2026 Genesis GV70 Review: This is How Luxury SUVs Should Be Crafted.

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      Genesis has shed its image as a newcomer from South Korea trying to masquerade as a fancy Hyundai. Germany should take notice, as Genesis is now aiming for the top, especially as BMW falters. The 2026 Genesis GV70 has arrived with some visual updates and improved technology, offering a more refined and tech-savvy experience while preserving the qualities that made it a standout.

      The title of the Ultimate Driving Crossover no longer belongs to the BMW X3; though the Porsche Macan may come to mind, it's in a higher price range. After a week behind the wheel of the GV70, it’s clear that this subtly refreshed 2026 model brings considerable competition to the segment.

      Joel Feder

      Overview

      The GV70 hasn’t undergone significant visual changes, but Genesis has made some subtle adjustments for attentive observers. The grille now has more depth, the air intakes are slightly larger, the LED headlights have finer twin strips, and Genesis mentions a skid plate at the front, though it’s essentially just a piece of silver plastic. The exhaust tips have a new design, and the wheel options of 19 and 21 inches have been updated to reflect the twin-stripe design seen in the headlights and taillights. It’s impressive, and Genesis is embracing this look.

      Joel Feder

      The dashboard has received a technological upgrade, merging the separate gauge cluster and touchscreen into one 27-inch OLED display, with the right side functioning as a touchscreen. The screen isn’t fully integrated into the dashboard, giving it the appearance of having been plopped down at the last minute. Although the climate controls are primarily touch-based (and do not suffer from sunlight glare like some Hyundais), Genesis wisely includes knobs and buttons for essential functions such as audio volume, radio tuning, and temperature settings.

      The revamped three-spoke steering wheel keeps buttons, a volume control roller knob, and toggles for the adaptive cruise control system. A touch-sensitive slider button allows scrolling through various screens, similar to other Genesis models. The interface of the touchscreen and digital cluster aligns with the latest luxury offerings from the brand, even featuring digital needles in the Sport+ model that appear to be on fire. The new blue interior color option (which my test vehicle had paired with orange stitching and seatbelts) is attractive, and I highly recommend it. The interior feels much more premium, user-friendly, and less plasticky than the latest BMW X3.

      Joel Feder

      Driving the 2026 Genesis GV70

      The powertrains for the GV70 remain unchanged for 2026. The base model is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The GV70 I drove featured the more potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, boosting output to 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Every GV70 comes standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

      Since the powertrains are carried over, the turbocharged V6 delivers an exhilarating performance that can only be described as more power than one would need for everyday driving. I estimate it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in the high 4-second range. The engine sounds fantastic, resembling the turbo-six in the BMW X3, although it has a slightly coarser sound under load compared to BMW's smooth inline-six due to its V configuration. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifts, particularly enhancing performance in Sport and Sport+ modes, where gears are held longer, and revs are allowed to linger. While perhaps not needed for daily commuting, it adds an element of fun on twisty roads.

      Joel Feder

      Final Thoughts

      In a market where enthusiasts often default to BMW, Genesis is rapidly carving out its space as the Germans seem distracted. The refined GV70 offers all the modern technology consumers desire, such as wireless Apple CarPlay, without cumbersome controls or distractions, all while delivering sharp dynamics and impressive build quality.

      It may seem surprising, but the go-to crossover for drivers now hails from South Korea instead of Germany.

      2025 Genesis GV70 Specifications

      Base Price (Sport Prestige AWD): $50,435 ($72,225)

      Powertrain: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive

      Horsepower: 375

      Torque: 391

      Seating Capacity: 5

      Curb Weight: 4,738 pounds

      Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

      Cargo Volume: 28.9 cubic feet behind second row | 56.9 cubic feet behind first row

      Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches

      EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city | 25 mpg highway | 21 mpg combined

      Score: 8/10

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