2022 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Advanced – Unshakable Performance

The 2022 Genesis GV70 is an all-new SUV built to mainly compete against more established small premium SUVs like the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, and XC60 by Volvo. 

The GV70 shares the same powertrain as the larger GV80, but since there is less weight to haul, most people like us found that the GV70 is a lot more fun to drive. So, the question is this: will the 2022 Genesis GV70 take a significant bite out of the premium SUV market? That’s a question we set out to answer in this review. 

Driving Experience 

The 2.5T sports a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 300 hp and 311 lb/ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the resulting performance is zippy for a vehicle in the segment. The quick throttle response and excellent upshifts are something we were not expecting, making it a pleasant surprise.  

The steering has been tuned for lightness with weighted pedals, which gives the driver confidence to push the vehicle further. Though it isn’t by any means as sporty or even nearly as expensive as the Porsche Macan, it is far more engaging than the rest of the pack in this segment. 

With 19-inch low-profile tires, the resulting ride quality is supple, allowing us to zip in and out of tight corners with confidence. While the AWD, as we discovered, is mainly rear-wheel biased, it also means that if needed, the vehicle can transfer most of its power to the rear wheels. In other words, when engaged, the electronic limited-slip rear differential can send 100% of its torque to the rear wheels. So, yes, getting out of a sticky situation is easier than with the competition. 

In terms of fuel economy, the EPA figures of 22/28 mpg for city/highway driving are impressive, especially compared to the 2021 Lexus NX300 AWD, which has a smaller 2.0-liter engine. 

Exterior Charm 

The exterior uses the same design language found elsewhere in Genesis’ lineup. We are fans of the diamond pattern grille, with the twin lightbar-looking motif. 

Up-close the vehicle looks aggressive and muscular, though we’d say this is one of the better, well-sculpted vehicles in this segment. The long sloping roofline helps to refine the sporty profile. We personally think this is a beautiful vehicle. 

Interior Design 

The interior is laden with oval shapes, including the slightly oval steering wheel, with a futuristic center console. We have a very responsive haptic touchscreen, which covers the vehicle’s climate controls, and two rotary dials for the temperature. 

Circle around the back, and the trunk is a spacious 28.9 cubic feet. The second row can be dropped to expand the space to an impressive 56.9 cubic feet. In addition, the GV70 comes with an array of color combos at no extra cost. 

Final Verdict 

While the Genesis brand is relatively young, especially compared to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, the GV70 2.5T Advanced impressed us despite not offering every option. However, this is the sweet spot, in our opinion. The vehicle promises affordability, practicality, refinement, and fuel economy. You get all of these features for a relatively low price.