We’ve reviewed this compact luxury SUV before, and each time it has passed with stellar performance and earned top marks. The 2026 Genesis GV70 that I recently tested will be no exception. That said, during my testing, I put it through enough scenarios that some of the less-favorable qualities eventually shined through.
Still, they were so few and far between and, in some ways, so niche that it shouldn’t be a big issue for the average buyer.
Shortcoming
- Infotainment controls can be a bit cumbersome, and, like the GV80, placing two large knobs together is confusing. I often use the shifter and shifter to select menus on the infotainment screen.
- Sport+ driving mode feels like too much. It seems too artificial, especially the wheel heft and amped engine sounds.
- When pushed really hard on a winding road, the GV70’s overall handling breaks down, revealing a lack of balance and poise. (I want to clarify that this type of driving is outside the scope of the car, so no major fault here.)
- Start/stop can feel a bit jerky at times, and the initial sound coming into the cabin is not very pleasant.
- At $72k, my tester is overpriced.
Pros
- Groundbreaking interior design. it seems And Feels very good.
- Excellent ride quality in most conditions. Plush but not overly so, like the GV80. Good balance.
- The drivetrain is versatile; It can deliver an efficient, cool driving experience when you want it, and a little more excitement when you want it.
- Despite having an older design (2021), the GV70 still looks sporty, luxurious and unique.
- For what it’s worth, you’ll get extra points for buying the GV70 rather than buying a typical genuine German SUV.
- There’s an omnipresent feeling that everything inside and outside the GV70 is there for a reason and isn’t just decorative or meant to convey luxury. This thing has a good “vibe” that can’t be quantified but can be felt.
decision
collectively, driveThe staff is running out of things to say about Genesis products. Regardless of who wrote it, what model they drove, or the conditions for testing, basically every review can be boiled down to: “Phenomenal design, great driving experience, a few quirky little things, but the Genesis is running circles around the Germans.”
Yeah, it’s no different, Doug.
Genesis provided The Drive with a four-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of writing this review.
2026 genesis gv70 specs
| Base Price (Sport Prestige AWD) | $50,435 ($72,225) |
| powertrain | 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive |
| horse power | 375 |
| Torque: | 391 pound-feet |
| seating capacity | 5 |
| curb weight | 4,738 pounds |
| towing capacity | 3,500 pounds |
| cargo volume | 28.9 cubic feet behind the second row 56.9 cubic feet behind first row |
| surface | 7.3 inches |
| epa fuel economy | 18 mpg city | 25 Highway | 21 joint |
| score | 8/10 |
Email the author at jerry@thedrive.com
