LOOKS

I’ll start on the inside, as the interior design of the GV70 is among the most high-end and visually stunning I’ve seen in a vehicle in years. A swooping dashboard design combined with bright red accents and black seating with red stitching immediately catches your eye and makes it stand out a little brighter in a segment where all vehicles have to shine. 

The design is also well-designed in terms of giving the driver easy access to all controls; nothing is a chore to reach or control if you want to do it the traditional way and skip the voice commands.

The leather seating surfaces are attractive and comfortable, and you’ll be drawn to the unique touches such as leatherette door panel inserts. Comfort features include heated front seats and heated steering wheel.

In terms of spaciousness, the GV70 features adequate head and leg room in the front seats, but the rear can be a bit snug.

Moving to the exterior, the GV70 maintains Genesis’ signature look, including a massive all-encompassing front grille and a unique lighting setup. 

The GV70 also features 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and power-folding heated outside mirrors. The GV70’s wheel design is bold and eye-catching and it delivers a sharp silhouette and side lines. Overall, a truly strong vehicle design.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

“Wow!” 

That’s what you’ll be saying when you first take off in the GV70, which is a vehicle you will look forward to getting into every day.

The powertrain on my test ride was a 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo engine offering 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but paddle shifters are included.  All-wheel drive is standard on the GV70.

If you don’t opt for this engine, you will get the base offiering; a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, offering a respectable 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. Either way, you have a capable pony to ride.

With these numbers, it’s not surprising that 0-to-60 speed was quick at under 5 seconds. The vehicle is pure power and acceleration, braking is instant, handling is responsive, and it just sounds great — all while maintaining a smooth composure. This is the type of experience that used to be offered only by the German competition, but the competitive landscape has definitely changed.

Drive modes are offered and adjusting is easy — from Eco mode to Comfort, to Sport, Sport+, or Comfort, depending on your needs and driving situation.

The biggest compliment I can give the GV70 is to say that it doesn’t feel like you’re driving an SUV at all. It’s more of a car feel in how it operates.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

As great as the driving experience is in the GV70, the innovative technology it features helps put it in the top levels of its vehicle class.

The GV70’s infotainment system — centered on a massive 14.5-inch HD touchscreen — offers the best tech experience I’ve enjoyed in a new vehicle in a long time. The system looks stunning and works like a charm — with the user-friendliness of the system unmatched by its rivals.

The rectangular screen can hold tons of information. And It can be controlled by voice, by touch or by the center console and steering wheel controls, which are very easy to operate. Other luxury brands should take a lesson from what Genesis has done here. No twitchy touchpads and other systems that often disappoint can be found here.

The multi-view rear camera, including parking guidelines,  is extra clear and helpful, and another strong tech / safety feature on the GV70.

Other tech features include a hands-free Smart Trunk, Dual Automatic Temperature Control, USB ports, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Tons of great safety features are also included on the GV70.

Most impressively, the car can essentially drive itself over long periods of time, with the simple click of a button on the steering wheel. But the driver still has to keep their hands on the wheel for the system to continue working.  I even tested it on a curvy road and the GV70 took turns very well with the automatic driving setup in use.

Other safety highlights include: 8 airbags, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning and rain-sensing wipers. There’s also a rear occupant alert to remind you to check the back seat.

MPG

Official fuel mileage numbers on the GV70 I tested with the more powerful engine are 19 city/25 highway/21 combined. But in real world testing, I averaged 17.5 mpg in the vehicle.

Going with the base engine gets you officially 22 city/28 highway.

These numbers are not as impressive as what you’ll find in some rival compact luxury crossovers, but the ride quality will also be less impressive in many competitors. So you have to choose what matters most. If you want power and performance, you may be willing to live with a few less mpg.

PRICE

As well as the GV70 competes with its rivals, you would think it’s one of the more expensive options. But you’d be wrong.

One other way Genesis has made a big splash is by undercutting its rivals in overall vehicle cost, often by many thousands of dollars.

Even the most loaded GV70 will compare favorably to most of its rivals in the compact luxury SUV space, and since money talks this may help seal the deal for potential customers considering a Genesis and its rivals (which include the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60).

Warranties are also strong, including:
— 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty
— 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
— 7-year/Unlimited-mile Anti-perforation Warranty
— 3 Yr / 36K Complimentary Maintenance 

BOTTOM LINE

Genesis has hit another home run, perhaps even a grand slam, with the 2022 GV70.

WIth a beautiful presentation and performance capability, this is one of the most complete vehicles I have tested this year, and worth a test drive for anyone shopping for luxury vehicles.  

This debut vehicle makes an immediate impact on the segment; and competitors should beware if Genesis keeps up this level of consistency. it’s a legitimate contender on the level of the legacy luxury brands it battles, even the segment’s top-selling German offerings.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.