Our tester this week, the diminutive yet sporty 2022 G70 represents the newest sedan from the South Korean luxury automaker Genesis joining the slightly larger G90 and G80 four doors. It’s also the first Genesis never associated with a once-badged Hyundai product. Both the full-size G90 and mid-size G80 sedans were previously badged as the Hyundai Equus and Hyundai Genesis within the Hyundai brand prior to the Genesis brand formation.
This branding split can lead to confusion as many consumers recognize the Genesis name without associating it as a separate, stand-alone luxury division. In March of 2022, Genesis took the next separation step by opening its first stand-alone U.S. franchise dealership in Lafayette, La. Currently, Genesis products take up residence in Hyundai dealerships, but scores of solo Genesis-specific dealer experiences are on the horizon.
Besides its three sedans, Genesis recently debuted a string of five-door crossovers (GVs) with similar suffix definers (GV70, GV80, GV90) designating larger vehicle sizes as the numbers grow.
Genesis introduced G70 in the 2019 model year with this 2022 offering splashed with mid-cycle upgrades including a larger, standard 10.25-inch rectangular touch-sensitive flat screen serving as a visual centerpiece of an attractive interior and updated, stately sheet metal outside. Both front and rear ends enjoy refreshened appearances.
An impressive array of the latest and newest passive and active safety features come standard. Like its parent company Hyundai, Genesis brings along added value and lower price points than many of its worthy but higher-priced, comparably-equipped luxury rivals.
The rather low 5.1 inches of ground clearance lends to a sports-car-like drive environment. In fact, the G70 mission statement insists upon a sportier experience distinguishing itself from its larger G siblings. The G70’s recommended 3.3-liter V-6 turbo does a nice job of emitting an authoritative engine hum while not overwhelming the interior with a drowning din.
Performance-oriented rear-wheel drive returns standard with sure-grip all-wheel drive optional. A base 2.0-liter turbo-charged four-cylinder gas direct injection (GDI) generates a neat 252 horses but opting for the twin turbo 24-valve V-6 pumps out 365 horses while optimizing its premier handling. No all-electric powertrain is yet available in G70, but parent company Hyundai includes a growing number of EVs in its lineup with plans to assemble Genesis-branded EVs at Hyundai’s Alabama assembly facility in the coming years.
Both internal combustion engines recommend premium fuel to reach stated horsepower numbers. Regular 87-octane petrol may be substituted, with lower hp. results when filling the average-sized 15.8-gallon tank. Both mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission, eliminating a manual transmission option offered earlier in its career. Steering wheel paddle shifters serve as a play point for those desiring longer gear revs within the confines of a traditional automatic transmission.
These two engines serve as trim level designates. Staring pricing in 2022 for the rear-drive four-cylinder variant starts at $37,525.
Our tester, a 3.3 twin turbo rear-drive V-6 started at $42,100. Two available group packages included a Sport Advanced Package ($4,300) and Sport Prestige Package ($4,000). With a $1,045 destination charge, the bottom line ended at $51,445.
The Sport Advanced Package adds upgraded 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, sunroof, upgraded audio system and wireless device charging along with power driver seat bolster and knee extenders benefiting long-legged pilots. The Prestige Package (only available with the 3.3-liter twin turbo) adds a digital green heads-up windshield projection, soft and subtle Nappa leather seating surfaces, suede headliner, electronically controlled suspension delivering a smoother glide and Brembo-branded brakes quickening stops.
The front dash remains easy to interpret, not an overwhelming affair. A circular, push-button electric start button is located on the dash just left of a narrow, horizontal air vent and a smart distance away from the steering column. The electronic gear shifter between the soft and supportive bucket seats features a stubby T-bar that selects reverse with a gentle jab forward and drive with a jolt backward. Park gets summoned with the push of a vertical button ahead. Directly aft is a small twist dial for selecting six standard drive modes (Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, Sport Plus and Custom) and to its right, inline beverage holders.
An eight-inch multi-information digital instrument panel includes a left-side circular analog dial with smaller circular fuel gauge insert inside. An animated tachometer orb to the right doubles as a camera feed when summoning the turn signal, allowing a welcome live stream of hidden side blind spots.
The flat black high-resolution multi-function screen with a fifth-generation navigation highlights jets out from above rectangular air vents above a row of well-marked push buttons interacting with the colorful display. Also included, old-school twist buttons monitoring sound and station select.
Below reside three dials controlling dual-zone front temperatures with the two outside orbs monitoring dual climate areas and the center dial monitoring fan speed with a push pad center summoning direction. This framed and padded center port gently skews toward the driver but within reach of shot gun participants.
Below the HVAC dials resides an alcove (wireless charging) for storing Smartphones complete with several-sized plug ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard.
Row two best handles a pair of adults in optimal comfort with a vertical transmission floor hump and fold down arm rest with inside cup holders dividing the area into distinctive halves although three adjustable head restraints are available.
Dual power folding side-view mirrors come standard in the V-6 while optional in the four as do the puddle lights illuminating the winged Genesis logo to the pavement when operating the key fob at night. Both mirror ports smartly include secondary ambler blinker bands flashing during signaled turns.
Narrow rear ‘C’ pillars meld with a large, square, 45-degree slant rear window connecting up with a trunk lid featuring a flipped-lip spoiler end. Long side character lines thicken as they glide from rear wrap around tail lamp housing and travel under strap-like body colored door handles while finally resting above front fender wheel wells.
In front, a distinct diamond-shaped, pentagon-like nose with crosshair diamond-shaped filling catches the eye with the winged Genesis medallion logo embossed above on the hood. This logo also serves as a base for sculpted hood art. Two creases jet from the hood medallion base each branching to respective sides when approaching the windshield framed by narrow A-Pillars. Each A Pillar serves as its own starting point for straight lines stretching down towards the outer flanks of the nose grille. Inventive dual narrow-banded headlight housing contains jewel-like LED bulbs. Red housed taillights also adopt the dual band design with diminutive LED technology inside. The 3.3-liter twin turbo includes dual chrome-tipped oval exhausts, one at each end.
Open the trunk and 10.5 cubic feet of narrow cargo space awaits, a bit below segment average, but rear seatbacks fold down with a 60/40 split opening up more cargo opportunity.
Another added value Genesis provides is the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty available to original owners, one of the longest-duration engine coverage provided by any manufacturer promoting peace of mind when investing hard earned money in a relatively long-term investment. In addition, Genesis offers clients a three year/36,000 of complimentary maintenance and complementary valet service if G70 stays for a prolonged period at the dealership service bay.
2022 Genesis G70Price as tested: $51,445
Engine: 3.3-liter twin turbo V-6
Horsepower: 365
Wheelbase: 111.6 inches
Overall Length: 184.4 inches
Overall Width: 72.8 inches
Overall Height: 55.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,847 pounds
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea