Base pricing for the Genesis GV70 starts at $49,000 in Canada, $41,500 in the US.
The GV70 will quickly take over as Genesis’ volume leader for all the right reasons.
On the surface, the GV70 is the most persuasive small premium SUV on the market.

I can think of no other instance, in modern automotive history, where a new automaker enacted a more forceful entry into the market. And perhaps what is most impressive is that Genesis doesn’t operate with a “wait-and-see” approach; they’re launching new vehicles two or three times a year. Of them all, powered by an internal combustion engine, the GV70 will be the most significant.

2022 Genesis GV70 | Photo: Olivier Delorme

No matter who you read, or from which media, praise for the new 2022 Genesis GV70 is all but completely unanimous: It’s mighty impressive in every way. As is the norm with all of Hyundai Motor Group’s new entries, they blow away, or nearly, the competition with formidably high initial impressions of unmatched quality, attention to detail, content, design, and so on. And the GV70 tops them all.

Short-term love affair

I’m not sure if this is typical but, for example, when I’m watching Bugs Bunny eats a carrot, I want a carrot. And after driving the 2022 Genesis GV70, I find myself thinking that it’s a perfect premium small-family SUV and that I might want one. Though, on this point, I know better… I try and explain this in my video review on the GV70.

Basically, I’ve made it a habit to warn anyone who’ll listen to weary about the Group’s vehicles’ long-term reliability. When it comes to Genesis, the same heads up applies however the situation is different: Only a small amount of Genesis buyers are likely to keep their vehicles for a prolonged period – in other words, every three or four years, once the lease is up or before, the vehicles will be replaced. The gist of it: Go for it and lease a Genesis.

Stylish lines

The new 2022 Genesis GV70 is one of the most convincingly complete vehicles I’ve driven in a good while. The small SUV’s styling immediately draws us in. Even now, I can’t think of a more attractive member of this highly competitive segment. And there are plenty of lookers in the Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC40. The GV70’s sweptback roofline is racy and elegant, the curved beltline is sleek, and the proportions are perfect. The hangovers are relatively short, and the hood-line is nearly 1/3 of the SUV’s overall length – it’s perfect.

One thing that needs to be noted here partially supports my thoughts about the long-term durability of these vehicles, or how they are not designed to last. The hood on the tested unit was misaligned. Yes, it may be a trivial detail and only to do with final assembly, but it severely bothers me especially since I’ve not seen a similar QC issue on any vehicle in many years.

Superb cabin

When it comes to the cabin, Genesis pulled out all the stops and went above and beyond. Like the GV80, all versions of the GV70 get a massive 14.5-inch display, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, heated front seats, navigation, an 8-inch digital instrument panel, and much more.

For $49,000, this level of kit is above satisfactory. As well, each GV70 is (it would appear) assembled with care and attention to detail. The dashboard flows effortlessly and with the sole exception of the fully integrated vents, there are no straight lines. In fact, it’s incredibly sparse and clean. There is a reasonably steep initial learning curve to sort out the HVAC panel and the infotainment menus. What doesn’t help is that the touchscreen is far from the driver despite my upfront driving position. I suppose you can interact with the menus through the Genesis Touch Controller.

There’s a sufficient amount of room onboard to comfortably seat four adults. Keeping in mind that this is a small SUV, rear legroom is generous. The seats themselves, especially up front, are supportive and cozy. The tested 3.5T Sport Plus features quilted Nappa leather surfaces and a microfibre suede headliner as ultimate luxurious touches.

The V6 twin-turbo

Like the GV80, the GV70 can be powered by either a turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder or a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6. The latter is prodigious with its 375 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. I assume that the 2.5T version, with its 300 horsepower, is entertaining enough but frankly, the V6 is highly addictive.

There are eight drive modes, be they drive- or terrain-derived, but even in the comfort mode, the GV70 moves. Truth be told, it can take on all AMG-lite Benz GLCs, will easily keep up with M40 X3s and X4s, and upset many a Macan S or GTS owner.

Beyond the speed is the 2022 Genesis GV70’s ultra-high level of finesse. As tested and with the electronically controlled suspension, the GV70, even when sporting the 21-inch wheels, is surprisingly civil. The 8-speed automatic transmission is also incredibly polished not to mention capable of pounding out hard shifts with the throttle pedal slaps the firewall.

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What’s truly remarkable about the GV70 is that it’s not a diluted GV80. It features the same amount of kit and premium accouterments as its larger sibling, and it actually looks better. On the surface, the GV70 is an absolute win.

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By my count, there are at least 10 members in the small premium SUV segment, and the GV70, though not the safest choice durability-wise, it is the most compelling and unique of the lot – this is saying a lot. At $75,500, the tested unit lacks nothing nor does pale in any way in comparison to the competition.

If you’re in the market for a short-term lease, order your GV70 online and have delivered to your door.