BY: TAREK HAWCHAR
The 2022 Genesis GV70 is certainly not a budget alternative to its more established German rivals, instead it’s a new heavy hitter that has all that it takes to compete with the best
When Genesis joined the luxury SUV club in early 2020 by introducing the Korean brand’s first SUV, the GV80, expectations for the mid-size luxury SUV’s success were not so high, especially in a segment that is already teeming with quality German rivals.
A few months later, Hyundai’s upscale spinoff has decided to roll the dice even harder, with the launch of the 2022 Genesis GV70 to join the upper echelon of compact luxury SUVs, aiming to stand up against segment stalwarts like the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5.
The new compact luxury SUV is certainly not a budget alternative to its more established German rivals in one of the car market’s hottest segments, instead it is a new heavy hitter that has all that it takes to compete with the best, thanks to its bold look, a choice of two powerful engines, and a litany of advanced driving aids and safety technologies, among other top-of-the-range features.
We were lucky to climb behind the wheel of the new Genesis SUV and put it to a proper test, exploring its full potential. The Genesis GV70 was a breathtaking ride, highlighted by the bristling performance of its 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine.
Looking instantly recognizable, the 2022 Genesis GV70 gains many of the design traits from the latest line of Genesis vehicles, particularly the GV80
Exterior
Looking instantly recognizable, the 2022 Genesis GV70 gains many of the design traits from the latest line of Genesis vehicles, particularly the GV80. Adopting the Korean brand’s latest bold styling language, the new compact luxury SUV features the massive pentagonal Crest Grille, a two-bar headlight design, with two aggressive intakes underneath.
Aside from the coupe-like roofline and a choice of 18-inch, 19-inch, or 21-inch wheels, the rear section also has a similar split-taillight design and a G-Matrix pattern on the bumper.
Based on the trim level, the standard variants have a vertically shaped muffler and body-colored rear diffuser, while the range-topping 3.5T Royal Sport grade gets circular tailpipes.
As far as the dimensions go, the third new Genesis SUV has an overall length of 4715 mm and measures 1910 mm and 1630 mm in width and height, respectively, with a 2875 mm long wheelbase.
Unsurprisingly, the interior layout of the 2022 Genesis GV70 will leave you awestruck—seriously stepping up the compact luxury SUV’s game
Interior
Unsurprisingly, the interior layout of the 2022 Genesis GV70 will leave you awestruck, seriously stepping up the compact luxury SUV’s game. It is something that goes beyond the BMWs and Mercedes of the world!
The well-proportioned, two-tier dashboard is dominated by a floating 14.5-inch infotainment screen and a three-spoke steering wheel—the standard GV70 variants get a two-spoke steering wheel.
The minimalist, simple design is especially present in the GV70, where the few actual physical buttons are optimally placed within the drivers’ reach, situated just under the floating center display for controlling things like the radio, navigation system, and other media functions. On the other hand, the new dial-type Shift By Wire (SBW) on the center console resembles a meticulously refined jewel, thereby striking a balance between simplicity and sophistication—something the GV70 manages with aplomb.
Among other key interior features are the 12.3-inch high-definition 3D instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery with quilting, heated and ventilated front seats, 18-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, three-zone climate control with an air-purification feature, wireless smartphone charger, smart power tailgate, head-up display, and the upmarket 15-speaker Lexicon sound system, among other luxury amenities.
In terms of interior space, like other compact luxury SUVs, there is enough space up front, but the back seat space can be tight because of the sloping roofline, and if there’s a tall driver up front it can be particularly cramped.
On the safety front, the Genesis GV70 offers a range of driving assistance features, such as the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) system, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) system, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system, Forward Attention Warning (FAW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) system with Stop & Go, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) system, Intelligent Front-Lighting System (IFS), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) system, along with eight airbags and many other safety features.
If performance is your main concern, you can opt for the more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that pumps out 380 hp and 530 Nm of torque
Engine and Performance
The 2022 Genesis GV70 is available in the Middle East with two engine options. The entry-level models are equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that chugs out 304 hp and 422 Nm of torque.
If performance is your main concern, you can opt for the bigger engine that is equipped with the range-topping Royal Sport variant. The more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine pumps out 380 hp and 530 Nm of torque.
Both engines are hooked to the same eight-speed automatic transmission sending power either to the rear or four wheels, depending on the trim level. Speaking of performance, the V6 engine has a nice growl, particularly over the 5,000 rpm, and its performance figures put the four-wheel-drive GV70 on par with the BMW X3 M40i and AMG GLC 43.
Aside from the fixed suspension that is tied to the standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine, the range-topping GV70 Royal Sport rides on an electronically controlled suspension with road preview. The latter automatically controls the damping force of the suspension to control the movement of the high-riding vehicle, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. However, the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) tied to the four-wheel-drive system distributes power to the left and right wheels according to the driving conditions and road surface.
Our verdict
The 2022 Genesis GV70 showed us positive signs of becoming a major player in one of the most competitive segments in the market, thanks to its incredible, bold design, a wide range of eye-popping luxury amenities, a choice of two powerful engines, particularly the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 mill, and a plethora of standout driving assistance features. In a nutshell, the new Genesis SUV has proved to be a heavy hitter and a real contender against the big names from Germany!