Review - Genesis GV70

Genesis has very intentionally positioned the GV70 to undercut a number of its more premium rivals. While it lacks the brand recognition that manufacturers like Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Audi enjoy, Genesis isn’t letting this get in the way of its aspirations of taking over the midsize SUV segment. 

Following the release of the GV80 a year ago, Genesis has launched this, the GV70, to win over the hearts and wallets of those looking for a luxurious, family-suited SUV without necessarily breaking the bank. While it is, no doubt, a premium vehicle, when you compare the GV70 side-by-side with European rivals with similar feature lists and engine lineups, Genesis often undercuts these rivals by a significant amount. 

The one question remaining, however, is whether or not these price benefits come with any caveats or major sacrifices for Australian buyers; let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $66,400

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Genesis GV70 (2.2D AWD) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Genesis GV70 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The GV70 lineup kicks off from $66,400 for the entry-level GV70 2.5T with a two-wheel drive configuration, while opting for the all-wheel drive 2.5T variant brings the price to $68,785. From here, the range moves to the GV70 2.2D, which is priced from $71,675, and to the flagship GV70 3.5T, which has a price tag of $83,275. Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

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What Features Does the Genesis GV70 Have?

The Genesis GV70 comes riding on a set of 21-inch alloy wheels, and receives a number of premium features, including a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a satellite navigation system that uses augmented reality to display instructions, paired with a nine-speaker sound system and wireless smartphone charging system. The GV70 also receives dual-zone climate control, acoustic treatment for the windows that reduces outside noises, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting package, powered boot lift, sunshades for the rear of the cabin, as well as keyless entry and start. 

Opting for the Sport Line Package adds a set of 19-inch alloys, upgraded brakes, Nappa leather upholstery, a new steering wheel, suede headliner, sports dials and a Sport Line body kit that adds a number of sporty touches to the exterior of the GV70. 

Those that add the Luxury Package receive a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display with a heads-up display, 21-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, semi-autonomous parking assistance,  suede headliner, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, upgraded 16-speaker sound system and a fingerprint reader for different driving profiles and seat configurations. 

Range Features: 

• 21-inch alloys

• 14.5-inch infotainment system with DAB+, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

• Leather upholstery

• Panoramic sunroof 

• Powered boot lift 

• Heated and ventilated seats 

• Wireless smartphone charging 

• Ambient lighting 

• Nappa leather upholstery (Sport Package) 

• Sport Line body styling (Sport Package) 

• Upgraded brakes (Sport Package) 

• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display (Luxury Package) 

• Massaging front seats (Luxury Package) 

• 16-speaker sound system (Luxury Package) 

Genesis GV70 Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

While it might not have the brand recognition that its competitors are able to enjoy, the GV70 is an extremely comfortable and capable addition to the SUV segment. This is made even more impressive by the fact that this is only the second SUV that the company has ever made, after the GV80. Genesis has no doubt learnt some valuable lessons in the development of the GV80, though, with its smaller sibling, the GV70 presenting buyers with an extremely refined, and in more powerful versions, extremely rapid SUVs for the Australian public. 

First impressions are reserved for the powertrain and transmission combination. The entry-level 2.5T and 2.5D vehicles are powered by either a 2.5-litre turbo petrol or diesel engine, producing 224kW/422Nm and 154kW/440Nm respectively. Translated into English, this means that both the entry-level vehicles in the GV70 lineup offer more than enough power for the average Australian buyer, with the diesel trailing behind but offering similar amounts of torque. Power is sent to either the rear-wheels or all four wheels via an eight speed transmission, which offers silky-smooth and rapid shifts between gears, making the GV70 an extremely refined car to drive. Stepping up to the turbocharged six-cylinder in the 3.5T brings power up to 279kW/530Nm of torque, which brings the GV70 into a new category of power typically reserved for cars well above its price tag. The 3.5T is exceptionally fast, and makes an average commute a simple point-and-shoot task in an extremely comfortable yet capable car, and reminds buyers that SUVs can be genuinely exciting to drive, too. 

In terms of driving comfort, Genesis has paired the engines on offer in the GV70 lineup with a suspension system that can maintain control over its weight, and remains comfortable when riding over bumps and irregular surfaces. The ride quality no doubt suffers on the larger 21-inch alloys, but the GV70 remains every bit as comfortable on typical road surfaces as its competitors. Around town, drivers new to the world of large SUVs might be a bit intimidated by its size, however, the GV70 retains a light steering feel that makes it easy to pilot in tight situations, so long as you can physically squeeze into the park you’re looking at. For those of you looking to tow large objects for the weekend or a road trip away, the GV70 has a braked towing capacity rated at 2,200kg. 

Overall, then, The GV70 is perhaps the perfect car for a long holiday road trip, with its rapid acceleration paired with a comfortable suspension system and smooth transmission that makes every day driving a simple task. For a company that is new to the world of SUVs, the GV70 is an impressive entry into the crowded marketplace and performs well enough to cement itself an extremely positive reputation. 

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The GV70 receives a cabin design that combines the best of both worlds: Hyundai’s experience with usable and practical interiors, combined with Genesis’ stunning attention to detail and use of premium materials. Not only this, Genesis is also known to package their interiors in a range of designs that step away from the industry’s norms, meaning there’s unique designs on offer that you won’t have seen on any other cars. For the driver and front passenger, the cabin is a beautiful place to sit, with a simple yet luxurious curved dash design that accommodates the climate control settings below the massive infotainment system. Practical touches here include a large storage area between the driver and front passenger, large side door bins and a pair of cup holders and a sliding cubby hole for loose items. The heated and ventilated seats are extremely comfortable and supportive, with a huge amount of forward visibility through the windshield and huge spans of head room for taller drivers. 

Moving to the rear of the cabin, you’ll find an exceptionally comfortable bench seat wrapped in quilted leather, with smaller door bins either side and a large armrest with embedded cup holders as a practical touch. In terms of occupant space and comfort, there’s a huge amount of legroom for those seated in the second row of the GV70’s cabin, more than enough for full-sized adults on even the longest of trips. Headroom is slightly eaten up by the GV70’s sloping roofline, however, this hasn’t translated too much inside the cabin. All up, the GV70’s cabin is impressive in both its size, and the clever packaging design that has culminated in an extremely personable and luxurious cabin, a design unique to the GV70. 

In terms of space, cargo and practicality, the GV70 has a boot that can accommodate up to 542L with the rear seats standing, which is pretty much on par for the mid-size SUV segment. This expands to 1,678L with the rear seats folded down, allowing you to squeeze large, bulky objects into the rear of the cabin, with seats that fold into a 60:40 configuration; not quite flat, but enough to slide long objects into the cabin. For those with children, the GV70 offers two ISOFIX anchor points, paired with three top tether spots, allowing you to fit a child seat into the rear of the cabin without a problem. 

As a complete package, then, the GV70 is more than able to match its key competitors when it comes to occupant space and comfort, thanks to its clever design and use of premium materials that make the cabin feel every bit as relaxing and special as it does luxurious. 

Is it Safe? 

The Genesis GV70 is yet to officially receive a safety rating from ANCAP, although for reference, its bigger sibling, the GV80 has been awarded a five star rating, scoring 91% for adult occupant protection and 88% for child occupant protection. As standard, every GV70 comes packaged with autonomous emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep and blind-spot assistance, a surround-view camera and eight airbags throughout the cabin. As a result, it’s fair to say that the GV70 is an exceptionally safe vehicle, considering previous ANCAP ratings and generous amounts of safety equipment being included as standard. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

As a large, heavy and powerful SUV, the GV70 suffers when it comes to fuel economy, although it’s worth noting that it doesn’t necessarily perform any worse than its competitors. Officially, the GV70 2.5T is rated at 9.8L per 100km, while the diesel-powered 2.5D offers an economy figure of 7.6L per 100km. Finally, the range-topping 3.5T is rated at 11.3L per 100km, making it by far the thirstiest variant in the GV70 lineup. Real-world driving situations are likely to raise these figures even higher, too, so if economy is a major concern of yours, consider the 2.5D diesel which provides the most economical engine while still providing a handsome amount of torque. 

Our Verdict: Is the Genesis GV70 Worth it? 

When you look at the GV70 lineup as a whole, and take in the range of features on offer, the sleek styling, real-world practicalities and immensely powerful engines available, it’s difficult not to recommend the GV70 for those looking for a premium SUV. This is the result of Genesis’ pricing structure, which effectively undercuts major rivals that offer similar packages by tens of thousands of dollars. 

Better still, this value for money proposition doesn’t come with any strings attached or major sacrifices, so if you’ve been tempted by the value on offer in the GV70 range, we think it’s well worth your time adding it to your shortlist. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty 
2. Five-years of free scheduled servicing
3. 2,200kg braked towing capacity 
4. 542L of boot space; expands to 1,678L 
5. No official ANCAP safety rating yet 

Pros 

• Great engine options paired with smooth transmissions 

• Feature-packed entry-level models

• Five years of free scheduled servicing 

• Extremely compelling value for money 

Cons

• Ride quality can suffer on rough surfaces with 21-inch rims 

• Unimpressive fuel economy 

• Doesn’t lead the segment for rear cabin space 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Genesis GV70 Competition