Review: 2023 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Plus AWD

Comfortable, gorgeous interior and exterior, luxurious, and subtle compared to its German rivals. The list goes on with how great I think the 2023 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Plus is in terms of how it drives, looks, and feels. When we think of sports SUV’s, the most common are BMWs, Mercedes, and Audi for example, but have we really thought of Genesis to be comparable? It may not be a recognizable brand like the above mentioned, it is still quite low key, but it sure behaves like one or close enough to it in my opinion.

Engine/Transmission

The GV70 I had on demo has a 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available with all wheel drive. It produces 375hp and 391lb-ft of torque. With sport plus mode engaged, 0-60mph (96km/h) is done in less than 5 seconds so it is quick and fun. It is rated for 12.9L/100km in a city and 10.0L/100km on a highway while I averaged a combined 12.9L/100km. Could I have reached better numbers? Of course, but with a sporty SUV like the GV70, you’re almost always going to want to enjoy a spirited drive. The GV70 is also available with a 2.5L 4-cylinder.

Handling/Performance

Can you think of a time when you have been able to get everything you wanted in an item or car or person? That’s almost impossible, you need to compromise, but not with the GV70. Well, with the GV70 you get lucky as you get comfort and performance all in one. So, say, you have a family, and you need a comfortable and bonus if its a luxurious ride, but you also don’t want a boring ride, the GV70 is a great option. Switching to Sport Plus provides a firm ride which is great when driving around in windy roads, this helps to resist body roll when cornering. It does feel a bit heavy, so you don’t want to take a corner too quick. In comfort mode, road noise is subtle and going over potholes or bumpy roads is not uncomfortable due to its adaptive suspension. This means that the suspension adjusts according to the road conditions for a smooth ride. Whether you decide to cruise comfortably or spirited, the GV70 ticks the box. I like that the GV70 responds to your inputs so it can either be smooth or aggressive, it all depends on how you handle it and what side of it you are trying to bring out.

Comfort

Sitting in the GV70 is also very comfortable. The driver seat has a 12-way power adjustable seat with power lumbar and 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat. The rear seats are comfortable but not that much leg space for above average individuals. However, the GV70 is a compact SUV so it is expected to be smaller. If space is needed, then the GV80 would be the one to choose. The GV70 has 39inches headroom and 37 inches of legroom which has a slight difference when comparing to the BMW X3, for example, which has 39 inches headroom and 36 inches legroom in the rear.

Interior

The GV70 is equipped with leather Nappa seats, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, panoramic sunroof, head-up display and a 14.5-inch touchscreen to name a few of my favourite features. The infotainment system is simple to use and although I am not a fan of control knobs, I didn’t mind using it in the Genesis GV70, although, I did spend most of my time using the touchscreen. The only small issue I had with the screen is that it felt far to reach so I had to lean forward. I do have long arms and still felt like I had to lean a bit. I did like that the climate control is separate from the touchscreen so it’s a quick access to the important controls. One cool feature I liked was that you can move forward the front passenger seat for more leg space for the rear seat. There is a button you can press on the side of the front passenger seat to move it forward. The interior of the GV70 feels very premium like with all the materials used throughout the cabin. I find the interior to look beautiful with beige leather seats as the GV70 is classy looking.

Exterior

The 2023 Genesis GV70 is equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime and headlights amongst other features you would expect in a luxury vehicle. It is also equipped with quite a few safety features and remote parking assist which is quite nice to have. Like the interior, it is also beautiful on the outside. Big black grilles are my weakness as I just find it adds a nice touch to a car. The GV70 has body coloured side mirrors, door handles, rear, and front bumpers. I find it looks very attractive with the body-coloured parts.

Pros/Cons

Even though Genesis may not be as recognizable as other luxury brands, I think they did a great job with this SUVs. The GV70 feels luxurious, drives sporty, is very comfortable, and has quite a lot of features just like any of the other brands but at a much lower price. I do like that it is a low-key brand, probably not for long but I feel that those who own a Genesis are those that are different and don’t want to own an SUV that you will see at every corner. I can’t really say much negative things about the GV70 other than the touchscreen being farther to reach, squishy rear legroom and that it does feel quite heavy when driving enthusiastically. It doesn’t take away that much of the sporty feel though so its not a big deal. The starting price of the 2023 GV70 is $57,500CAD ($44,900USD) with the 3.5T sport plus starting at $77,500CAD ($57,500USD). So, is it worth it? In my opinion, I think so.