2023 Genesis GV70 new car review

This emerging new premium car brand from one of the world’s largest car makers is trying to muscle in on the German establishment.

Genesis GV70

Hyundai’s luxury spin-off Genesis has come a long way in a short amount of time, winning quality and design awards along the way.

We look at the mid-size GV70 SUV.

Genesis undercuts its German rivals.

VALUE

The GV70 range starts with the front-drive four-cylinder turbo but the all-wheel-drive model we tested starts at roughly $80,000 drive-away. Ours was fitted with the “sports line and luxury” packages, as well as premium paint, which add about $15,000 to the cost. The GV70 is pretty well equipped in standard trim but the packs take the luxury to the next level, with Nappa leather, suede headlining and genuine aluminium and stainless steel highlights on the dash and doors. The 21-inch alloys look fantastic, there are upgraded brakes and there’s also an 16-speaker Lexicon audio system that has impressive clarity and punch. The cabin doesn’t look as hi-tech as the competition – it has a large centre screen but the driver display is a mix of analog dials and digital readouts – but the finishes and materials are top-notch. The menu system for the centre screen takes some getting used to but the display is crisp and clear. At night, ambient lighting adds some class to the cabin.

COMFORT

The cabin is plush with lots of hi-tech and luxury features.

It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position – and keep it – in the GV70. The driver’s seat can be programmed for two different drivers using fingerprint technology, saving settings for the steering wheel height and reach, seat height and side mirror positioning as well as phone and audio settings. The Head-up display on the windscreen will also adjust. Back-seat passengers are well looked after with their own vents and aircon controls, reclining seats (with heating on the luxury pack) and window shades, although leg and head room are a little tight for taller adults. The rear tailgate can also be opened hands-free, which comes in handy when shopping and loading sports equipment. The load area itself is relatively generous. The Genesis does a good job of insulating its occupants from bumps and lumps around town, although the low-profile tyres will occasionally thump over road joins and potholes.

It’s a handsome and athletic looking SUV.

SAFETY

The Genesis has all the driver aids you’d expect on a luxury SUV, as well as some you may not. They include lane-keep and blind-spot assist with steering intervention, radar cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, drowsy driver detection and auto emergency braking. Junction assist stops drivers from turning in front of oncoming traffic at intersections, while safe exit assist will prevent you from opening your door into a passing cyclist or vehicle. The car will also sound an alarm if you leave anyone in the rear seats when you exit. The GV70 scored five stars in independent crash tests in 2021, scoring 89 per cent for adult and child occupant protection and 87 per cent for safety assist. Mercedes-Benz’s GLC scored 92 per cent for occupant protection and 84 per cent for safety assist.

It has potent performance, too.

ON THE ROAD

The 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder in our test vehicle puts out some impressive numbers – 224kW of power and 422Nm of torque available from low in the rev range. Genesis claims that’s good enough for the GV70 to reach 100km/h in a brisk 6.1 seconds. All-wheel-drive traction helps the car launch briskly and there’s plenty of oomph on tap for overtaking on the freeway. It’s not the most frugal engine, though. Average consumption for the all-wheel-drive model is 10.2 litres per 100km, but expect to see high teens in city driving, especially if you’re a little enthusiastic with throttle inputs. On the highway, consumption is pretty good, hovering around the 8L/100km mark. The GV70 is an accomplished performer on the open road. The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and corrugations while remaining settled and planted through corners, while the steering feel is consistent and reassuring. The all-wheel-drive version has a multi-terrain display that shows your front wheel steering angle, torque distribution and vehicle tilt and incline. It also has three drive modes for navigating snow, mud and sand, although there’s little ground clearance to speak of so it’s more suitable for the odd dirt road than serious off-roading.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Well priced, beautifully appointed SUV that drives well, but is relatively thirsty compared with rivals.

ALTERNATIVES

Lexus NX 350 AWD F Sport, from about $87,000 drive-away. Beautifully presented cabin, turbo engine has less power but is more fuel efficient.

Audi Q5 45TFSI quattro, from about $82,500. Less power and torque from smaller engine but similar performance and better fuel efficiency. Not as much equipment.

Mercedes-Benz GLC, from about $110,725 drive-away. Smaller engine but similar performance, not as thirsty, hi-tech cabin. Significantly more expensive.

GENESIS GV70 2.5T AWD

PRICE About $80,000 drive-away

ENGINE 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 224kW/422Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, complimentary servicing for five years

SAFETY Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise, junction assist, safe exit alert

THIRST 10.3L/100km

SPARE Temporary spare

Originally published as 2023 Genesis GV70 new car review