2020 Genesis G70

The G70 is a slick freeway cruiser as well as an around-town hustler. Even in our test car's Dynamic Edition trim, the first thing you don't notice is noise. Piloting around town is a quiet affair and on a nicely cushioned suspension setup. Sitting in the cabin in traffic is no hardship either with a punchy sound system and comfortable seats.

Punching the drive mode button to find the sport setting changes things up dramatically. That already potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine sharpens up, and the suspension settings change to add even more cut to the thrust. Plenty of grip from an agile, well-balanced chassis featuring neutral handling makes the G90 a lively but easy car to have fun with. Even without the adaptive dampers, there's a level of ability and enthusiasm to the G90 that rivals an equivalent BMW.

When the term 'value for money' is used, it often implies taking less of a product for less money. However, the G70 stands on its own as a great car. We wish the infotainment were the quality of the G70's rivals, and rear occupants would have an inch or two extra legroom, but as a package, we would absolutely cross-shop the Genesis G70 sedan with a BMW 3 Series. For the same money you could spend on a BMW 3 Series, the G70 can offer more of a driving thrill and the same level of luxury and ride comfort.

The mechanical similarities between these cars are numerous. Both are offered with the same 2.0-liter and 3.3-liter forced-induction motors, and mpg figures are also closely matched, but the difference in dimensions is clear to spot. The Stinger is the larger car, measuring over five inches longer and riding on a 114.4-inch wheelbase as opposed to the G70's 111.6-inch wheelbase. The G70 offers more standard features such as frontal collision avoidance and a more extended corrosion warranty, but the Stinger is visibly a more sporty looking car. Making a choice between the two will boil down to styling preference, although on GT trims, the Stinger evolves to be a more enjoyable drive despite its size.

The G80 is the mid-sized executive sedan offering from Genesis, slotting in above the G70 and below the full-sized G90. Whereas the G70 is available with the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, the G80 in base trim opts for a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 311 hp and 293 lb-ft of torque. The G80 is also available with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 383 lb-ft, while the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged engine from the G70 also features. A heavier curb weight and large capacity naturally aspirated engines mean the G80 is heavier on gas but shares the G70's figures when specced with the 3.3-liter engine. The G80 is a larger car in every way inside and out, offering superior legroom and headroom, but the G70's interior build quality, comfort levels, and features list feel on par. The G70's smaller platform mated to the powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged motor gives it the sporting edge, but for outright comfort, the G80 takes the cake. A price gap of over $11,000 might sway some to get the smaller G70 with added options, and we can't say we'd fault them.