of mild hybrid systems. We ran the GV70 on our real-world evaluation route, and it returned an average of 20.2 mpg in heavier-than-usual traffic. Despite the traffic, we believe that reaching the EPA estimate might be challenging if you don’t drive with efficiency in mind.

Value 8.5/10

Is the GV70 a good value?

The GV70 is definitely a leader in value when it comes to features, build quality, and price in the small luxury SUV segment. While the interior may not quite match the level of finish found in a Mercedes-Benz or Audi, it certainly isn’t far behind. The minor drawbacks we noted, such as the slightly tacky-looking carbon-fiber trim and touchscreen iconography that resembles Hyundai or Kia products, are relatively insignificant.

Genesis’ warranty further enhances its value. The five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties are unmatched in this segment. Roadside assistance is good for five years/unlimited miles, which is a year better than most rivals. Additionally, Genesis provides free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

Wildcard 8.5/10

The Genesis GV70 stands out as a striking SUV that attracts more attention than many in its class. And its appeal isn’t limited to just the exterior. The interior boasts a fresh and thoughtful design that exudes luxury in both appearance and feel. While its sporty driving experience might not match a dedicated sports car, the GV70 offers enough agility to enjoy winding back roads, adding an element of excitement to the driving experience.

Competitors

The Genesis GV70 is our top pick for a small luxury SUV for several reasons. You’ll save a few thousand dollars compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, but that’s irrelevant if the quality and performance aren’t up to par. Thankfully, the GV70 delivers, offering sufficient athleticism and an interior that meets luxury SUV standards. If performance is your main priority, you’ll need to spend significantly more on higher-end models from Mercedes, BMW, or the Porsche Macan.

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