Genesis introduced the compact G70 sedan in the 2017 model year. It’s one of three Genesis sedans and the most affordable. Luxury apportioned rear-wheel drive comes standard while all-wheel drive returns optional ($2,100) and highly recommended for travel within the upper Great Lakes region. The 2024 edition soldiers on with the first-generation platform.
The Genesis luxury brand debuted in 2016 as a stand-alone division of South Korean’s largest automaker, Hyundai. Alpha-numeric names combine a letter or pair of numbers to identify the body type (G represents sedan) while the suffix indicates size, the larger the number, the bigger the vehicle. Currently, three sedans dot the landscape (G70, G80 and G90), all forging a strong family resemblance.
In addition to sedans, Genesis offers a range of crossover body styles: GV60, GV70 and GV80. In the 2025 model year, the first ‘coupe’ edition debuts but don’t get sidetracked by the identifier, the GV80 coupe represents a lower slung body style aping the five-door crossover rather than a traditional two-door selection.
A tip of the hat to Genesis with its continuing effort promoting four-door luxury-appointed sedans, a one-time rolling status symbol here in the States. Domestic up-tier manufacturers including Cadillac, Lincoln and Buick have shunned quad doors concentrating instead upon five-door crossovers. Vehicles such as the G70 remind drivers how a balanced, luxurious ride with a pinch of power glides with ease down the Illinois Tollway. This scribe spent quality time with a mid-1970’s Mercury Grand Marque and still marvel all the comforts afforded.
Most notable in the ‘What’s New” camp for G70 in the North American market during 2024 can be found under hood. The once standard and slightly underwhelming 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder fanning out an appreciative 252 horses gets swapped for an oomphier 2.5-liter turbo upping horsepower to the tri-level at an even 300.
What’s that mean for consumers? It now ranks as one of the most potent available in the segment with horsepower topping Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW entry sedans. Passing power when darting the highways is notable although low-end torque remains a bit shy. The solution? Just smash the pedal to the metal. Also, high-performance Brembo-branded brakes become standard on all trims as does a frameless rearview mirror. Rear seat side airbags now stretch the on-board number to an impressive 10.
For those desiring more pedal-to-the-metal thrills, an optional 3.3-liter turbo V-6 cranks out 363 horsepower. Both team with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance to satiate the 15.8-gallon tank. No matter the engine chosen, fuel economy remains just so-so, even so for the new turbo-charged four cylinder. For those forgoing gasoline, an all-electric version (GV70 Electrified) recently arrived with 236 miles of electric range when fully filled with charged electrons. Starting price for a rear-drive 2.5-liter turbo checks in at $41,500. Genesis G70 trim levels identify by the two engine selections each offered with a single option package helping speed along the purchase process. The new 2.5-liter turbo showed in the driveway with all-wheel drive ($2,100) and the one and only sport prestige option package. Starting at $43,600 and adding the available sports prestige package ($4,200), the bottom line reached $48,995 including a $1,195 destination charge.
When stacked pricewise against other compact, similarly equipped import luxury sedans, the G70 stands out as an aspirational value opportunity with pricing thousands less. One issue may be perception as the general public still questions if Genesis rates as a stand-alone luxury division (it is) or operating within the Hyundai lineup (not since 2016). Adding to confusion; the slow rollout of stand-alone Genesis dealerships. In many communities, Genesis vehicles still share a showroom with Hyundai products.
Situated behind the wheel for the first time, one can’t help but notice the low-to-the-ground seating experience. It’s a common building block for traditional sports cars as the lower level provides a oneness with the pavement upping the thrills. Adjustable seat bolsters help hips stay comfortable. Tight suspension and electronic power steering assist when cornering.
Inside premium Nappa leather seating surface remain optional only in the six cylinder with a traditional leather seating surface standard. The four cylinder opts for leatherette style surfaces standard with traditional leather optional. Seats remain supportive after three hours of continuous travel.
The easy-at-a-glance eight-inch electroluminescent instrument panel includes a left-end analog-style circular speedometer gauge with a small circular fuel gauge insert tucked into the bottom and right-side three-quarter digital tachometer. Between the two; a multi-panel digital screen selectable via a steering wheel button with miles-to-empty, odometer and outside temperature readouts constantly on screen and in a row below. When selecting one of five drive modes from a chrome dial between front buckets, it’s noted with large lettering within the IP. An easy grab, vertical shifting electronic automatic transmission gear selector resides nearby including a leather-wrapped knob.
A 10.25-inch flat touch-sensitive screen jets up from the center dash in rectangular landscape fashion with a relatively simple operating design. Included is a dashboard twist knob controlling volume. Secondary volume controls locate on the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interface come standard while wireless charging, standard in the six cylinder remains part of the option package with the four.
Also new inside for 2024; a touch sensitive plate operating climate controls completely separate from the multi-information color screen. Two dials operate dual front temperature zones flanking a touch-sensitive rectangular plate with artistic icons summoning fan direction and speed.
Left of the steering wheel the dash panel houses fuel door and trunk release buttons, easily located in the dark with a sizable rectangular shape welcome over the more often utilized punitive design. Drivers enjoy good sight lines in all directions with blind spots at a minimum.
Compact sedans tend to deliver limited row-two specs and G70 is no exception. During our weeklong test visit, an invited guest joined the wife and I for an elegant dinner out at a sit-down burger joint. Some negotiating with the power-operated front buckets resulted in quality time together inside G70. Although promoted as a five-seater, two adults situate with greatest comfort within the second sphere, three is inviting too much touchy feelie.
Maybe it’s the frustrated point guard ball handler in me, but when standing directly in front and looking upon the G70’s long hood, the T shaped creases form the outline of the menacing Chicago Bulls team logo with the winged Genesis logo medallion upon the hood playing the part of the snoot.
A prominent, pentagon-shaped grille with a diamond-pattern insert resides below the winged Genesis logo. It’s flanked by a pair of stacked, narrow, curved, slit-like light housing best described as old-school wall-type mail slots (snail mail, certainly not email) for those vintage enough to recall. Bright LED bejeweled lighting ensconces inside both rows. Amber turn signal lights build into this structure emitting a prominent flash. The grill situates lower than the quad lamp deign for an ‘’athletic elegance’ appeal. In back, taillights include a similar dual stacked design bucking the recent trend of LED lighting stretching across the entire back end creating a neon-like pose.
Looking at the lower back end; inboard, oval-style chrome-tipped exhausts add a sporty flare. A prominent, straight character line travels from the top taillight tier skimming atop the strap-like door handles and under chrome window framing terminating at the front fender high above a black faux vent.
The trunk includes interior goose-neck style hinges situated within a square protective wrapping as not to interfere or disfigure any on board boxes or items. The 10.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity reflects a lesser amount than most compact rivals, luxury or plebian. The 60/40 second-row backrest fold down welcomes extra flexibility.
Peace of mind follows all Genesis purchases with an array of follow-up services. All Genesis and Hyundai vehicles include the industry’s longest powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles. Also included as part of the Genesis experience, five years of roadside assistance and three years (or 36,000 miles) of complementary routine maintenance from an authorized dealership. The base warranty covering non-engine related items owns a generous five-year time horizon (or 60,000 miles).
2024 Genesis G70
Price as tested: $48,995 Engine: 2.5-liter turbo Horsepower: 300 Wheelbase: 111.6 inches Overall Length: 284.4 inches Overall Width: 72.8 inches Overall Height: 55.1 inches Curb weight: 4,057 pounds Fuel economy: 20 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway Powertrain Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea
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