Overview
Although it shares its underpinnings with the Kia Stinger, the 2022 G70 kicks the luxury quotient up a notch and proves that the Genesis brand is a credible competitor in the entry-luxury segment. Going head-to-head with sports sedan leaders such as the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-class requires both an athletic chassis and a posh cabin—two things that happen to be the G70’s strengths. Not only does it deliver driving enjoyment and a nicely-trimmed interior, the smallest Genesis sedan is an exemplar for the brand’s bargain pricing, coming in several thousand dollars cheaper than its keys rivals from Germany. Not to mention its standard 10-year warranty package, which is more than double what most entry-luxury cars offer.
What’s New for 2022?
Genesis has given its entry-luxury G70 sedan a makeover for 2022, which includes updated front and rear styling as well as interior tweaks that bring the car visually into line with the new G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. Genesis has also addressed one of our complaints inside the G70 for 2022 with a new, larger, and more premium-looking infotainment display. The G70’s optional six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued. Look for the 2022 G70 to land at North American Genesis dealerships in summer 2021.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Even the higher-end versions of the G70 represent a good value when compared to rival sports sedans, so we’d splurge on the Sport Prestige 3.3T model. Not only is the twin-turbo V-6 more powerful, in our testing it was nearly as efficient. The Sport Prestige trim brings just about every high-end feature Genesis has, including a head-up display, upgraded Brembo brakes, a 360-degree exterior camera system, nappa leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a luxury microfiber headliner. All-wheel drive is available as an option but it adds $2000 to the G70’s price tag.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base G70 2.0T features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 252 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels; all-wheel drive is optional. Its engine felt reserved around town, and acceleration times were ordinary. However, our heart skipped a beat when we got behind the wheel of the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 model, with its 365 ponies and 376 lb-ft of torque. We spent some personal time with the rear-drive 3.3T and were smitten by the engine’s wave of thrust that sent it from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds in our testing. Regardless of the powertrain configuration, the G70 has expertly balanced ride and handling characteristics. Its suspension smoothed out uneven surfaces, and the sedan remained composed during spirited cornering sessions. The more powerful 3.3T has the benefit of adaptive dampers that allow the driver to firm up the ride if necessary, but every G70 we’ve driven did a remarkable job of sending information to the driver’s hands. Its steering feedback is precise and pleasant, with adjustable effort available by switching among the multiple drive modes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the most efficient G70 model is the rear-wheel drive version with the 2.o-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That car earned ratings of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. On our 200-mile highway fuel economy test, the four-cylinder G70 delivered 31 mpg; with the twin-turbo V-6 on-board, we recorded an impressive 29 mpg. For more information about the G70’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the G70 delivers a luxury experience, thanks to attractive materials and excellent build quality. Its driver-centric layout and straightforward controls cater to driving enthusiasts. Likewise, the upscale brightwork and decoratively stitched surfaces on our test car appeased our affluent side. Genesis also keeps things classy by avoiding the urge to plaster faux carbon-fiber bits and a flat-bottom steering wheel into the cabin, and the result is an interior that seems more luxurious than the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Jaguar XE. While the front seat strikes a nice balance between comfort and sport, the rear seat is compromised by limited legroom. We managed to fit five carry-on bags in the G70’s trunk, and 14 total with the rear seat folded. Interior cubby storage includes a useful tray at the front of the center console that is perfect for smartphones and other small items. Unfortunately, the door pockets are small, and the center-console bin lacks organization.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every G70 is fitted with a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that protrudes from the otherwise clean dashboard. The setup includes desirable features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. We’ll know more about the 2022 G70’s infotainment offerings closer to the car’s on-sale date.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The G70 boasts several standard driver-assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking. For more information about the G70’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Genesis covers every G70 with an exceptional warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance. The luxury brand also offers a valet service—by appointment—where it will pick up and drop off the vehicle for maintenance visits and provide a loaner Genesis model for use in the meantime.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
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