Test Car Specifications
Model: 2022 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD
Price: From £41,000
Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power: 304hp
Torque: 422Nm
Emissions: 216-230g/km
Economy/Range: 28.0-29.7mpg
0-62mph: 6.1 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Boot space: 542-1,678 litres
Styling
The Genesis styling won't be to everyone's taste. There's something of the Grand Theft Auto knock-off about the way most of its products look, and the GV70 is no exception. It's as if different bits of luxury SUV have found their way into the design, and though it's far from ugly, the GV70 does kind of blend into the SUV crowd. The same could be said of many other luxury SUVs, though, and it does nothing to damage their sales figures.
Interior
The highlight of any Genesis is its cabin, and the GV70 is no exception. The build quality is exemplary – easily as good as that of Mercedes-Benz or Jaguar – and the materials are great too. But the style also takes some beating, with a cool centre console with a rotary gear selector and a clever hybrid climate control display that’s part-touchscreen, part physical control. It works really well and it looks great. The highlights have to be the two main screens, though. There’s a clear digital instrument display for the driver, and a big central touchscreen with pin-sharp displays and really intuitive functionality. It might not look quite as fancy as the Mercedes or Audi systems, but it’s every bit as good.
Practicality
The GV70 is certainly competitive in terms of space, but it's hardly ground-breaking. The cabin is roomy enough for four without anyone feeling cramped, but anybody who tries to occupy that fifth seat will be in for an uncomfortable ride. Boot space, meanwhile, is roughly on a par with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, with 542 litres of capacity when the rear seats are upright, but that figure isn't blowing the competition away. Nevertheless, the GV70 can hold its own against the best in the class.
Performance
The highlight of any Genesis is its cabin, and the GV70 is no exception. The build quality is exemplary – easily as good as that of Mercedes-Benz or Jaguar – and the materials are great too. But the style also takes some beating, with a cool centre console with a rotary gear selector and a clever hybrid climate control display that’s part-touchscreen, part physical control. It works really well and it looks great. The highlights have to be the two main screens, though. There’s a clear digital instrument display for the driver, and a big central touchscreen with pin-sharp displays and really intuitive functionality. It might not look quite as fancy as the Mercedes or Audi systems, but it’s every bit as good.
Ride & Handling
The GV70 has some tough competition, including the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan, and it struggles to compete with either car in terms of handling. That said, it’s as agile and as tactile as a Lexus NX, Volvo XC60 or Range Rover Evoque, which puts it in good stead. Better still, it’s more comfortable than the majority of its competitors, which makes it a brilliant all-rounder. It’s great on the motorway and decent around town, while still offering ample engagement when you get to a good back road. And it’ll cope off-road, with all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance. Fit some suitable tyres and it’ll be great in the snow or on a farm track, but don’t expect Land Cruiser levels of capability – this is still more of a road car at heart.
Value
GV70 prices start at £41,000, which makes the Genesis about £5,000 cheaper than the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. That's pretty good going, but all you get for that money is the basic Premium model. That said, even the most expensive versions of the GV70 undercut the BMW and Audi regardless of whether you choose the 2.2-litre diesel engine or the 2.5-litre petrol that carries a £500 premium. Okay, you'll have to add some optional goodies to get the car you really want, but that's true of most premium brands.
Verdict
Although customers will likely overlook the GV70 purely on the basis of its badge, to do so would be a mistake. It may not have the dynamic capability of the Porsche Macan or the looks of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the GV70's all-round capability and competitive price tag make it one of the front-runners in this segment. It's that good.
