THE NEW 2022 GENESIS GV70

Genesis, the luxury marque of Korean car manufacturer Hyundai, just keeps getting everything right. Only in existence as a brand in the US since 2016, Genesis vehicles have been winning awards for their design and quality since the very beginning.

Now the latest Genesis to drive into the record books is the 2022 GV70, the brand’s new take on a luxury compact SUV (we loved the larger GV80, released in 2021), which recently was awarded MotorTrend magazine’s prestigious SUV of the Year prize. As we took it through its paces driving throughout Manhattan and into Connecticut, it didn’t take long to agree that the GV70 is a sporty ride that delivers on all fronts.

Starting at $41,000, the base model has a 2.5T engine (a 2.5-liter engine with a turbocharger), while the top-of-the-line version has a 3.5T twin-turbo V6 for about $57,600; impressive pricing that beats other luxury offerings in its class. The base model includes an impressive list of standard features, including our favorite blind-spot collision avoidance assist, as well as all-wheel drive, power and heated front seats, a 14.5-inch HD navigation system screen, hands-free smart back liftgate, and much more.

No matter which version you choose, the GV70 has a beautiful exterior that comes in a variety of brilliant colors; we’re partial to the Adriatic Blue and the Mauna Red, as both just pop on a sunny day. The whole look of the exterior is sleek, with the rendition of the Genesis “wing” design sweeping from front to back.

PERFECT FOR URBAN TERRAIN
Not to be overlooked, of course, the SUV overall is just the right size for city driving, able to slip in and out of traffic like a debonair coupe, but giving enough interior space for family, friends, luggage or groceries. It handles well, especially when in sport mode, hugging the curvy roads outside the city and accelerating with ease on busy highways while always feeling stable and secure.

Like every other Genesis produced, the new 2022 GV70 SUV has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) designation, partially because of the vehicle’s innovative (and standard) front-center airbags that deploy between the bucket seats. It boasts eight airbags total, and the chassis is built with high-strength steel with ultimate passenger safety in mind.

Everything about the Genesis GV70 adds up to a winner for a gasoline-powered SUV. It’s an excellent choice for a compact SUV—that is, until the all-electric “Electrified GV70” arrives in North America. Look for that in 2023 or 2024, as Genesis joins most car manufacturers in moving toward electric vehicles as the standard.

For more information on the 2022 Genesis GV70, visit genesis.com