2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige new car reviews

Not the prog trio but the upmarket line from Hyundai. Why is this important? Because Korea is quickly offering some solid alternatives to Japan–which has spent decades to create alternatives to European-produced machines.

The GV70 is the new brand’s new SUV that has its own look–not a Lexus, not a Benz.

Scroll past the photos for driving impressions.

Other staff views

Tim Suddard
Publisher Emeritus

While a frighteningly long name for a new car, to break it down, it translates into “one of the best luxury performance sedans ever made.” While that might sound like a mighty strong statement, the new Genesis–an upscale division of Hyundai–is a mighty strong car.

So why do we like the new Genesis G70 so much? First, in a world of ugly cars, the Genesis is rather beautiful. Its proportions are right. Its lines are svelte, and the size is just perfect for around town driving or interstate travel.

Second, it is fast. With a 3.3-liter, 365-horsepower, direct-injected, twin-turbo V6 engine, combined with an eight-speed paddle shifted transmission, the power delivery on this car is smooth and linear. Third, while not a race car by any means, this Genesis handle very nicely with its sport tuned, suspension, 19-inch wheels, MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

Fourth, Despite the excellent handling, this car rides very well. It is truly comfortable to go to the grocery store or for a long trip. We took the car on 1200-mile rounds trip and did not want to return it. It really drives nicely.

And fifth, the interior is world-class–words we thought we would never say, but the following week we had a new Mercedes, and they could look to Genesis for pointers on how to build a really stylish and functional interior. This interior features truly stunning Nappa leather seats that are just as comfortable to sit in as they are to look at.

This interior has all the bells and whistles you could ever want. From power tilt and telescoping steering wheel to a very impressive infotainment system with 10.25-inch HD screen that includes Navigation, Apple Car Play and Sirius/XM radio. The G70 also has Smart Cruise control, lane keeping assist, heated front seats and a power sunroof. You could not really want for more.

So, what we have is essentially the perfect car. It is good looking, powerful, handles well, and is still very comfortable. Obviously, it is crazy expensive, right? Wrong! This car’s base price is $42,100 and fully equipped as this one was it lists for $51,945. A BMW 3 Series equipped similarly would set you back roughly $10,000 more.

And on top of all this, the Genesis carries Hyundai’s 5 year/60,000-mile warranty and famous 10 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Add this all up and Hyundai/Genesis has offered a seriously compelling car in the luxury sedan class.

David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

Is this a Benz without the Benz tax? It’s all there: all the comfort, all the convenience, all the trimming you’d expect in a luxury car.

And it’s got knobs. Knobs for the climate controls, knobs for the audio controls.

Know what it doesn’t have a knob for, though? The shifter. The G70 gets a traditional automatic lever–no knobs, no buttons, no weirdness. The shifter is traditional and appropriate. In today’s auto universe, that’s a win right there.

Then add in the rest of the interior details, like the machined aluminum buttons–yes, buttons!–and inserts.

Complaints? Not many. The steering seemed a bit soft, and perhaps a little more power for a full-size sedan–the Lexus LS gets a tick more than 400.

But that’s really it. The G70 might be new to the luxury car game, but it’s a worthy contender. Oh, and it simply looks stunning, too.

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