Genesis GV70 strengthens luxury SUV competition

Consumers interested in small luxury sport utility vehicles have it good. The segment is flush with quality choices from legacy and newer manufacturers — Audi to Volvo, BMW to Porsche. The Genesis 2026 GV70 is the South Korean manufacturer’s fifth-year offering. Since 2022, the stylish SUV has firmly established itself as a top choice in an already stellar group.

It’s handsome inside and out, especially with its sloping roofline. It rides smoothly, particularly at highway speeds. It also delivers top-tier technology and safety features and includes the industry’s best warranty.

Standard power comes from the 2.5T, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers can also opt for the 3.5T twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, producing 375 horsepower. Both engines are paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Each engine is matched with specific trims. The 2.5T is available in four levels — Standard, Select, Advanced and Sport Prestige. The 3.5T comes in two trims — Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige. Both engine options include adaptive suspension.

The 2026 edition brings several updates, including a new grille pattern, fresh designs for 19-inch and 21-inch wheels, reshaped headlights and a redesigned hood ornament. Sport models receive darker, more aggressive-looking fascia and accents.

The GV70’s driving modes are customizable for various terrains and weather conditions. The reviewed 3.5T Sport Prestige accelerates steadily, drives confidently and feels secure in nearly all scenarios. Still, two aspects stand out among the SUV’s few shortcomings: noticeable turbo lag and fuel economy that lags behind much of the segment.

Luxury features include Nappa leather seats, heated second-row seats, carbon fiber trim and a microfiber suede headliner. Three-zone climate control and the carmaker’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 are also standard. The parking system wasn’t tested, but it offers automatic diagonal, parallel and perpendicular parking capabilities, with the driver either inside or outside the vehicle. Also distinct to this trim are 21-inch wheels.

The most expensive GV70 inherits much of the equipment found on other trims. It adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and backlit accents. Technology features include surround-view and blind-spot monitors, along with a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Perhaps the most significant interior change is the new 27-inch dashboard display, replacing the 14.5-inch screen that had been standard since the vehicle’s debut. With customizable features divided into four sections, Genesis added the expanded display to keep pace with competitors, specifically Cadillac and BMW.

Additional worthwhile equipment includes four USB ports — two front and two rear — and two 12-volt outlets, including one in the cargo area. Too many carmakers place wireless phone chargers in awkward spots behind cupholders or in other hard-to-use locations. The GV70’s charger has been relocated to a handy yet discreet pad below the front edge of the center console lid.

Powering along in the GV70’s quilted leather seats, a fine-sounding stereo and a smooth, quiet ride go a long way toward the SUV’s top rating. Rear-seat passengers don’t have much room. The carmaker’s top-selling vehicle also features an overly sensitive avoidance system, and mastering the soft braking involves a learning curve.

Still, Genesis gets nearly everything else right. The GV70 has helped bring the decade-old manufacturer into the mainstream, where increased competition keeps the industry healthy. 

Facts & figures

Acceleration: 0-to-60 mph, 5.2 seconds  

Airbags: 10

Gas mileage: 18 mpg city; 25 mpg highway

Horsepower: 375

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $70,095

Manufacturer’s website: genesis.com

Price as reviewed: $71,225

Warranty: Bumper to Bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/unlimited miles

Test drive

Fort Myers Genesis

2562 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers

fortmyersgenesis.com

Genesis of Naples  

56780 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples 

genesisofnaples.com