One SUV that needs to be talked about more is the rather suave Genesis GV70 SUV. It’s a smooth operator, sleek and sexy. The lights are turning on in the sales market too, where the Korean luxury brand Genesis is making very good headway in many of the key markets, including the US. Now in Australia, there are five versions of this sports/luxury GV70 SUV, the most recent arrival being an electric version, but more on that one in another review. For now, we’ll look at the three petrol versions and the one diesel.
Genesis has some awesome premium products, with some of its main rivals being the more expensive Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, even the Volvo XC60 costs a lot more. A more direct competitor (without the obvious GV70 performance advantage) would be the Lexus NX, Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, or even the premium Mazda SUVs.
There are plenty of options in how you can serve up a new GV70. With as many as 13 exterior colours and up to seven interior trims to choose from, this is a luxury SUV that can be individualised in loads of ways. Even the 2.5T version has some subtle differences to the way the 3.5T looks, with the Sports model 3.5T wearing a darker grille, larger front air intakes, and dual circular exhaust tailpipes. You have got to admit that the styling of Genesis’s GV70 is quite striking on the eye!
What makes a new 2022 Genesis GV70 so special? Its blend of performance, handling, luxury, looks, interior space, safety features, technology, and value all blend perfectly together and tick the boxes. Things like patterned Nappa leather, a heated steering wheel, and 3-zone automatic climate control do add a touch of class and luxury. Seat comfort is excellent, and road-scanning adaptive suspension makes the ride effortless and refined. A massive 14.5-inch infotainment screen with crisp graphics deliver a master class in technology. There are automatic electric front seats, a powered tailgate, and a suite of safety aids like adaptive cruise, a speed limiter, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Some of these afore mentioned features would be a pricey option on many of its more expensive rivals.
So, with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, which is standard across the 2023 GV70 range, the graphics are clear and defined, and the size is big and appropriate for this luxury class. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, along with satellite navigation and wireless charging keep the GV70 at the forefront of infotainment system offerings. A 16-speaker 1050 W Lexicon sound system is an option that music lovers might like to splash out on. So too might be the 12.3-inch 3D Digital Gauge Cluster, another option that takes digital instruments to the next level.
You can also access and start your latest Genesis GV70 SUV via an Android smartphone. When verified with the fingerprint reader, the driver profiles are loaded automatically, the seat positions adjusted accordingly, and the audio preferences perfected for their ear. Apple iPhone owners can use a key card for the same result. Once onboard, the Ergo Motion driver’s seat has a special massage function, which is a programmed set of stretch movements to relieve pressure on the lumbar region and pelvis — perfect for long journeys and commutes.
If you find yourself in a tricky parking situation, the GV70 comes with a remote smart parking feature, a self-parking feature that can handle both parallel and perpendicular spaces. And you can decide whether to stay in the vehicle or jump outside as the car parks itself.
On a more practical note, adults will have to be taller than average to find any complaints with the accommodation in the front and rear seats. Cargo capacities with rear seats up and down are similarly plentiful, so packing for a long weekend away is a breeze in this swanky looking SUV. Any of the new Genesis GV70s are happy to tow an unbraked trailer of 750 kg or a braked trailer of 2200 kg. There is an electric version of the stylish GV70 SUV just out now, but I’ll look into that model as a separate review.
ICE options include the 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol inline-4-cylinder motor. Peak power of 224 kW is found at 5800 rpm and peak torque of 422 Nm is accessed over a wide band between 1640 and 4000 rpm. 18-inch, 19-inch, and 21-inch rims are the choices of rubber for the 2.5T. A top speed of 240 km/h is within reach, and you can hustle through the 0-100 km/h sprint in a rather brief 6.1 seconds. The standard version, which is powered by the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine certainly has enough punch to please most people for the majority of the time.
Next on offer is the 3.5T, a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 petrol motor that offers as much as 279 kW and 530 Nm at your right foot. Of course, the 0-100 km/h can be done quickly, with 5.5 seconds being the time it would take you to do so. With its twin-turbo V6, the 3.5T Sport rivals cars like the BMW X3 M40i or super quick Audi SQ5. There is nothing in the Lexus NX line up that comes even remotely close to this sportier drive.
Then there is the diesel version of the Genesis GV70 SUV. 2022/2023 sees us able to buy the 2.2 Turbo Diesel variant, which, EV version aside, is the most frugal GV70 in terms of efficiency on fuel and an average of around 8 litres/100 km doable. Trickle along on the motorway, and the diesel version of the new Genesis GV70 can drop down to 6.5 litres/100 km. There is 150 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque, all ready for delivering a great amount of grunt for all styles of driving. Its 0-100 km/h sprint takes around 8.8 seconds.
With standard active safety technologies like smart cruise control including a stop and go feature, highway driving assist, lane keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance assistance, the luxurious Genesis GV70 SUV is up to today’s standards. The recent diesel GV70 was tested by ANCAP, who gave it the full 5-stars. This stylish SUV has also been crash tested by the IIHS and received a highest honour, being given a Top Safety Pick +.
On paper, the new 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV is a tremendously good deal, and the standard equipment list is enormous, whereas any optional technology sometimes far outstrips what any comparable BMW, Audi and Mercedes can offer. AWD is standard, and you’ll find the GV70 very refined, smooth, and comfortable to drive. Its interior is gorgeous as well as practical. A win–win in my book!
The 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV model range includes:
For any more information on the new Genesis GV70 SUV or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Genesis dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!