IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The GV70 comes out of the gate with attractive styling inside and out, a lavishly appointed cabin on top-line models, and a nicely balanced driving character—all at more-affordable prices than its European-brand rivals.
BUT…
Fuel economy with either engine isn’t outstanding, and there are no hybrid versions available.
WORTH NOTING:
Though it comes only with all-wheel drive (at least for now), the GV70 is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform that offers crisp, sporty handling.
WHAT IS IT?
The GV70 is a new-for-2022 two-row, 5-passenger compact crossover SUV from Genesis, the luxury division of South Korean automaker Hyundai. It slots in beneath the midsize GV80 (which debuted for 2021) in Genesis’s fledgling SUV lineup. The GV70 shares both its powertrains with its larger sibling—2.5T models are powered by a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, and 3.5T models get a 375-hp turbo 3.5 V6. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 2.5T models come in Standard, Select, Advanced, and Sport Prestige trim levels, while the 3.5T levels are offered in Standard, Sport Advanced, and Sport Prestige.
Standard on all GV70s is a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.0-inch gauge display. Also available are a head-up display and a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display that uses infrared cameras to track eye movement and project information with a 3-D effect. A unique dashboard-mounted fingerprint reader allows drivers to activate the vehicle and start the engine without a key fob. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and full-speed adaptive cruise control. Available features include rear automatic braking, rear-seat occupant alert, camera-based blind-spot monitors, and emergency evasive steering.
WHAT’S NEW?
The GV70 is a new vehicle for 2022.
FUEL ECONOMY
The 4-cylinder GV70 is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city/28 highway with rear-wheel drive and 19/26 with all-wheel drive. The V6 GV70 is rated at 19/25 with AWD. Premium fuel is recommended on all.
VALUE IN CLASS
The GV70 is only the second SUV from Genesis, but it’s evidence that this upstart luxury brand is learning quickly. Since it inherits its strong engines from its larger sibling, the GV70’s acceleration is more than satisfying, and its interior is dazzling in terms of both design and materials. The rear-seat space isn’t great, and the ride/handling composure might be a step shy of the best European rivals, but once you factor in the level of luxury and performance the GV70 delivers for the money, it comes off as a bargain.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $41,000 – $52,600 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Wagon |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 300-HP, Turbo 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl.; 375-HP, Turbo 3.5-Liter V6 |
| DRIVE WHEELS | All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | South Korea |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 19-28 MPG |
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