When this luxury SUV hit the scene, it immediately stood out in a crowded market. With a striking design, upscale comfort, and a price that didn’t make you wince, it quickly earned its place among the best.
Competing with big names like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes is no small feat. But this SUV manages to strike a rare balance—luxurious where it counts, sporty when you want it, and refined throughout, with power options that make it as fun to drive as it is comfortable.
That luxury SUV? The first-gen Genesis GV70. It offers premium features and bold design at a price that undercuts the competition, making luxury feel refreshingly within reach.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Genesis website and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, the EPA, Kelley Blue Book, and TopSpeed.
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10
A Cabin That Feels Like First Class
Step inside, and it’s clear the first-gen Genesis GV70 wasn’t just built for style—it was designed with real comfort in mind. With over 108 cubic feet of interior space, there’s room for five to stretch out without feeling cramped.
Every seat is designed to spoil you, featuring standard heating, cooling, and even massage functions—because why not feel like you’re in a spa while you drive? Whether you’re in the front or the back, comfort is baked into every detail.
The materials? Top-tier all around. From supple leather options—including exclusive Nappa leather on higher trims—to soft-touch surfaces and leather-wrapped accents, nothing feels overlooked.
Real wood trim, brushed metal touches, and ambient lighting elevate the cabin into something that feels far above its price point. It’s not just luxurious—it’s durable, too, built to stay beautiful even after years of use.
And when it comes to rear legroom, this SUV quietly outclasses the competition with nearly 39 inches, beating out rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The amount of space and comfort packed inside is genuinely impressive for a crossover this size.
9
Standard AWD, No Matter Which Trim You Choose
When the weather turns or the road gets rough, this SUV doesn’t flinch. That’s because all-wheel drive comes standard—no need to pay extra for better traction.
It’s smart, too. Under normal conditions, it sends up to 90 percent of power to the rear wheels for a sportier feel, but when things get slippery, it automatically shifts power where it’s needed most.
Whether you’re facing rain, snow, or gravel, this AWD system keeps the drive smooth and steady. Even Car and Driver gave it a nod, calling it “a remarkably confident and composed crossover, even in challenging conditions.”
Bottom line? If you want a crossover that makes you feel in control, no matter what’s ahead, the GV70 has your back, right out of the gate.
8
Pick Your Power: Turbo or Twin-Turbo Thrills
You’ve got two ways to power your drive—and neither one disappoints. Choose between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, depending on how much muscle you’re after.
The four-cylinder packs a solid punch with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while still sipping fuel at a respectable 24 MPG combined. Step up to the V6, and you’re looking at a thrilling 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft—plus a still-reasonable 21 MPG combined.
Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that adapts effortlessly to your driving style. Want a more hands-on feel? Pop it into manual mode and take control.
If speed is your thing, the V6 doesn’t mess around—it rockets from 0 to 60 in just 5.2 seconds, easily outpacing rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The turbo-four is no slouch either, hitting the same mark in around 6.5 seconds.
Whichever engine you go with, you get a ride that feels responsive, capable, and seriously fun to drive. It’s all about having the power you need—when you want it.
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7
Luxury That Doesn’t Break the Bank
One of the most impressive things about this SUV? You get serious luxury and performance without the luxury price tag.
Back in 2022—when the GV70 launched—it had a starting price of $42,595, undercutting the BMW X3 by $2,100 and even beating out the Audi Q5 by $1,775, while still delivering more across the board. Fast-forward to today, and a used example—a 2022 GV70 2.5T Standard Sport to be precise—will set you back in the region of $32,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. If your budget stretches further, you can pick up a 2022 3.5T Sport for around $38,000.
Speaking of power, the base model offers 52 more horsepower than the BMW and a jaw-dropping 99 more than the Audi. You’re not paying less for less; you’re paying less for more.
In the end, it’s a rare combo: sleek design, real muscle, and premium features, all wrapped in a price that makes rivals sweat. Value like this doesn’t come around often.
6
Safety Features That Have Your Back
This luxury SUV comes loaded with smart driver-assistance features that make every drive safer and more relaxed. Think adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and alerts for blind spots and crossing traffic.
It also includes lane-keeping help and driver-attention warnings to keep you alert and in control. Every trim includes a 360-degree camera, automatic high beams, and parking sensors.
All these tech goodies work together to give you peace of mind, no matter where the road takes you. Safety and convenience are clearly front and center here.
5
Your Personal Comfort Zone Behind the Wheel
Comfort behind the wheel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why this SUV comes with a smart driver’s seat designed to move with you.
It’s equipped with seven air cells that adjust automatically, giving extra support where you need it most—like your lower back and hips.
In addition, you get heating, cooling, ventilation, and 16-way power adjustments, all with memory settings to remember precisely how you like it.
The result? A driving experience that feels custom-built just for you, no matter how long the journey.
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4
Top Marks for Safety
This SUV has earned some impressive safety accolades from top organizations like IIHS and Euro NCAP. It snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick+—their highest honor—thanks to strong crash test results and smart safety tech.
Over in Europe, it scored a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, excelling in protecting both adults and kids while packing plenty of safety assist features. When stacked against rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, it holds its own with comparable safety scores.
What’s really impressive is that it manages all this while coming in at a lower price point. In other words, you don’t have to sacrifice safety to get a great deal.
3
Immersive Sound, Powered by Lexicon
If you’re someone who cranks up the volume the second you hit the road, this luxury SUV has you covered. The top-tier trim comes equipped with a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system that transforms your cabin into a personal concert hall.
With tech like QuantumLogic Surround and Clari-Fi Music Restoration, every note sounds richer—even if you’re streaming a low-quality file. A 12-channel digital amp keeps the sound crisp, whether you’re whispering podcasts or blasting playlists.
What really stands out is the way QuantumLogic creates a 360-degree soundscape, wrapping everyone inside in high-fidelity audio. Add in active noise cancellation, and it’s just you, your music, and nothing else.
2
A Touchscreen That Does It All
The Genesis GV70’s infotainment setup is all about making life easier for both drivers and passengers. It features a spacious 14.5-inch touchscreen borrowed straight from the bigger GV80, sitting high on the dashboard so you can glance at it without losing focus on the road.
You’ll find all the must-haves here—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone pairing, letting you effortlessly tap into your favorite apps and playlists. Plus, Bluetooth keeps your calls hands-free and your music flowing smoothly, while the built-in navigation system helps you get where you need to go without a hitch.
1
Plenty of Space for Your Gear
The GV70 offers a surprisingly roomy cargo area that holds its own against rivals in the same class. With the rear seats up, you get about 28.9 cubic feet of space, and fold those seats down, and it expands to a generous 56.1 cubic feet.
It’s right up there with popular German competitors, too. For example, the BMW X3 offers 28.7 cubic feet with seats up, while the Audi Q5 has 25.1 cubic feet—so the GV70 definitely plays in the big leagues when it comes to storage.
