2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Evaluation: Refined Efficiency And Luxurious

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Evaluation: Refined Efficiency And Luxurious


Few automotive manufacturers have matured as quickly as Genesis. Evolving from a single mannequin, the marque’s roots hint again to the Hyundai Genesis sedan of 2008. Eighteen years later, the corporate is a standalone model with six fashions, two of which have sub-models. In the meantime, Chrysler, considered one of America’s oldest legacy manufacturers, is fielding however three.Much more outstanding, the corporate launched its first devoted dealership in 2021. In the meantime, its merchandise are virtually universally lauded. Which is totally the case for the topic of this evaluate, the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD. The compact luxurious crossover SUV’s base value is $70,095, its value as examined got here in at $72,225.

Abstract

  • The 2026 Genesis GV70 returns with refreshed, extra aggressive styling.
  • The three.5T V6 yields refined, 375 hp efficiency and 0-60 in 5 seconds.
  • Improved steering and the adaptive suspension system improve dealing with.
  • Status-level inside, tech and options beat Porsche on worth; however Mercedes provides hybrid gasoline financial system and stronger resale.

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Base Trim Engine

2.5L I-4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automated

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

300 HP @5800 RPM

Base Trim Torque

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 RPM

Base Trim Gasoline Economic system (metropolis/freeway/mixed)

22/28/24 MPG

Base Trim Battery Kind

Lead acid battery

Make

Genesis

Mannequin

GV70



To be able to offer you an trustworthy and unbiased evaluate, the automobile reviewed on this article was pushed every day all through the course of every day life for a interval of 1 week. For detailed perception into testing procedures and information assortment, please evaluate our methodology coverage.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status First Impressions

One of many key causes for the meteoric rise of Genesis was the hiring of former Bentley design director Luc Donckerwolke. The corporate additionally lured SangYup Lee away from Bentley, the place he served as director of exterior design. Their “Athletic Magnificence” styling language elevated Genesis into the ranks of excessive desirability seemingly in a single day. Take the GV70, for instance. The look of the crossover is without delay evocative of luxurious and efficiency.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Right Profile on road
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD facet shot
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

The tautness of its curved strains, suggesting movement even when the GV70 is at relaxation, provides the Genesis an aura of unreleased stress. It’s as if the GV70 is able to spring into movement at any second.Whereas the fundamental strains of the compact SUV have remained unchanged because it was launched in 2021, a revised headlight and grille remedy have refreshed its search for the 2026 mannequin 12 months. These updates are complemented by new wheel designs, revised air intakes, and a renewed taillight remedy. Taken altogether, they offer the GV70 a extra aggressive look with out compromising its aura of sophistication.

Exterior Dimensions

Size

185.6 Inches

Width

75.2 Inches

Top

64.2 Inches

Wheelbase

113.2 Inches

Entrance Monitor

64.9 Inches

Rear Monitor

65.6 Inches

Curb Weight

4,453 Kilos

Driving Impressions And Efficiency

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Engine
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD Engine
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

The GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD, with which I spent per week of high quality time, was powered by the corporate’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. Happiest when fed a gradual stream of premium gasoline, the engine is rated to provide 375 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque at 1,300 rpm. The all-wheel drive powertrain is accomplished by an eight-speed automated transmission.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Front On Road
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD entrance shot
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

With almost 400 pound-feet of torque coming on-line so low within the rev vary, the GV70 felt satisfyingly fast off the road. Chronicling the elapse of 5 seconds between the second I nailed the throttle and the second the GV70’s digital speedometer eclipsed the 60-mph mark, my Omega Speedmaster substantiated what the seat of my pants had already advised me. Equally spectacular was the smoothness of the engine because it steadily made energy. Refinement is the phrase I’m on the lookout for right here.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Right Front 3.25 On Road
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

Underway, I observed the steering was a bit extra responsive than it had been on the GV70 I drove final 12 months. Trip high quality and dealing with have been considerably improved as properly. Not that it was dangerous earlier than, it’s simply higher now. The 3.5T GV70 I drove was additionally able to scanning the floor of the highway forward and pre-adjusting the adaptive suspension system to clean out the journey when floor abnormalities have been detected. What’s extra, it did so with out incurring a roadholding penalty. Sure, Porsche’s Macan will nonetheless run off and go away the GV70 on a twisty highway, however the Genesis does afford its driver a strong mount when speedy adjustments of course are required.

Efficiency Specs

Engine

3.5-Liter Twin-Turbo V6

Transmission

Eight-Pace Computerized

Horsepower

375 HP @ 5,800 RPM

Torque

391 LB-FT @ 1,300 RPM

Gasoline Economic system (CMB)

19 MPG (Noticed)

0-60 MPH

5 Seconds

Prime Pace

150 MPH (Ruled)

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2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD First Drive: The Luxurious Underdog That Simply Retains Getting Higher

Jam-packed with tech, sensible execution, and plush appointments, the GV70 feels quite a bit richer than its sticker value suggests.

Genesis GV70 Gasoline Economic system

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Right Profile on road
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD facet shot
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

In response to the great individuals on the EPA, one can anticipate the consumption of a gallon of premium each 18 miles within the metropolis, each 25 miles on the freeway, and 21 miles in a mix of metropolis and freeway driving. This proved considerably optimistic, although. One of the best I might handle was 19 mpg total. Now, with that stated, I by no means actually drove the Genesis for financial system, as the frenzy of that 391pound-feetof torque off the road was a siren tune I couldn’t resist.

Metropolis

Freeway

Mixed

EPA Rated Economic system

18 MPG

25 MPG

21 MPG

Gasoline Economic system As Examined

19 MPG (Noticed)

Inside Design And Consolation

Given the positions the minds main the styling of the model beforehand occupied, it got here as no shock to seek out the inside of the Genesis GV70 provided a premium expertise with avant-garde structure. Updates for the ’26 mannequin 12 months embody a thicker rim for the steering wheel, extra outstanding ambient lighting, and a brand new OLED digital show, measuring 27 inches in diameter.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Interior Center Console
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD Inside
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

Providing a pleasant mixture of bodily buttons, in addition to switches and dials, the inside’s ergonomics have been fairly good – for essentially the most half. I usually grabbed the infotainment dial, once I wished the dial for the transmission. It’s arduous to consider the inside group didn’t see that one coming once they positioned them instantly according to each other.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Interior Drivers Seat
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD Inside
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

Then again, the Nappa leather-based upholstered seats provided nice help and greater than ample leg, shoulder and headroom for entrance seat passengers. These have been properly complemented by the microfiber fake suede headliner, polished carbon fiber trim, and seatbelts in a contrasting coloration (orange). The rear seat was satisfactory on the legroom facet, nevertheless it might have been higher. Outward visibility was good from the driving force’s seat, with no important blind spots. All in all, the passenger compartment was each comfy and fantastically completed with simple ingress and egress.

Inside Dimensions

Entrance

Rear

Headroom

38.6 Inches

38.3 Inches

Shoulder Room

59.1 Inches

56.9 Inches

Legroom

41.3 Inches

37.2 Inches

Expertise And Ease Of Use

Getting again to that 27-inch widescreen monitor; housing the GV70’s instrumentation and infotainment interface, its shows have been crisp with quick-to-respond touchscreen capabilities. I favored the inclusion of the middle console mounted interface dial. Once more although, its placement made it simple to confuse it with the transmission selector dial (And sure, I’m mentioning it once more, as a result of it actually bothered me – okay?) Wi-fi CarPlay and Android compatibility have been normal, as was a Wi-Fi hotspot. The GV70 3.5T additionally had a digital key which enabled me to make use of my iPhone as the important thing, whereas a wi-fi charging pad helped maintain the cellphone charged. Bang & Olufsen supplied the audio answer. The GV70 additionally featured fingerprint recognition, which permitted me to begin the Genesis and not using a key.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Tech Infotainment Controls Terrain Switches
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD Tech Function
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

Numbered among the many driver’s aids have been automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, ahead collision-avoidance help, and driver consideration warning. Extra security tech included ahead consideration warning, blind-spot collision avoidance help, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance help, parking distance warning, and parking collision avoidance help. The Genesis additionally supplied protected exit help, superior rear occupant aler,t and distant sensible parking help.

Cargo And Storage Area

Cargo house behind the second row measured 28.9 cubic toes. Folding it away, I gained a further 28 cubic toes for a complete of 56.9. That’s sufficient room for at the least seven carry-on suitcases. The GV70 additionally provided storage compartments in any respect the main seating positions, in addition to within the heart armrest. There was additionally a reasonably commodious glove compartment.

Minimal Cargo Capability

28.9 Cubic-Ft

Cargo Capability Second-Row Folded

56.9 Cubic-Ft

Genesis GV70 Vs. Its Opponents

The GV70 Sport Status AWD’s closest rivals are the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e and the Porsche Macan S. The Genesis enjoys a major value benefit over the Porsche, whereas being intently paired with the Mercedes in that regard. With that stated, every of those are robust alternative and extremely ranked.

How The Genesis GV70 Compares To The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC


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Base Trim Engine

2L I4 Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

9-speed automated

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

255 HP @5800 RPM

Base Trim Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM

Base Trim Gasoline Economic system (metropolis/freeway/mixed)

24/30/26 MPG

Base Trim Battery Kind

Lead acid battery

Make

Mercedes-Benz

Mannequin

GLC-Class SUV



For those who’re going to get near the GV70’s energy output in a Mercedes-Benz GLC, with out venturing into AMG territory, you’ll be trying on the GLC 350e 4MATIC. This can get you a 313-horsepower hybrid powertrain, which is predicated upon a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Torque output is rated at 406 pound-feet. The electrical motor is paired with the nine-speed automated transmission. With a beginning value of $60,300, the GLC 350e enjoys a decrease base value than that of the Genesis.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV in black being driven on road
Profile motion shot of 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV in black being pushed on highway
CarBuzz

Nevertheless, it catches up fairly rapidly when you begin including the choices you’ll have to get your GLC 350e geared up just like the Genesis. For instance, you’ll spend a further $1,950 to get the driving force’s aids that come normal with the GV70. Need the improved ambient lighting, upgraded audio system, and different niceties included within the Unique Trim package deal? You’re taking a look at one other $2,200. The Sport package deal will incur a further cost of $3,450. The least costly leather-based choice requires an outlay of $1,620, however go for the Nappa leather-based you’ll get as normal gear with the Genesis, you’ll pony up a further $2,590, which brings you to roughly $73,690. Add the $1,250 vacation spot cost, and also you’re taking a look at $74,940.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV in black parked off-road
Rear 3/4 shot of 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV in black parked off-road
CarBuzz

Now, with that stated, you’ll get the status issue that goes together with driving a Benz, for about the identical cash as driving the Genesis. You’ll additionally get the highway manners of a Mercedes, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain able to touring 54 miles on electrical energy alone. In response to the EPA, the Merc will return 23 mpg within the metropolis, 28 on the freeway, and 25 mixed – which is roughly 4 mpg higher than the estimated mixed determine for the Genesis. These components make the GLC350e a reasonably formidable competitor for the GV70 3.5T.

How The Genesis GV70 Compares To The Porsche Macan S


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Base Trim Engine

2L I4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

PDK 7-speed auto-shift handbook

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

261 HP @5000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM

Base Trim Battery Kind

Lead acid battery

Make

Porsche

Mannequin

Macan

Phase

Compact Luxurious SUV



Within the Macan lineup, you’ll have to spring for a 2026 Porsche Macan S, the bottom value of which is $78,000 to match the GV70 3.5T’s energy output. This can get you a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, which is sweet for 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. That engine feeds a seven-speed automated transmission, which routes output to all 4 wheels.

2026 Porsche Macan in red
2026 Porsche Macan in crimson frotn driving shot
Porsche

Nevertheless, these of you who’re acquainted with the Porsche manner know you may simply push the Macan S price ticket properly above that determine if you happen to partake of the choices checklist. In the meantime, lots of the stuff Porsche declares to be optionally available is normal gear on the Status Plus GV70. For instance, to get near the GV70’s gear package deal, you may go along with Porsche’s Premium Bundle Plus, which is a $3,740 proposition.

2026 Porsche Macan in red rear third quarter view
2026 Porsche Macan in crimson rear third quarter view
Porsche

That can get you a panoramic sunroof, 14-way energy adjustable entrance seats, lane change help, and heated entrance and rear seats — in addition to air flow for the entrance seats. Do this and nothing else, you’ll be taking a look at roughly $81,740, and you continue to received’t have every thing the Genesis provides.Now, with all of that stated, the Macan does exhibit an ideal deal extra athleticism than the GV70. It additionally has a Porsche badge on its nostril, which implies it instructions a extra important status issue.

Our Advice For Which Mannequin You Ought to Purchase

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Profile Silhouette
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

From my perspective, the selection right here comes all the way down to your individual priorities. The Porsche is the one if you happen to care extra about driving pleasure than price. Deciding between the Mercedes and the Genesis is a little more difficult, as they’re properly inside vary of each other by way of value and options.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Front 3.25 Left
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

To my eyes, the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD has extra fascinating styling — each in and out — the place the Mercedes is on the conservative facet. Nevertheless, the GLC350e is a plug-in hybrid, which implies long-term gasoline prices can be decrease. In the meantime, Genesis contains three years of complimentary upkeep, which Mercedes doesn’t.

2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD Exterior Rear Going Away On Road
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Status AWD rear shot
Lyndon Conrad Bell – Photograph

Resale worth is prone to favor the Benz, because it has a extra established monitor report. However then the Genesis has higher guarantee protection. This one’s a tricky name, and, reality be advised, it will be arduous to go improper with both one, particularly in case your ego doesn’t demand your automotive wears a three-pointed star.



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