2022 Genesis G70 AWD 3.3T Sport Advanced

The G70, which debuted in 2019, was the first Genesis that showed just how big a threat this new player could be to the luxury establishment.

For ’22 it has been thoroughly updated and becomes even more competitive with the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-Class. It is newer and clearly better overall than the Lexus and Infiniti sedans who also participate in this segment.

Outside there are new bumper fascias front and rear, that are more rounded and allow for the shield-shaped grill and Oreo Double Stack head- and taillight motif that all Genesi now share. Its flanks are sensually curved in a way that makes the G70 really stand out from the angular BMW and slab-sided Audi. Inside the cabin is warmer and more inviting than ze Germans as well; updates include a 10.3in touchscreen and revisions to the HVAC controls. The style is classic sports sedan and is warmly inviting. Front seats are supportive and comfortable, but the rear accommodations are much smaller than the Audi or BMW, as is the trunk.

All Genesis tested recently (as well as many Kia and Hyundai) suffer from some odd behaviors with their driver aids and electronics; examples include the auto temperature usually—but not always—resetting itself to 72 degrees when the car is restarted, no matter what the driver had left it at, and random reactivation of the G70’s aggressively annoying lane-centering, even after that feature has been defeated. Hopefully such could be cured with software changes. By and large the infotech and interfaces are logical, clean and easy to figure out. The digital instruments in particular are nice; classic round dials share space with pop-up camera views of blind spots and curbs. And the Genesis offers a plethora of standard equipment such as ventilated seats, a head up display and pleasing Lexicon sound system. The adaptive cruise isn’t as responsive as the competition, though, and the blind spot monitors are so invasive that their audio needs to be muted, just to make soothing progress. The nannying detracts from the otherwise refined aura the G70 otherwise successfully creates.

The G70 base four-cylinder engine has a strong 252hp, and the 3.3T model’s 365hp/376lb-ft V6 is refined and sonorous. In AWD form it is as quick—or quicker—than the Audi and Benz, with a 4.5 second blast to 60 and a 12.3sec quarter mile. But The Genesis is not as fast or frugal as a BMW M340i, which is over a second quicker to sixty and routinely returns 5-10mpg better in real world use. The in-house 8-speed automatic is decent overall, but its programming can’t match the Germans’ for intuitiveness nor sportiness—nor will it hold in lower gears after downshifting for corners, which it should in its most aggressive mode. The Sport Advanced model (tested) does without the adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes and the limited slip differential of the top, Prestige model, yet it generally rides well and handles with aplomb. Its steering is on par with competitors, but its body control and at-the-limit handling aren’t quite as dialed-in. Nonetheless it is still rewarding to drive and seems more ‘special’ than rivals in its interior ambiance and handsome lines. The same conclusions can be drawn of the GV70 and GV80 crossovers, so it seems Genesis has intentionally chosen those attributes over ultimate cornering precision or clinical perfection. Combined with its excellent pricing and a warranty that is much better than most, and it is clear the G70 has enough compelling virtues to place it at the forefront of the sports sedan class.

EPA Ratings: 17/25/20mpg

0-60mph: 4.5sec

Price as tested: $49,545

Here is what Genesis has to say.

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Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

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