Model tested: 2022 Genesis GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige
Engine: 3.5-liter twin turbo V6
Transmission: 8-speed sport automatic w/paddle shifters
Horsepower: 375
Torque: 391 lb.-ft.
EPA rating: 19/city, 25/highway, 21/combined
Base price: $52,600
As tested: $65,045
Overview: There’s reasons Genesis’ all-new 2022 GV70 sport-utility vehicle is winning numerous awards — like the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) prestigious Activity Vehicle of the Year. It bested both the Jeep Renegade and the Ford Bronco, among others, at Mudfest, the group’s nationally recognized premier off-road competition event. The 2022 Genesis GV70 incorporates luxury, great styling inside and out, and serious performance, along with standard all-wheel drive on all versions. The GV70 proves Hyundai’s luxury brand is serious competition in the small premium luxury SUV segment. Built to compete with the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60, the GV70’s looks, features and quality also have the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 directly in its crosshairs. Our test driver was the 3.5T Sport Prestige, which this review focuses specifically on.
Walkaround: The all-new 2022 GV70 has a serious presence — aggressive and muscular, yet fun and expressive. The signature diamond-pattern grille and twin light-bar motif look extra sharp on this new SUV. The GV70 offers a vast array of colors besides the usual gray, silver and black. You can also choose red, blue or green, plus four matte hues, including the attractive Barossa Burgundy of our test driver.
Interior: “Exquisite” seems an appropriate description for an interior that screams indulgent quality and style. Like the larger GV80, the cabin is filled with ellipse-shaped elements that feel modern but not gimmicky. The technology exactly mirrors the GV80 and works identically — including a 12.3-inch 3-D digital gauge cluster, head-up display, surround view cameras and remote smart parking assist. The infotainment controller for the super-wide 14.5-inch infotainment/navigation screen is positioned on the center console, directly above the round gear selector, with redundant steering wheel controls for the premium 16-speaker Lexicon audio. The cabin’s functionality is complimented by supportively bolstered, all-day comfortable, quilted nappa leather seats with suede inserts. They’re available in interior color themes including red and blue hues, with color-choice ambient lighting. The heated rear seats accommodate average-sized adults with decent headroom. Rear cargo space is generous as well.
Behind the Wheel: Built on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as Genesis’ G70 sedan and sharing its 375-horse, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 powertrain with the larger GV80 — with less weight to move — the GV70 is the most exhilarating Genesis SUV to drive. It’s a quick, quiet, compact SUV, with a broad torque range and no turbo lag. The smooth eight-speed automatic responds with quick downshifts when needed — or use the standard paddle shifters. The camera-based “road preview” adaptive suspension works seamlessly, with little body lean, and relishes curvy roads. The rear-biased all-wheel-drive system can send all the power to the rear wheels if needed. Six drive modes are available — snow, eco, comfort, sport, sport-plus and custom.
Bottom Line: With premium luxury, outstanding performance, state-of-the-art technology, a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 375 twin-turbocharged horses, the 2022 Genesis GV70 is one serious contender.
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