2026 Genesis GV70 review: All the right moves

This insanely good luxury crossover is out for vengeance

2026 Genesis GV70 review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

A decade ago, the idea that Hyundai would build some of the best luxury SUVs would have sounded laughable. In reality, it took barely half that time for them to achieve miracles, with the launches of the GV80 and then GV70 proving just what South Korea was capable of. Stealing the dynamic handling masterminds behind BMW M’s greatest hits was a strong start, but the whole package is what completes the story. While other luxury brands have fixated on digital gimmicks, Genesis prioritizes old-fashioned quality paired with genuinely superlative chassis dynamics.

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The color scheme is obviously optional, but the flash and show of intent upon opening the door and finding the beautifully quilted blue leather with orange contrasting stitching is undeniable. It’s a cue perhaps stolen from McLaren or Aston Martin, but it presents itself remarkably well here. The orange seatbelts might be a tad too much, but what really impresses is the sheer quality of the leather itself. Every material leaves a lasting impression, from the metal switches throughout that feel like items curated by Swarovski.

Seats are comfortable front and back and easily accommodated friends on a drive up to South Lake Tahoe without complaint. More than that, the driving position is rock solid and simply feels right from the angle and positioning of the wheel and pedals, and the height can be set to my perfect preference low down in the chassis. I even like the enormous one-piece display that does instrument duties as well as navigation and entertainment. It's integrated tastefully, looking thoroughly modern and advanced yet while remaining classically simple because of the lack of breaks and not appearing overdone.

The interior is gorgeous not just in how it looks but in how it feels to both driver and passengers, and that’s before even mentioning the exterior — which somehow looks more English than a Bentley Bentayga, and that’s a sincere compliment. It’s a stunner inside and out, free of the reeking vulgarity that has infected so many BMWs and Mercedes over the past five years.

Yet the real shining point is how the GV70 goes and steers. There was a time when a BMW X5 and X3 first debuted and stunned the world by revealing that an SUV did not have to drive like a Chevy Suburban. By creating a platform based on their best driving 3 and 5-series sport sedans, they revolutionized the industry. Porsche also revealed the hideous but exemplary driving Cayenne at a similar time. The GV70 carries those early trendsetters and dynamic leaders in spirit, with a focus on driver satisfaction that successfully raises it above Japanese contemporaries and even modern BMWs.

I dislike cars that can be steered with just a solitary finger, and for that, the GV70 represents the antidote with its weighted and assured steering. Precision is also a key point, and with its willing chassis and suspension underneath, you can drive this SUV with a vigor that others simply cannot. Even as you push things further, the confidence grows as the GV70 does not fold beneath you and instead enjoys the stretch.

AWD delivers awesome traction with zero torque steer, and grip is immense enough to give even novice Porsche coupe owners a scare. What’s remarkable is how sweetly balanced it feels — eager to change direction with composure — yet it still rides well. It’s a little choppy at low speeds, no doubt hampered by the thin rubber-band tires on the 21-inch wheels, but once at speed, the Genesis shrugs off bumps and refuses to let them upset its poise in the bends.

And while many luxury SUVs and crossovers have migrated to fuel-saving, but groaning four-bangers, the GV70 still offers a powerful and gutsy 3.5L twin-turbo V6. It's smooth all the time and sounds great, and a commendable eight-speed automatic allows manual control with the decent paddle shifters behind the wheel. It's an exciting engine to explore and use.

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Despite the above adoration for a powerful V6 engine in an age of fours, this GV70 is not entirely fuel efficient, drinking gas to the tune of 21 MPG in what can only be described as modest and tame driving. This isn't even that big or heavy of a vehicle, and this thirst disappoints in that regard.

I also found the entertainment system less than desirable in operation. While the screen itself is gorgeous to look at and basic operations are simple enough, the huge and long menus can overwhelm and make it difficult to find what you're looking for. Swiping between the many home pages can also be finicky, sometimes just not swiping at all.

Prices are rising thoroughly, too. Where the Genesis GV70 debuted as a relative bargain, this top-tier version costs a whopping $72,225. That may be less than a comparable German rival when equipped to similar levels, but it’s still a lot of money and no longer quite the value play a Genesis once was.

A superb compact luxury SUV for those who like driving

There’s so much to like about the Genesis GV70, from its achingly good looks to its sumptuous, lavish cabin. The real treat is how well the damn thing drives — it’s built to get you wherever you’re going in style and cozy comfort, while being a genuine delight to push. Climbing the winding Highway 50 to Lake Tahoe only further solidified how brilliantly it executes its mission. Yes, it’s expensive — this super-equipped Sport Prestige overlaps the entry prices of a bare-bones BMW X3 M50 and Porsche Macan — but its combination of superb luxury and handling makes it a true show-stopping stunner.

Don't want the V6? A turbocharged four-cylinder is also offered for far less dough and has the same brilliant handling and feel. Gas mileage of course improves, but you will lose the fun punch and silken sound of the V6.

2026 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige basic specifications:

• Engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6

• Horsepower: 375 @ 5,800 rpm

• Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 1,300–4,500 rpm

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

• Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

• Fuel Economy: EPA 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway

• Real world economy: 21 MPG as-tested

• Fuel Type: Premium unleaded gasoline

• Curb Weight: About 4,750 lbs

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

• Cargo Capacity: 29 cubic feet (rear seats up); 57 cubic feet (rear seats folded)

• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (with trailer brakes)

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 186 inches

  • Width (without mirrors): 75 inches

  • Height: 64 inches

  • Wheelbase: 113 inches

  • Ground Clearance: 7 inches

• Turning Circle: 38 feet

• Infotainment: 14.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Audio System: Lexicon® premium audio system

• Interior Features: Heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats

• Exterior Features: 21-inch wheels; LED headlights and taillights

• Safety Features: Forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control

• Warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty

• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty (original owner)

• Price as-tested: $72,225

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