The luxury South Korean SUV that embarrasses German rivals

German automakers have long led the competitive luxury SUV segment. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5 are firmly established as the gold standard in this class, while the Porsche Macan adds further sporting appeal to this group. Then a few years ago the Genesis GV70 showed up and kicked in the door of German complacency.

The Genesis GV70 is well priced in this segment, but not massively cheaper than the competition. Instead, it proved to be ultra-competitive and capable of disrupting the segment with great design, brilliant interiors and real value, delivered in a package that focuses on the human part of luxury vehicle ownership. Genesis didn’t rest on these considerable laurels, and the 2026 model year is yet another step up, making the Germans look increasingly overpriced and underwhelming.

A design that looks confident, not businesslike

The 2026 Genesis GV70 has a bold and assertive appearance, just like its German competitors, but makes its own distinctive statement. While the BMW, Merc and Audi look quite similar from the side, the GV70 has a more distinct shape that strikes a rare balance between elegance and athleticism.

The four LED headlights and the striking Crest grille form a unique sight. The lights flow naturally into the fenders, creating visual width without the need to add oversized intakes or vents. The roofline has a sleek coupe-like curve, but without compromising the interior space. The LED headlights are balanced by twin taillights at the rear, and the understated chrome details exude class.

Luxury backed by industrial power

Genesis is the luxury brand of the Hyundai Motor Corporation, just as Lexus is for Toyota and Acura is for Honda. Like Lexus and Acura, this relationship gives Genesis the ability to build its cars on proven mass-market platforms, using efficient mass-market production methods. With engineering and production in place, Genesis has the freedom to build and equip its vehicles to high luxury standards without increasing the purchase price.

Range of finishes to choose from

The 2026 Genesis GV70 is available in six trim levels in the ICE model, and there is also an EV model available in various trims, but we will focus on the ICE model here for the sake of simplicity. There are two engine options, with lower trims featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower, and higher trims offering a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that produces 375 horsepower. All trim levels come standard with the proven eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. A curious omission is the lack of a hybrid drive, as the Hyundai Palisade has a comparable 2.5 turbo, but with a more powerful and efficient hybrid drive.

The interior that redefines value and craftsmanship

Luxury German vehicles have always made their interior quality a central point of their offering, but the Genesis GV70 now rivals the best and is arguably better than some. The cabin design is driver-oriented, elegant without being minimalist or boring. Soft-touch materials cover the areas they need, while open-pore woods and fine leathers become increasingly abundant as one moves up the trim levels.

Huge screens take advantage of modern technology

The 2026 GV70 features a driver-facing 27.0-inch display that serves as both a digital instrument cluster and a central infotainment display. As before, this screen has both touch functionality and a control button in the center console, just like before. Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional digital key that turns your smartphone into a key.

The interior space is commendable

The Genesis GV70 is a five-seat compact SUV and as such offers the better seating layout synonymous with this car shape. The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of leg and head room. The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable. The rear seats are adequate, but as in many compact SUVs, they can be a bit tight for taller passengers. The luggage compartment behind the rear seat is no less than 28.9 cubic meters and has a comfortable, low loading floor. Folding the rear seats flat increases cargo space to 56.9 cubic feet.

Performance that is smooth and confident

One area where the luxury Germans have stayed ahead of compelling rivals such as Lexus is the driving experience, which offers a mix of power, performance and great handling. The GV70 tackles these challenges head-on. For example, while the Macan will likely have a smoother ride and some others might offer more powerful engines, the GV70 in all these dimensions has more than enough to satisfy the discerning driver.

Engine options provide plenty of athleticism

The 300 hp of the 2.5-liter turbo gives it the ability to overtake effortlessly on the highway, while the twin-turbo V6 offers real power. 0 to 100 km/h times have been measured in fractions of less than six seconds for the four-cylinder and five seconds for the V6 in sport mode.

Driving modes and electronically controlled suspension

The Genesis GV70 has integrated driving modes including eco for maximum fuel efficiency, comfort for a more relaxing drive, sport for obvious reasons and an optional sport+ mode. Terrain modes such as snow, mud and sand adjust the steering, throttle, transmission and suspension. The optional electronically controlled suspension reads the road ahead with a front camera and adjusts the height and stiffness of the suspension to minimize the effect of potholes and bumps on the road.

The result is a noticeably smoother and more relaxed driving experience compared to the old model. The outgoing GV70 was already a smooth operator with commendable handling. The updated model feels a little more refined and is ready to play when the driver wants to pick up the pace.

– Chris Chin for TopSpeed

Superior ownership experience

Ownership experience goes beyond speed, acceleration, ride and comfortable seats. Vehicle safety ratings are important, as are reliable driving safety aids. We tend to keep our cars longer, and extended warranties will give the buyer more peace of mind for the longer term. Our vehicles must also be reliable.

Safety ratings and equipment provide peace of mind

The Genesis GV70 receives the maximum five stars in the NHTSA crash test, while the insurance industry IIHS has rated it as the ‘Top Safety Pick+’, with the “+” indicating it is among the safest vehicles in its class. Optional features include automatic lane changing, smart remote parking and blind spot monitors, while all models come standard with:

• Preventing forward collisions

• Smart cruise control

• Follow lane

• Blind spot warning

• Avoid cross traffic at the back

• Warning for driver attention

Reliability and guarantees make the offer even more pleasant

JD power rates the GV70 a great 81/100 for reliability. In keeping with its Hyundai/Kia heritage, the Genesis GV70 comes standard with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. The Genesis GV70 goes head-to-head with its German rivals in terms of design, luxury features, power and performance, and overall ownership experience. While the GV70 is certainly not a budget vehicle, its purchase price and ownership costs are generally the same or better than its rivals.

Sources: Genesis, NHTSA, IIHS, JD power