Genesis GV70: Car and Driver 2025 10 Best Trucks

Jonathon Ramsey

Tue, December 3, 2024

The biblical book of Genesis is usually broached when discussing beginnings—you know, light and dark, land and sea, cattle and cuttlefish in seven days or so. But this opening chapter covers a mighty span, extending to Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and his menagerie, the tower ofBabel, Abraham and Sarah and Isaac, and the 12 tribes of Israel.

 That's a surprisingly meaty opening act, a slow burn from formlessness to a cast of star players subtly resetting the landscape. Turns out the Genesis brand has mimicked that story arc. It started with the Hyundai Concept Genesis in 2003; it culminates in today's lineup of seriously impressive sedans and SUVs.

The range now includes the brand's first three-time 10-Best winner, the GV70, a compact luxury SUV. (The G70 sports sedan won in 2019, the GV80 in 2020.) Checking it out from any angle, especially the driver's seat, reveals why.

Not long ago, many feared fuel-economy restrictions and EV efficiency would turn cars into super-smooth lozenges. That hasn't happened.Yet, while there are no ugly ducklings among a competitive set that includes the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60, none of them come close to the GV70's panache.

The rakish shape that aces the eye test comes with two minor compromises. The sloped roof shaves some rear headroom and cargo room. And because designers didn't make noticeable aero concessions for the Electrified GV70, not even downsizing it from 20-inch wheels, the EV's EPA-estimated range comes in at 236 miles. That's about 40 miles below claimed EPA range for theAudi SQ6 e-tron and 50 miles below that of the Porsche Macan 4S Electric.

The rewards are more elegance, refined detailing inside, and a bouquet of tech, for prices thousands less than equivalently equipped competition. Even the entry-level model comes with contrasting cross-stitching and piping, a 14.5-inch infotainment display, a full slate of driver-assistance systems, and intricate wheels that don't scream "base trim." All this starts under $48,000. Our pick of the lineup, the 2.5T Advanced trim, adds enough luxuries to elevate every aspect of the experience and still rings in under $54,000. Climb further up the ladder, and the GV70 gets down right indulgent.

We're fans of every powertrain too. The 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder whisks the GV70 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Thet win-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 adds 75 horses and abbreviates the sprint to 4.6 seconds. Both engines are exceptionally polished. The Electrified GV70 maxes out both power and poise, its dual motors delivering 483 horsepower, a 3.8-second blast to 60 mph, and exceptional quiet. Each variant offers crisp dynamics, although they're tuned for excellent comfort as opposed to ultimate handling.The 3.5-liter gives fan service to enthusiasts, with its standard adaptive dampers and launch-control programming and an optional limited-slip rear differential.

Checking the boxes for great looks, room for four adults, a healthy feature set, sparkling powertrains, splendid luxury, and remarkable value, the GV70 made an easy first-ballot case for 10-Best inclusion. And we have a feeling this chapter of Genesis is still just getting started.