2025 Genesis GV70
Good just got better.
When I get into a vehicle, one of the first things I do is touch everything. The headliner gets the first swipe. Then the dash. The seat. The edges of dials. I run my fingernails over the edges and look for the cheap bits. In the 2026 Genesis GV70, I came up empty.
There are no cheap bits.
From the metal etching on the dials to the sueded lining on the roof, the GV70 is a tactile pleaser. It's also a looker.
WHAT'S NEW ON THE 2026 GENESIS GV70
Though this isn't a next-gen vehicle, it is significantly refreshed for 2026. The front fascia and grille are new. The headlight treatment is new. The taillights are refreshed. You've got new wheel options, and you have a bigger rear spoiler.
On the interior, the 2026 GV70 gets teched up with the 27-inch OLED screen we saw introduced in the GV80. You have stronger. Horizontal lines on the dash, more buttons and dials for frequently touched controls and a gorgeous Ultramarine interior option with blue leather and orange seatbelts and stitching accents.
WHAT'S NOT NEW?
The powertrains are a carryover from the 2025 model year. The base engine will be the 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo that delivers 300 horsepower, whereas the uplevel powertrain is the 3-5-liter V-6 that delivers 375 horsepower.
HOW IT DROVE
During the media preview, we were only given access to the top-engined, top-trimmed models, so we only saw the best of the best. And it was pretty great. The 375 horses under the hood are plenty for fast accelerations or passing maneuvers on the highway. The acceleration is smooth and seamless, and it has the ability to bring a little lift to your stomach when you punch it.
One of the things I have always liked about the GV70 is its overall carlike nimbleness. It's easy to maneuver in tight spaces, yet it also has a high level of comfort for longer drives.
THE GOOD STUFF
Genesis does an amazing job with the details. The fit and finish plus the general design elements look incredible on the 2026 Genesis GV70. We had a model with the Ultramarine interior, and I loved how the orange accents pop.
I am also a fan of the 27-inch OLED screen. I know there has been a lot of pushback lately against the "large screen" trend, but I like how this screen curves from the cluster to the infotainment area. When you use the native maps, you can set it up to blend across from the infotainment area into the cluster, and it looks really good.
The GV70 also finally gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which I did not find to be laggy. It fills out the infotainment area well. However, I did have one of my TikTok followers point out that the edges of the CarPlay projection are curved instead of squared, and now that I've seen it, I can't unsee it. Not a dealbreaker, but a missed detail.
The ambient lighting gets an upgrade for 2026, adding more lit areas with the end result being vibrant. I like the custom color selections, and yes, you do have the ability to dim the lights or turn them off altogether.
Though we didn't get to test it during the media preview, GV70 also gets the updated version of Genesis' Digital Key, which means you can use your phone as a key. You can also send a Digital Key to a friend so they can access and drive your car without an actual fob.
THE BAD STUFF
Frankly, there's not much to dislike on the 2025 Genesis GV70. So, I feel picky in bringing up the things I didn't love. But here it goes. First up, the auto stop/start feature lacks the finesse you'd expect from a vehicle in this segment at this price range. It's clunky with physical vibrations as the engine shuts down or turns on, not to mention the fact that your HVAC is muted when the engine is off. Not ideal on a hot day.
Next up, I am displeased with the wireless charger. Shocking, I know. It irks me when this is added to a vehicle, and it doesn't work. In the GV70, it overheats your phone and only issues a trickle charge. Lest you think all wireless chargers in vehicles do this, I'm telling you they don't. General Motors is the one automaker I've found so far who does it right.
Now I'm really going to pick a nit. The rear wiper should be tucked up under the spoiler.
OUR TAKE ON THE 2026 GENESIS GV70
For a brand that's only 10 years old, Genesis is all growed up, and its current lineup shows how gracefully the brand is aging. It has beautiful products and a lot of great tech.
The 2026 Genesis GV70 embodies all that is right with the brand. It's got good bones, excellent design and easy-to-use tech that lives in harmony with the real buttons and dials. But, buyer beware, it's not a bargain buy. While you will get a lot of value for the money - what you see is what you get - you are now in luxury German territory. The vehicles we were driving topped $70k. While there are base models that start at about $50k, this might be a hard pill for some buyers to swallow.
Editor's note: Driving impressions in this "First Drive" review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Genesis covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.
