2024 Genesis G70 Review: Challenger To The Throne

Brands like Genesis are no longer outsiders to the premium side of the car market; where once the luxury division of Hyundai was looked at with skepticism, it has earned respect - and a seat at the table alongside such big names as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The new Genesis G70 sedan takes shots at the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and, in most cases, these shots hit their target. The updated 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, gives it a much sharper edge in a straight fight with these powerhouses, which is all the backup it really needs when you consider how easily it trounces them in terms of safety, convenience, and reliability. If this isn't enough to entice you to give it a closer look, then think about this; the G70 is also a lot cheaper than its direct rivals.

New for 2024

There are some very noticeable and welcome changes to the new Genesis G70 sedan, foremost of which is the new base-level 2.5L turbocharged four-pot that makes 48 more horsepower than the outgoing 2.0L unit. Also standard are stronger Brembo brakes and an adaptive suspension. The range also comes with some new features, including a touchscreen interface for the climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a frameless rearview mirror, and a USB-C port for smart devices. There are some new paint colors to choose from, and the interior has received minor updates in terms of design. Lastly, rear-seat passengers will enjoy the peace of mind added by side impact airbags.

2024 Genesis G70 Price: Which One to Buy

While there are only two trim levels, the price of the 2024 Genesis G70 can vary depending on the features package you choose. The new 2.5T starts at $41,500 MSRP for the RWD model, while the 3.3T is a hefty step up to $49,950. Both can swap out their standard drivetrain for AWD, and it will cost $2,100. For the base model, there is a $4,200 Sport Prestige package, while it costs $4,400 for the 3.3T. These prices don't include the $1,195 freight charge.

With the new boost in power for the base model, there is no pressing need to upgrade to the 3.3T, though it is still the sportier option if you can afford it. In either case, the Sport Prestige package is a worthwhile upgrade as it adds heated and ventilated front seats, a wide sunroof, and a premium Lexicon sound system, and it still comes in cheaper than an equivalent German model.

Interior and Features

Genesis has reduced the number of physical controls this year, keeping up with the trend of fully digital interfaces.

There is a good mix of practical ergonomics and luxurious opulence inside the G70, with a sharply styled dashboard on which the central touchscreen is mounted. A set of rectangular air vents separates this from new digital climate controls. Very few physical buttons remain, though there are still some dials. Naturally, the materials used are excellent, and the updated styling is in keeping with modern trends, and there is enough high-end trim to earn the G70 a spot among the most luxurious models in the USA.

Space

Small sedans aren't always the most capacious, but the interior space of the Genesis G70 is quite good for the segment although it still falls victim to poor legroom in the second row. Taller adults won't be extremely comfortable in the back, since legroom is restrictive. On the plus side, the front seats are very supportive and keep you comfy and in place during spirited driving. These are power-adjustable and heated as standard, so it is really easy to get comfortable and find a confident driving position. While visibility is quite good, the slight slope to the roof creates some blind spots at the back, but the comprehensive driver-assistance suite more than makes up for this.

Cargo

If there is one area where the G70 falls far behind the competition, it would be cargo space, as there is just 10.5 cubic feet of room in the trunk, and folding down the rear seats in a 60/40 split doesn't do much to increase this. Pretty much every German rival offers more space, and you may need to plan carefully if you have a lot of stuff to haul.

There isn't much to be said for the small-item storage around the cabin, either, as the door pockets are not overly large, and the deep slope to the dash means the glove compartment is not very practical. The cup holders in the central console are par for the course, but the design of this area leaves only a little room for hte armrest cubby. Another set of cupholders is found in the fold-down middle seat in the back.

Materials and Colors

Genesis may be the luxury wing of Hyundai, but in its entry-level model, there is some parts sharing. That being said, more premium materials do a great job of hiding what few pieces of hard plastic can be found around the cabin. There is a focus on sustainability, with leatherette upholstery as standard, presented in Obsidian Black or Fog Gray with Black stitching and trim. Interior colors change slightly when you upgrade to the 3.3T or pick the Sport Prestige package. The Obsidian Black leather upholstery now has Red stitching, and the Fog Gray is paired with aluminum trim instead. More important is the addition of Obsidian Black/Sevilla Red upholstery as a really racey option. The Sport Prestige package for the 3.3T uses Nappa leather, instead.

Features and Infotainment

While the focus may be on luxury, Genesis still brings loads of Hyundai-esque value to the table, and even the base model is well-equipped. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver, smart cruise control, a proximity key, push-button start, an eight-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. This comes programmed with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth streaming, all paired with a six-speaker sound system. Upgrades include heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a wireless phone charger, a heated steering wheel, a Genesis Digital Key, a wide sunroof, a head-up display, and a 15-speaker Lexicon sound system.

Performance

Previously, the G70 struggled to live up to its status as a sports sedan, but the new 2.5L turbo-four gives it all the power it needs to compete.

There are two engine choices for the 2024 Genesis G70, with the new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder starting things off with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the G70 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a more impressive 5.8 seconds, which is very close to what the 3.3T achieves. This 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 365 hp and 376 lb-ft, and hits the 60 mph mark in just 5.2 seconds. Both powertrains come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and your choice of a rear- or all-wheel drivetrain. The Genesis sedan can hit a top speed of 160 mph.

Both powertrains are extremely capable, and power delivery always feels effortless as you put your foot down. There is no denying that the V6 feels and sounds better overall, but the new 2.5T is much closer in terms of performance, and the trade-off in fuel economy may be worth it. The G70 can match Mercedes and BMW power levels, and the now-standard Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension ensure that it keeps its composure through the bends. Combined with responsive steering, entertaining driving is guaranteed. Of course, the luxury sedan laughs at bumps and imperfections in the road, which are easily absorbed, and almost no sound makes its way into the cabin.

Fuel Efficiency

Gas mileage has historically been a weak point for the Genesis G70, and mpg figures don't look any better now that that base engine has received a bump in power. The 2.5L four-pot manages 21/29/24 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles when paired with RWD, while swapping to AWD drops this slightly to 20/28/23 mpg. As for the twin-turbo V6, it still ekes out 18/27/21 and 17/25/20 mpg, respectively. Fuel capacity remains unchanged at 15.8 gallons, meaning that maximum driving range starts at 316 miles and tops out at 380 miles.

Safety

Most luxury automakers expect you to take their word for it when it comes to safety, but the Genesis G70 has the stellar scores to back up the claim.

While the NHTSA has not performed a safety review on the Genesis G70, the IIHS has put it through a series of crash tests. The results are positive, with all tests scoring the top Good allocation.

One of the main reasons for these excellent scores is the extensive Hyundai-inspired safety suite. The basics are covered by ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, and a massive ten airbags. From there, every model gets forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit warning, driver-attention warning, and a rearview camera. Front and rear parking sensors are added for the 3.3T or with the Sport Prestige package, while the same package adds a surround-view and blind-spot monitor to the 3.3T.

Reliability

Looking at the reliability rating of the Genesis G70, it is easy to see its consumer-friendly roots in Hyundai. A solid 84 out of 100 from JD Power for quality and reliability places the G70 well above segment rivals, though this score is from 2023, and we can only hope the new base engine is just as dependable. But with no recalls since 2021, there really doesn't seem to be much Genesis can do wrong at this point. The automaker also offers a super warranty for the 2024 Genesis G70 that includes five years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and ten years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. A maintenance plan is also included for five years/36,000 miles.

Warranty

Design

The 2024 G70 is an undeniably attractive vehicle, but it isn't flashy like some rivals; instead, it's more elegant and suave. It doesn't need to shout about its looks because its beauty is far more than skin deep. You get a stylish front fascia with a diamond-shaped grille that overlaps with the air intake in the lower bumper. The LED headlights are split into two slim bars, a signature look for the brand - the lower one is topped by razor-thin daytime running lights, while the upper bar is similarly underlined. The roof slopes down slightly at the rear, leading to a power-operated trunk lid that is flanked by LED taillights, split into two bars just like the headlights. Each end of the rear bumper sports an oval-shaped exhaust outlet. No matter the trim, the car is outfitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, but their styles vary.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Genesis G70 A Good car?

Hyundai knows how to make a great car, and while it may have a focus on luxury, Genesis brings all the same attention to detail and value. The G70 may follow the general idea of the BMW 3 Series and Merc C-Class, but it seems to have improved the recipes these cars are based on, offering more convenience, better infotainment, and a more comprehensive safety suite. Still, it does come up short in some areas, such as rear passenger space, trunk capacity, and fuel economy, though many see these as acceptable sacrifices. Nobody could fault its driver engagement or power levels, especially with the upgraded base powertrain and improved suspension and brakes. Tabulated, these pros and cons definitely seem to lean in favor of the Genesis G70, especially if you take into account it's more attractive pricing when compared to the traditional German road royalty. If you don't give it a very close look when buying a new luxury car, you aren't shopping as smartly as you could be.