2021 Genesis G70

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 2021 Genesis G70 shuffles some equipment, but is essentially unchanged. 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.