2024 Genesis GV70 Review: All The Right Moves

The luxury market has been dominated by key names for many years, mostly from Germany, but there are finally ripples in the water as new sharks rise to fight for dominance. The 2024 Genesis GV70 is one of many sharp teeth in the maw of the new premium brand's lineup, and it is more than happy to sink into other compact crossovers like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The Korean automaker has managed to build up a strong reputation for quality even if it doesn't have the recognition of these European giants, and it has more than enough power to take them on, too, with up to 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo V6. It definitely seems to have what it takes to beat the best, but it may still take some time before consumers sit up and notice it.

New for 2024

The new Genesis GV70 SUV is largely the same as it was, with a few minor changes to each model in the range. The 2.5T gets new 19-inch wheel styles and upgraded brakes, while the 2.5T Sport Prestige package gets ventilated front seats, manual rear-door window shades, and an upgraded Lexicon sound system. Moving up to the 3.5T, all models now get improved forward collision avoidance tech, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and in-car Wi-Fi. The Sport Advanced package gets a little extra with restyled 21-inch wheels.

2024 Genesis GV70 Price: Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 Genesis GV70 starts at $44,900 for the base 2.5T in standard sub-trim, but it can go as high as $56,800, depending on which packages you add. Similarly, the 3.5T has a starting MSRP of $57,500, but it will cost you $67,100 with the Sport Prestige package. These price tags don't account for the $1,195 destination charge.

Seeing as this a premium SUV meant to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, even the entry-level 2.5T is a good deal. It is arguably the best value, but most consumers looking for a premium car will want a little something extra to see it stand out. The Select package does a good job of upgrading the seating and improving the sound of the vehicle. You could opt for the 3.5T if you want a little more fun, but it's not as competent as the competition from BMW.

Interior and Features

Hyundai knows how to build a quality cabin, but Genesis knows how to adorn it well, and the GV70 has the best of both worlds.

The interior of the GV70 is quite unlike anything else, with a broad touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard, well above the hooded digital gauge cluster. There are still a few physical controls, incorporated into a panel that extends from the steering wheel. All the surfaces are coated in soft, upscale materials, and there is a good amount of space on offer, though the rear seats could be more accommodating. Naturally, at this price point, comfort is without question, and the cabin simply oozes style. Of course, loads of features are included, and the ease with which they are engaged is paramount for a car that emphasizes luxury.

Space

While it may be a five-seater, the GV70 is not as spacious as one might hope. Its compact dimensions mean that room in the second row is, unfortunately, somewhat limited. The average adult should be comfortable enough, but taller folks may start to complain if the ride goes on too long. There is nothing to complain about in the front, though, with plenty of head- and legroom, as well as loads of elbow room to stretch out. Power-adjustable front seats come standard, so it is easy to find a comfortable driving position, but overall visibility could be better since the rear window is small and slopes rather sharply. On the plus side, getting inside is really easy with the large, wide-opening doors.

Cargo

Crossovers have to be practical to be competitive, so the 28.9 cubic feet is a good sign. It's better than European rivals offer, at least. Of course, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split to free up 56.9 cu-ft. Oddly enough, that's actually less than the competition. Still, you should have more than enough room for most daily needs. Around the cabin, there are the expected cupholders in each row of seats and a pocket in every door. The glove box is illuminated, and there is ample storage area under the central armrest.

Materials and Colors

Even a thorough investigation of the interior space won't turn up any materials that are cheap or unseemly. Leatherette is standard for the 2.5T, with colors including Obsidian Black and Vanilla Beige. The $6,000 Advanced package upgrades to leather upholstery and unlocks additional interior color schemes. These include Velvet Burgundy, Havana Brown, and Pine Grove Green. At the top of the range is the Sport Prestige package, which swaps out some of these mid-tier themes for Sevilla Red and Ultramarine. These are both standard inside the 3.5T, though they can be upgraded to quilted Nappa leather if you tick the box for the Sport Advanced package, with the Sport Prestige package adding suede inserts.

The trim is aluminum in every model, and it can be paired with leatherette on the dash and door panels at extra cost. Similarly, the 3.5T can be had with carbon fiber and a microfiber headliner, but a leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard in every model.

Features and Infotainment

The brand is all about giving clients value for money, and that philosophy is epitomized in its luxurious Genesis products. As such, the base-level 2.5T comes equipped with a respectable list that includes keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, a 12-way driver and an eight-way passenger seat, with both being heated as standard. For the 3.5T, the front seats are ventilated, too, and it gets a panoramic sunroof. Infotainment is controlled via a 14.5-inch touchscreen display that offers access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and onboard Wi-Fi. Nine speakers are standard, but they can be upgraded to an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system. With the many packages on offer, you can also get a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a Digital Key, a wireless charger, a 12.3-inch 3D, and a head-up display.

Performance

The GV70 never feels underpowered, with a punchy base four-cylinder engine and an almost sporty turbo V6.

The Genesis GV70 comes with one of two engines. As the name suggests, the 2.5T is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, there is a 3.5-liter turbo V6 that makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both blocks are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to an all-wheel drivetrain. While the 0-60 mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds with the 2.5T or 4.9 seconds with the 3.5T, the top speed is always set at 149 mph.

Both power plants are more than capable of motivating the SUV with ease, but the 3.5T is truly a pleasure to pilot. Overtaking is extremely easy, with the gearbox happily shifting down to give you what you need on demand, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode. Still, the steering is a bit too light to be truly engaging, showing that Genesis favors comfort a little more than performance, which isn't too uncommon in this segment. This can be counteracted by equipping the Sport Prestige package with its limited-slip rear differential and torque vectoring, though.

Fuel Efficiency

Powerful luxury cars seldom get great gas mileage, but the Genesis GV70's mpg figures are actually quite good. The entry-level 2.5L four-pot gets 22/28/24 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, while the 3.5L V6 only manages 18/24/20 mpg.

Fuel tank capacity in both models comes in at 17.4 gallons, which means you can travel between 348 and 418 miles, depending on the powertrain.

Safety

You won't find a less-than-perfect safety review of the GV70, and it easily won a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2023.

It comes as no surprise that the Genesis GV70 achieves safety ratings similar to those of its Hyundai cousins. The NHTSA hasn't conducted a comprehensive review with only partial results for 2024, but the authority gave it five stars in 2023. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023, and 2024 models scored Good in every category.

Standard safety features include eight airbags, ABS, EBD, and stability and traction control. More advanced tech comprises a rearview camera, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, rear parking sensors, and driver attention warning. These can be enhanced with front parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, front parking sensors, reverse collision avoidance, and a surround-view camera.

Reliability

The reliability of the Genesis GV70 is without question, as shown by the 84 out of 100 it scored in JD Power's consumer survey. It also hasn't been subject to any recalls this year, though there was one in 2023 for the risk that seat belt pretensioners may explode. This was a carryover issue from 2022.

Genesis covers the 2024 GV70 with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a ten-year/100,000 drivetrain warranty. You also get five years of unlimited roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of maintenance.

Warranty

Design

Genesis has quickly adopted a very distinctive styling that incorporates a massive shield-shaped diamond grille sitting atop a broad lower bumper with air intakes at the edges. Where slanted headlights are all the rage, Genesis has opted for almost flat horizontal LED clusters, but they do have a certain flair thanks to their bisected styling. This is mirrored by the LED taillights that run from the rounded rear end halfway across the power-operated tailgate. A panoramic sunroof is available as part of the packages or standard on the 3.5T, and the regular 18-inch alloys can be upgraded to 21-inch variants on the sportier trims. They also get revised bumpers and restyled exhaust tips.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Genesis GV70 A Good SUV?

There are far too many compact crossovers on the market right now, and many of them are luxury models, so competition is extremely fierce. Newcomers like Genesis have struggled to carve out a niche for themselves, but the 2024 GV70 has proven itself up to the challenge. This is largely because the automaker did its research and took all the best of what Hyundai has to offer and blended it with what BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have perfected over the years. It looks good, feels great, and boasts excellent safety and reliability expectations. The Genesis GV70 is quickly rising to the top, and it certainly deserves to be there.