G70

Make
Genesis
Segment
Sedan

It's almost impossible not to like the Genesis G70, even if you're a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 owner. Almost out of nowhere, Genesis managed to reset the benchmark for the luxury compact sports sedan with its first attempt. Respect. Of course, both BMW and Audi have since responded but there's no doubt Genesis is on a roll here.

And one of the best things about the G70 is the fact that it's available with a six-speed manual transmission with the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's rated at 252 horsepower. Although we don't have official manual take rate figures, a fair amount of buyers still opt for the optional eight-speed automatic. Could this mean the manual is on its way out? Nope, at least not for the 2021 model year.

According to the EPA, the 2021 Genesis G70 will keep the six-speed, as well as the turbo 2.0. There were some rumors the 2021 G70 would be receiving the 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 hp found in the all-new Genesis GV80, but apparently that won't be the case. The G70's base engine may lack the refinement and additional power found in the optional twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 with 365 hp, but the fact it can be paired with the manual helps make up for that. The V6 is automatic-only.

Although it's still a bit premature to know all details for the 2021 G70, the EPA has not yet announced fuel economy figures for the V6.

Why could this be relevant? Because it's possible Genesis may swap out the 3.3-liter V6 in favor of the GV80's optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 ponies. Remember, Genesis needs to remain on top of what the competition is doing so an engine upgrade is entirely possible. But we're just happy the six-speed manual is staying put, at least for now. Every year, more vehicles are losing the manual gearbox option so let's hope the Genesis G70 won't become a future addition to that list.