The Genesis brand has earned a well-deserved reputation for combining comfort, sportiness, and features for an excellent value, and the 2023 GV70 might be the most successful version of this formula yet. That said, there are a lot of standouts in the luxury small crossover segment, such as the Acura RDX, Lincoln Nautilus, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and BMW X3.
Yes, it is. The 2023 GV70 earns a TCC Rating of 7.2 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Now in its second year, the five-seat, all-wheel-drive Genesis GV70 sees minor tweaks to features, interior ergonomics and design, and the exterior color palette.
The bigger news is the announcement of the new Electrified GV70. With a 77.4-kwh battery pack and a 0-60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds, Genesis says the Electrified GV70 is capable of charging from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes. It’s the first Genesis model to be built outside South Korea.
The GV70 borrows design cues from the larger GV80, such as the broad mesh grille and quad headlights. An odd quarter window at the rear pillar breaks ranks, but otherwise, the GV70 embodies its family’s successful design. Inside, the airplane-wing motif decorates the dash, vents, and door panels. The centerpiece is a standard-issue 14.5-inch touchscreen, and most surfaces are covered in soft leather, accented by aluminum trim.
The Genesis GV70 2.5T comes powered by a 2.5-liter turbo-4 that makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.5T gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines yield good power, but fuel economy is just OK, peaking at 24 mpg combined for the 2.5T and 21 mpg combined for the 3.5T.
Our driving experience is limited to the 3.5T, which uses an effortless and smooth 8-speed automatic to deliver ample power, even without the launch control feature. The GV70’s four-wheel independent suspension system walks a fine line between being billowy and buttoned-down; Electrified GV70 crossovers have better damping thanks to a prodigious 1,063-pound weight gain due to batteries.
Despite the sporty feel, the GV70’s interior comfort is on par with rivals such as Lincoln and Volvo, both known for excellent seating. The GV70’s optional 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat features massage function as well as bolsters and cushions that adjust automatically according to the selected drive mode.
With more rear headroom than the larger GV80 and more legroom than the GV70, two adult passengers will be perfectly comfortable, though three across will be tight. The rear seats have a 40/20/20 split, and can recline or fold down to open up nearly 57 cubic feet of cargo room.
The exceptional list of standard safety features adds value with tech such as adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The options represent some of the best tech available across the industry, such as a blind-spot camera system and radar-based rear occupant sensor. You can even see images of your GV70 remotely via smartphone with the surround-view camera system.
How much does the 2023 Genesis GV70 cost?
The 2023 GV70 starts at $43,995, including destination. The 2.5T and 3.5T models are sold in Standard, Select, Advanced, and Sport Prestige grades. Synthetic leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 14.5-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, and satellite radio are standard across the lineup.
The 3.5T Sport Prestige, $65,995, is at the top of the lineup with upgrades such as an electronic limited-slip rear differential for more sporty driving dynamics, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, carbon fiber interior trim, second-row heated seats, and a head-up display. Wireless smartphone connectivity is not available at any price.
The Electrified GV70 starts from $66,975. Genesis says it’s for sale in 15 states and qualifies for the latest iteration of the electric-car tax credit, but not all of it since its battery pack does not hail from the U.S., Mexico, or Canada. A $73,775 Prestige version has most of the gas-powered Prestige’s equipment. All versions have a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty with 3 years/36,000 miles of free maintenance, concierge service, and loaner vehicle.
Where is the 2023 Genesis GV70 made?
Most continue to be built in Ulsan, South Korea, while the new Electrified GV70 will be produced in Montgomery, Alabama.