Compact luxury sedans like the 2025 Genesis G70 and 2025 Audi A4 are engineered to deliver a blend of refinement and sportiness. These two deliver on both counts. They’re entertaining to drive and have quality cabins that befit vehicles with starting prices in the mid-$40K region.
We’ve covered many miles in both cars, and here are some of their highlights. Let’s see if you come to the same conclusion as us.
2025 Genesis G70
The G70 was introduced for the 2019 model year, and received a significant refresh in 2022. The only change for the 2025 Genesis G70 is the addition of Burleigh Blue Matte as an exterior paint finish. Rear-wheel drive remains standard, while all-wheel drive is optional at $2,100.
Pricing for the 2025 Genesis G70 begins at $43,250, including the delivery charge, and tops out at $55,100 for the 3.3T Sport Advanced Prestige trim.
Genesis G70 Highlights
Strong base engine: This 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit is the most muscular base engine in the compact luxury sedan class, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The G70 has plenty of verve in city and highway driving — acceleration is always smooth and effortless. It’s so good that it tempers our appetite for the optional 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6.
Class-leading warranty: The Genesis G70 outshines almost every direct rival in terms of warranty coverage, including the A4. A 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan is complemented by 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Playing it safe: Genesis loads the G70 with driver assistance features, which is why it has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every G70 comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assistance, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, and more.
Smart cruise control: Smart cruise control adjusts speed according to a given road, using both the adaptive cruise control system and navigation. If it senses a sharp bend is approaching, for example, it will slow the vehicle to an appropriate speed.
Read our Genesis G70 Expert Review or see 2025 Genesis G70 models for sale near you.
2025 Audi A4
We’ve come to know the Audi A4 extremely well since this generation arrived all the way back in the 2017 model year. That’s a long time in the compact luxury car segment, although we think the A4 continues to stand with the best of them.
Updates for 2025 include the Homelink remote garage door button integrated into the rearview mirror, with Audi Advance Key and remote engine start becoming standard. The Convenience package gains rear USB ports. Audi MMI Navigation Plus is now standard at the Premium Plus level. A new S line Plus package contains a few black exterior elements, red brake calipers, leather/simulated suede seating surfaces, stainless steel pedal caps, carbon inlays, plus an S line badge for the steering wheel. And the free Audi Connect Nav trial subscription is increased from six months to three years. The (fairly tepid) 40 TSFI drivetrain has been discontinued, and this looks like the final year of production for the A4 as we have known it.
Pricing starts at $45,395, including the destination charge, for the Premium trim. The top-of-the-line S4 Prestige version starts at $62,795.
Audi A4 Highlights
Interior quality: Audi crafts some of the classiest and highest-quality cabins in the luxury vehicle arena. Everything looks and feels finely engineered, and all major controls are within easy reach of the driver. Even the base model comes with real leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a 10-speaker stereo.
Bang & Olufsen audio: Standard at the Premium Plus level (which we recommend), we think B&O makes some of the finest sound systems on four wheels — as well as wonderful home setups.
Sporty S4: For those craving the ultimate A4 performance, the S4 is fitted with a turbocharged V6 sending 349 horsepower to all four wheels. Step on the gas, and the S4 requires only 4.4 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph.
Standard all-wheel drive: Another thing we like about the A4 is that all-wheel drive is standard. This added grip can be invaluable when roads turn slippery with rain, snow, ice, or mud. This feature is also available with the Genesis G70, but it’s an extra-cost item.
Read our Audi A4 Expert Review or see 2025 Audi A4 models for sale near you.
Similarities
Smooth in how they drive and relaxing for daily driving or long highway jaunts, the Genesis G70 and Audi A4 are excellent examples of the compact luxury sedan class. They also come with composed handling, attractive cabins, supportive seats, and good outward vision.
Conclusion
The Genesis earns points for its high level of standard equipment, outstanding warranty, and strong base drivetrain. However, cargo space is below average for the class, and so is fuel economy with either of the two engines offered.
The Audi A4 has been around for a long time, although we still enjoying its crisp steering, supple suspension, and elegant interior. Trunk space beats the G70’s, by a slim margin. But the A4 has time and money working against it. It’s nearing the end of its run, and the price difference to the G70 would be much greater if it was optioned to the same specifications.
Ultimately, it’s the Genesis G70 that sits highest in our rankings of Best Compact Luxury Cars.
New 2026 Genesis GV70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (22101)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$49,435 |
TBD |
|||
$52,335 |
TBD |
|||
$56,885 |
TBD |
|||
$60,245 |
TBD |
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$64,865 |
TBD |
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$71,545 |
TBD |
New 2026 Genesis GV70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (22101)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$49,435 |
TBD |
|||
$52,335 |
TBD |
|||
$56,885 |
TBD |
|||
$60,245 |
TBD |
|||
$64,865 |
TBD |
|||
$71,545 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Genesis G70 | 2025 Audi A4 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 261 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/29 highway/24 combined | 23 city/32 highway/26 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6, AWD | Turbo 3.0-liter V6, 8-speed automatic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.6 inches | 111.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.4 inches | 187.5 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 72.7 inches |
| Height | 55.1 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.3 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.8 inches | 35.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.6 inches | 54.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.5 cubic feet | 12.0 cubic feet |
