The G70 is a midsize luxury sedan from Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai. The G70 is available with 4- or 6-cylinder power and comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. For 2024, the G70 gets a more powerful base engine and additional standard and optional features. Competitors include Alfa Romeo Giulia, Acura TLX, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CT4, Infiniti Q50, Jaguar XF, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S60.
Two models of the G70 are offered with pricing ranging from $42,000 to $51,000: 2.5T and 3.3T. Appropriately, the 2.5T comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3T model gets a twin turbo V6 that makes 365 horsepower and 376 horsepower. Both engines come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission that has a manual shift mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board with all-wheel drive being optional on all but the 2.0T manual.
Safety systems include forward-collision warning and emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and a driver awareness warning system that's designed to detect drowsy or distracted driving. Available performance features include launch control, dynamic torque vectoring in the all-wheel-drive system and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides solid acceleration. For most, it's 0 to 60 MPH time of 6.5 seconds is more than appropriate. Those wanting more power can step up to the lusty twin-turbo V6. It provides outstanding acceleration and a 0 to 60 MPH time of less than 5 seconds. Both engines mate nicely to the slick-shifting 8-speed automatic.
As is the case with most rear-drive sport sedans, buyers in northern climates should be prepared to fit all-season or, better yet, snow tires in the winter. Opting for all-wheel drive provides a little more all-season traction, but it cannot make up for the poor cold-weather performance of touring tires that come standard on most G70 models.
Fuel economy can be a plus, especially on rear-drive 2.5T models, which get an EPA rating of 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The 3.3-liter V6 nets EPA numbers of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway when fitted with all-wheel drive. Both engines require premium-grade gasoline for best performance. In routine suburban commuting it is possible to average close to 25 MPG overall if you are gentle with the throttle. Step into the gas or get stuck in rush hour and you'll likely see 20 or 21 MPG overall.
The G70 has a refined athleticism that's often proclaimed by automakers but rarely achieved. Others may offer superior ultimate road holding, but few achieve the delicate balance struck by the G70's sophisticated suspension and poised manners. The suspension is firm but forgiving and provides an excellent feel for drivers looking to press hard into corners. Steering is quick and accurate. Brakes provide plenty of stopping power and have an easy-to-modulate pedal. Road and wind noise are nicely hushed and both engines sound great when pushed to redline. Overall, the G70 delivers a premium ride with sports-car-like moves.
Inside the G70 sports a modern and clean interior that puts the focus on the driver. Enhancements over the years have upped the game in terms of materials, which are clearly a cut above the class norm and seem more than appropriate for the price. Drivers face an all-digital traditional twin-dial setup surrounding a programmable digital information screen. There's also an available head-up display. The center stack is topped by a large and easy-to-read touch-screen display -- though it is too far of a reach to touch while driving. Traditional dials and buttons for the radio and climate control are a nice touch. Android Auto and Apple Car Play support is standard. Genesis has also added a very convenient wireless charging tray, though, when in use, it does eliminate a storage cubby.
Front seats are firmly bolstered and provide ample back and thigh support. Head and leg room are quite good, despite the car's tidy dimensions. Outward visibility is great. The rear seats, though inviting and nicely trimmed, are short of overall support. Cushions are thinly padded and head room is tight. In addition, there's scant knee and foot space if the front seats are more than half-way back.
With just 11 cubic feet of cargo space, the trunk isn't as large as some others in the class -- namely the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Still, there's enough space for a week's worth of groceries or three or four large suitcases. The rear seat backs fold quickly, but not quite flat. Interior storage is good with lots of open and covered bins throughout.
Bottom Line -- Deftly blending sport and luxury, the G70 demonstrates the true potential at Genesis. With prices starting in the mid-to-high $40s it is hard to find a better value in the class. Positives include the powerful twin-turbo V6, sophisticated road manners and top-notch interior design. Negatives are few and limited to rear-seat room/comfort and overall cargo capacity. Overall, it's hard to find a better blend of performance, luxury and refinement in the class.
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