Genesis has been in full swing lately. Both the G70 sport sedan and the brand's first SUV, the GV80, collected the Car and Driver 10Best trophies. Now the GV70 — smaller than the GV80, the new crossover is based on the G70 sedan — and while it failed to win the 10Best award in the year it debuted, it just won the test of comparison with two long-running segment staples, the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX350.
This good initial impression will now be accompanied by a 40,000-mile stress test. Will our strong feelings for this new Genesis continue? We're about to find out.
Our journey with the GV70 began with the grand opening of the Genesis brand's first independent North American distributor in Lafayette, Louisiana. A storm moving forward from the bay prompted us to deliver quickly and hit the road. The dealer put the plate up, handed us the key, and then we headed north to Michigan.
For our long-term G70 sedan, our biggest regret is that we didn't get a more powerful engine. So we make sure we don't make the same mistake this time. We skipped the GV70's standard 300 hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in favor of the optional 375 hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
After about 1,700 miles of road travel, splitting the eastern part of the country in two, the GV70 entered the track for initial testing. It takes 4.6 seconds to sprint to 60 mph, while Genesis hit a quarter of a mile in 13.3 seconds at 104 mph. So far, we've averaged 21 mpg, a figure that matches the overall rating of the EPA. On our 75 mph highway test loop, we reached 23 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate.
Upgrading to 3.5T also brings a lot of sporty and luxurious features, including adaptive suspension with road preview, panoramic sunroof, and leather. On top of that, we got the $9900 Sport Prestige package. It adds features such as 21-inch wheels and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Our car wore a set of Michelin Primacy all-season tires that pulled 0.82 grams around the non-slip mat and required 180 feet to stop from 70 mph. That's a bit of a departure from the performance-conscious German rivals of the GV70, but we're not complaining because the ride is suitable for everyday driving.
If you're chasing it on the rear road, the 16-way electric driver's seat cushion hugs you and keeps you comfortable when cornering. As part of the Sport Prestige suite, our cars are equipped with suede seat inserts and roof linings, as well as carbon fiber trim. These materials help create a luxurious interior environment that reminds us of the more expensive SUVs, and we're sure to enjoy 40,000 miles in this sublime interior. The GV70 3.5T comes standard with Road Driving Assistance II, and we'll let you know how this 2 driver assistance system works when we embark on many summer road trips.
Genesis offers an extensive color palette on the GV70, including shades such as Barossa Burgundy and Cardiff Green, but due to a shortage of supplies, we opted for a prefabricated car finished in Uyuni White, which was a $500 option. We're not complaining about the dull black-lettered uniforms on a white background, but there are certainly more interesting options. The 3.5T features oversized double exhaust pipes that penetrate the black mesh wrap around the rear bumper and is more extroverted than the upright pentagonal exhaust port on the 2.5T. The V-6 models also have black trim on the bumpers and side skirts.
In a comparative test victory, we say "The GV70 gives Genesis an exclamation point to its ability to compete at the heart of the luxury market." Over the next 40,000 miles, we'll let you know if the punctuation is still in effect.
Total fleet: 1 month Current mileage: 4032 miles
Average fuel economy: 21 miles of fuel
Case size: 17.4 gallon fuel range: 360 miles
Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0
specification
2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport AWD
Model: Front-engined, all-wheel drive, 5-seater, 4-door station wagon
Price
Basic/Tested: $53,645/$64,045
Options: Sport Prestige kit (Napa leather seats, suede roof lining, heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, remote park assist, front and rear parking assist, Lexicon 16-speaker stereo system, 21-inch wheels, electronic limited-slip differential, carbon fiber trim, Zone 3 climate control, heated rear seats, 12.3-inch 3D digital dashboard, heads-up display, rear awning), $9900; Uyuni white lacquer, $500
motor
Twin-turbo and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine with aluminum block and cylinder head, ports and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 212 inches 3, 3470 cm3
Power: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
transmission
8-speed automatic
chassis
Suspension, F/R: Struts/multi-link
Brake, F/R: 14.2 inch ventilated disc / 13.6 inch ventilated disc
Tires: Michelin Premier Tour A/S
255 / 40R-21 102W M + S GOE
size
Wheelbase: 113.2 inches
Length: 185.6 inches
Width: 75.2 inches
High: 64.2
Inch Passenger capacity: 104 feet 3
Cargo volume: 29 feet 3
Kerb Weight: 4599 lb
C/D test results: New
60 mph: 4.6 seconds
100 mph: 12.2 seconds
1/4mph: 13.3 sec@ 104mph
130 mph: 23.3 seconds
The above result omits 0.3 seconds for a 1-foot deployment
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.7 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top speed (C/D): 150 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Grip, 300 ft skid pad: 0.82 g
C/D fuel economy
Observed: 21 mpg
75 mph Highway driving: 23 mpg
Highway range: 400 miles
Unplanned oil addition: 0 qt
EPA fuel economy
Union/City/Highway: 21/19/25 mpg
Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper
10 years/100,000 mph powertrain
7 years/infinite mile corrosion protection
5 years/unlimited mile roadside assistance
3 years/36,000 miles of regular maintenance
C/D test description