With the popularity of SUVs, it’s no surprise that Genesis has introduced their second offering. This one, though, is in the most competitive luxury SUV segment. It has to compete against the likes of the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, and so on. So how does the all-new 2022 Genesis GV70 stack up?
Performance
Engine – The GV70 is offered with two engine options. A turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder with 300 hp or a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6. This demo vehicle has the latter with a rated output of 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque (280 kW & 530 Nm). With the aid of launch control, the GV70 can accelerate to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds which is a bit slower than the Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG but not too far off. This V6 engine has plenty of grunt down low in the rpm range thanks to the torque that is reached at 1,300 rpms and is sustained through to 4,500 rpms. When driving, the throttle response is lax and smooth in the Eco and Comfort drive modes but it quickly sharpens up in the Sport & Sport+ drive modes. One odd characteristic that I noticed is that there is a lot of rpm hang if you freely rev the engine in Park or Neutral.
As for fuel economy, it’s a bit higher than average when compared to other luxury compact SUVs. It is rated for 12.9 L/100km (18.2 MPG) in a city and 10 L/100km (23.5 MPG) on a highway. The BMW X3 M40i and Volvo XC60 T6 both get better fuel economy numbers.
With the 3.5L engine, the GV70 can tow up to 3,500 lbs which is in-line with the GLC 43 but less than the BMW X3 M40i.
Transmission – Shifting gears is an 8-speed automatic. In Comfort mode, the shifts are buttery smooth but not quite the fastest to react when you stomp on the throttle. However, in Sport+ mode, it reacts much more quickly to not only throttle inputs but also the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Braking – Stopping the 2 tonne SUV are 4-piston front brake calipers and single piston rear calipers. The brake pedal can be set to two different modes; Normal and Sport. The latter makes the pedal overly assisted and sensitive for daily use on city streets. But it provides a lot of stopping force when driving more enthusiastically. For city driving, Normal is better as it allows for smooth stops.
Handling – Whether the GV70 is equipped with the 2.5L or 3.5L engine, it comes with AWD. This is a rear biased AWD system which gives the GV70 a sporty driving characteristic. This Sport Plus trim comes equipped with an electronically controlled limited slip differential for better power control through corners and the AWD system can send 100% of the engine’s power to those rear wheels. Coupled with adaptive dampers, the 2022 Genesis GV70 feels athletic and planted on a twisty road. If you’re gentle with the throttle and steering inputs, the back end doesn’t step out of line and instead just grips out of a corner. Body roll is well controlled by the adaptive dampers in the Sport+ mode but without giving you a harsh ride.
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Comfort
Ride Comfort – The adaptive dampers have an ace up their sleeves because they are paired with the forward facing camera to scan the road ahead and quickly adjust to any bumps or potholes the camera may detect. As a result, the ride is fantastic in Comfort mode.
Further aiding to the comfort are the seats in the front. The driver’s seat has a few more adjustments than the passenger which include thigh support and a body ergonomics feature. It’s like a massaging feature but it’s main purpose is to prevent your bum or lower back from feeling too numb or sore. Unfortunately only the driver’s seat has this feature, not the passenger.
Interior Space – Like many other compact SUVs, the front occupants have plenty of space. Though headroom is a tiny bit less in the GV70 compared to its rivals. The rear seats are reasonably spacious for adults. Sitting behind my driving position, my knees rub a bit against the back of the front seats but I am above average in height. More average height adults will find enough space. In the trunk, the 2022 Genesis GV70 has 818 L (28.9 cu-ft) of cargo space with the 2nd row seats upright. Fold them down with levers in the trunk and the cargo capacity increases to 1,611 L (56.9 cu-ft).
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – Thanks to the smooth ride and well insulated cabin, the GV70 provides a quiet and serene interior. Engine, wind, and tire noises are well subdued even on highways. But this being a more sporty version of the GV70, you can introduce some engine noises into the cabin through the stereo system. It sounds good but it is fake at the end of the day. Unfortunately the real engine noises are hard to hear thanks to the well insulated cabin.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2022 Genesis GV70 starts at $49,000 CAD ($41,000 USD) with the 2.5L engine. To get the 3.5L V6 engine, you’ll be paying from $68,500 CAD ($52,600 USD). This fully loaded Sport Plus trim will cost you $75,500 CAD ($62,500 USD). In the United States, this trim is called Sport Prestige. While the starting prices are a bit higher than the German rivals, they do come with more features as standard. To get a similarly equipped GLC 43 AMG for example, you’ll have to pay just under $84,000 CAD.
Gadgets – So what do you get for your money? A lot of stuff. Of course the GV70 has the same luxury features that you’d expect from an SUV costing this much. Navigation, heated & ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, head-up display, surround view cameras, and so on.
Unique features to the GV70 include a fingerprint scanner that will allow you to lock your driver profile and valet mode. There’s also highway driving assist which is similar to GM’s Super Cruise but you can only take your hands off the steering wheel for brief periods. An interesting feature with the HDA is the ability to adjust the characteristics of the adaptive cruise control. You can have it accelerate more quickly or more smoothly up to speed. Another cool feature is the remote parking which allows you to get out of the SUV and move it forwards or backwards into a tight parking spot with just the key fob.
The infotainment system has a 14.5” touchscreen but it can also be controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. No more rotary ring like in the GV80. The system itself is responsive, easy to use, and has sharp graphics. The digital display in front of the driver has a little trick that it can do. It can look 2D or 3D. The 3D effect genuinely works on your eyes but it makes the screen dimmer and the edges of the shapes more pixelated. Personally, I would just leave it in 2D mode as it’s brighter and more crisp.
Interior Design – The interior of the GV70 is something that BMW and Mercedes-Benz should worry about because it looks gorgeous. Most of the materials are soft leather, carbon fiber in this particular trim, and soft plastics with a few hard plastics near your feet. There’s also ambient lighting but not as extreme as you would find in the GLC 43.
Exterior Design – The 2022 GV70 receives the same shield design front grille that is on all other Genesis vehicles. The headlights are smooth and split in two just like the G70 sedan. But an odd design cue is the overlap on the hood next to the grille. Not sure why the designers didn’t make it flush. Around back, the double tail light lines are a mirror of the front DRLs. The exhaust holes are integrated into the bumper but they look alright. My favourite feature in the back is the integration of the 3rd brake light into the roof spoiler. Looks very unique.
Warranty – Unlike the German rivals, the 2022 Genesis GV70 is covered by a 5 year / 100,000 km new vehicle and powertrain warranty in Canada. In the United States, new vehicle warranty is the same at 5 years / 60,000 miles but the powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles. Better yet, Genesis vehicles come with a valet service. So when it’s time to take the car for a service, Genesis will pick it up for you and provide a vehicle for you until your car has had its service done. For more information on Canadian warranty, click here. For information on USA warranty, click here.
So how does the 2022 Genesis GV70 stack up against the established luxury offerings? Very well. It is a quiet yet fast and luxurious feeling little SUV. The price is not bad either for the amount of features you get. With the others – particularly the German brands – you have to add on quite a few optional packages to get the same features but at a higher price. All in all, the 2022 GV70 is hitting hard against the establishment.
Thank you to Genesis Canada for providing the vehicle. www.Genesis.com
2022 Genesis GV70 Gallery
