The luxury compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive market. Top brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo offer excellent choices for buyers seeking upscale crossover vehicles. Genesis, Hyundai’s premium luxury brand, has made a significant impact with its GV70 model, challenging established players despite being relatively new to this segment.
Design That Stands Out
From the outside, the Genesis GV70 makes a bold statement. Its “Two Lines” design language gives it a distinctive, upscale appearance. The iconic shield grille and split headlights immediately signal its premium positioning, while the minimalist rear lights and sleek roofline add a sporty edge. The 3.5T Sport Prestige model’s 21-inch wheels further enhance its striking presence.
Luxurious Interior Experience
Inside, the GV70 delivers a first-class cabin experience. The Nappa leather seats with microsuede inserts, combined with tasteful carbon fiber accents, create a sophisticated and premium feel. The centerpiece of the interior is a massive 27.0-inch OLED display that serves as both a digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen. Genesis’s infotainment system is intuitive and feature-rich, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included as standard. Thoughtful touches like physical volume controls and strategically placed buttons enhance usability.
Refined Performance
The GV70’s performance capabilities are impressive, though not quite at the level of the segment’s sportiest competitors. The turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers quick and responsive shifts in Sport and Sport+ modes. While the GV70 handles well on the road, it does exhibit some body roll in corners and lacks the sharp steering feel of rivals like the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC43.
Minor Drawbacks
The 2026 model-year GV70 is not without its flaws. One notable drawback is the touch-based climate control system, which can be finicky and awkwardly positioned. Additionally, while the GV70 offers a refined ride and quiet cabin, it doesn’t quite match the sportiness of its competitors at the top of the performance heap.
Value Proposition
Priced competitively, the GV70 is an excellent value proposition in its segment. The base model starts around $50,480, and even the top-tier Sport Advanced trim is priced at $65,910. The fully loaded 3.5T Sport Prestige tested in this review carries a price tag of $72,225, which is still significantly lower than comparable models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Competitors
The GV70 competes in a crowded field of luxury compact SUVs, including:
– Acura RDX
– Audi Q5
– BMW X3
– Mercedes-Benz GLC
– Volvo XC60
Verdict
Despite minor drawbacks, the Genesis GV70 stands out as a benchmark in its class. Its stunning design, luxurious interior, refined performance, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for luxury SUV buyers. While it may not dominate the performance category, its overall excellence ensures it remains a standout in an already crowded market
