Genesis GV70: Making Some Noise
Genesis GV70 Front View
Being the new kid on the block is never easy. This is especially true when it comes to the automotive industry, as established brands usually attract the bulk of the market even though plenty of great vehicles exist from lesser known brands. Genesis is that new player in the market, having only been around since 2017 and only until recently have been able to offer buyers a full lineup of sedans and SUVs. For those who are unfamiliar with the brand, Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury division, similar as to how Lexus is Toyota’s luxury marque. For years Hyundai has been toying with the idea of one day rivaling the world’s finest high end brands and launched the very well made Hyundai Genesis sedan in 2009. The sedan won numerous awards and played a key role in helping Hyundai themselves elevate their own image. Eventually management signed off on Hyundai’s first luxury division and Genesis was born as a stand-alone brand. Genesis may not automatically come to mind when people are shopping for luxury, but their vehicles are on par and in many cases better than what is offered from Europe, America or Japan.
One look at the Genesis GV70 and you can tell that this vehicle is something different, it’s not a copy of anything else nor is it tying to be. Genesis has carved out its own distinctive design. Up front it features a large bold crest shape grille and the brands signature super thin two lined quad lamps. The side profile is unique with an athletic look and a sloping roof line. The vehicle has a strong character line that runs the side of the vehicle from the top of the front fenders and it gradually dips to where the side of the vehicle meets the tail lights. It also features an elegant yet unconventional curved window that sits between the C and D pillars. Out back the GV70 looks sporty and classy at the same time. The thin two lined quad tail lights and Genesis script badging complete the look of the rear. Overall, the design just works and helps the GV70 stand out in the sea of SUV’s and crossovers that are available to the buying public.
The interior is also very well appointed with pleasant to touch materials and good fit and finish. It feels like luxury on the inside and I absolutely loved the navy blue (Ultramarine Blue) and red trimmed interior that was equipped in my tester. A 14.5-inch infotainment screen sits atop of the dash and the controls are easy to use thanks to the large circular knob in the center console. This knob can control a large variety of functions. Physical buttons are also present, which I find handy. The shift knob is also located in the center console and allows drivers to rotate the knob in order to get the car to shift into gear. At first this shift knob feels awkward but you quickly get used to it and it really is quite nice. The diamond quilted seats were both supportive and comfortable and can be adjusted so drivers of all shapes and sizes can fit comfortably. The red stitched steering wheel feels extremely luxurious and sporty and it can also be adjusted for optimal comfort. Rear seating is comfortable and roomy and Genesis made sure to give rear passengers the same attention to detail as those in the front. From the inside the GV70 is the real deal with a high level of quality, clever detailing and loads of technology.
The GV70 that I drove was the 3.5T version and it was phenomenal. The 3.5T is a turbo V-6 that produces a strong 375 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque. The base engine is a 2.5 liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder which is also quite powerful, producing a healthy 300 HP and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T is very quick and responsive. Once you press your foot on the gas, there is a flood of power and the engine sounds great. Every GV70 comes with All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment and a large array of safety features are available to help keep the driver alert and all occupants safe. The GV70 feels poised on the road and handles bumps with ease. It’s so dynamic and athletic on the road that it feels like I’m behind the wheel of a sport sedan. Turns are quick and the steering is very responsive. A quick flip of a switch to Sport mode seems to turn this fine SUV up a notch or two. Immediately the engine sounds throatier and the suspension stiffens up. Only when I look in the rear view mirror and see the cargo area behind me, that I remember I’m in an SUV. The GV70 was an absolute pleasure to drive and it put a smile on my face every time I pressed the accelerator.
Genesis logo
The GV70 is a value leader and your money will go a long way with all the features that are stuffed into this vehicle. Pricing starts at $57,500 for the base 2.5T and tops out at $65,500 for the 2.5T Prestige. The 3.5T starts at $70,500 and tops out at $77,500. These prices tend to undercut many of the GV70’s competitors and when you start pricing out its main rivals you start to realize that the GV70 is a bargain.
Once I returned the keys, all I could think about was how amazing the drive was. That lasting impression is exactly what you want to feel when driving a luxury vehicle and that desire to get back behind the wheel again and again is a feeling that’s priceless. The Genesis GV70 is an impressive vehicle that combines all the best driving attributes of a sport sedan, with the utility of an SUV, wrapped in a distinctive and unique package. The design is executed well and is loaded with all the luxurious bells and whistles one would expect from a high end vehicle. Despite being a relatively new player, Genesis is producing great vehicles and is in position to steal sales from the established luxury makers. Like any new kid on the block, one way to stand out is to make noise and that is precisely what Genesis is doing with the GV70. People like to play it safe, buying up German and Japanese luxury cars based on the badge and name, but an effort like this is bound to give the Genesis brand attention. Genesis can clearly play with the big boys and it’s about time more people consider buying a high end vehicle from South Korea’s Genesis.
A special thanks to the kind staff at Open Road Genesis Richmond for the vehicle.
