Pros: Exhilarating performance, especially with V6 engine; classy cabin trimmings; available manual transmission
Cons: Cramped rear seat; stingy front-door apertures; lacks established brand prestige of class competitors
CG Says: The 2020 Genesis G70 has few changes. Uprated brakes are available with the 2.0T Sport package and a power trunk closer is part of the 3.3T Prestige package. Hyundai’s recently launched luxury division introduced a new premium compact sport sedan for the 2019 model year. The Genesis G70 joined the G80 and G90 premium large sedans in Genesis’s model lineup; it competes with cars such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Lexus IS. Two turbocharged engines are available: a 252-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 365-hp 3.3-liter V6. Both powerplants can be had with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is optional on rear-wheel-drive cars with the 2.0-liter engine; otherwise, all G70s have an 8-speed automatic. Available safety features include blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The G70 is easily the most performance-oriented car yet from the fledgling Genesis brand, and it stacks up remarkably well to established sport-sedan rivals. It offers athletic moves and invigorating acceleration with the V6 engine, along with a wonderfully executed cabin that perfectly blends sportiness and luxury. The downsides are fairly typical for the class—a cramped rear seat, and so-so fuel economy with the “hot” engine. Genesis still has a way to go before the brand has the same recognition as its established rivals, but vehicles like the G70 will help it get there.
Class | Premium Compact Car |
Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Genesis |
Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
Base Prices | 2.0T automatic: $36,445 2.0T manual: $39,495 AWD 2.0T: $38,445 3.3T: $45,645 AWD 3.3T: $47,645 |
Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (2.0T) |
Horsepower 252 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission 6-speed manual |
EPA City Range (mpg) 18-22 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28-30 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 |
Horsepower 365 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-26 |