The 2025 Genesis G70 and 2025 Audi A5 Sportback are both compact luxury cars with engaging dynamics and lots of everyday practicality. They are four-wheeled proof that not every vehicle shopper out there is enamored with the idea of parking an SUV in their garage or driveway.
We’ve put countless miles on both the G70 and A5 during many road tests. In the end, does one emerge as the clear winner in a head-to-head comparison?
Let’s take a look at some highlights of each car to find out.
2025 Genesis G70
This G70 sedan joined the Genesis range for the 2019 model year, benefited from a substantial redesign in 2022, and had yet another spruce-up for 2024 that including a stronger base drivetrain and Brembo brakes as standard (Brembo is a well-respected supplier, with Ferrari also on its client list). The only update to the 2025 Genesis G70 is Burleigh Blue Matte added to the exterior paint choices.
Pricing begins at $43,250, including the destination charge. A top-of-the-line 3.3T Sport Prestige trim starts at $56,100. We’ve often praised the G70 for its engaging dynamics and solid value among luxury sedans. Here are more things we enjoy.
Genesis G70 Highlights
Excellent warranty: The Genesis G70 has a more extensive warranty than the Audi A5 Sportback, and just about every other direct rival among small luxury cars. A 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is bolstered by 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. This is great news for buyers who put a priority on peace of mind down the road.
Safe conduct: The Genesis G70 is packed with driver assistance features and performed well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, taking the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+. All G70 trims come with sought-after safety aids such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assistance, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a driver attention monitor.
Strong turbo 4-cylinder drivetrain: The base drivetrain in the Genesis G70 consists of a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sending 300 horsepower to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s smooth, refined, and delivers plenty of passing punch.
Twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive: For more thrust when mashing the throttle, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 is available that churns out 365 hp. This reduces the acceleration time from a standstill to 60 mph to less than five seconds. Like the turbo 4-cylinder, the twin-turbo V6 is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Read our Genesis G70 Expert Review or see 2025 Genesis G70 models for sale near you.
2025 Audi A5 Sportback
The 2025 A5 Sportback differs from most compact luxury cars because it has a rear hatchback and a roomy cargo hold (more on this in a moment). This is now the only A5 model on sale, because Audi has discontinued the 2-door coupe and convertible variants.
This current iteration of A5 Sportback arrived for the 2018 model year. Since then, it has received a steady stream of improvements, including performance-tuned versions with tire-smoking drivetrains.
This model year ushers in a few equipment tweaks. Every A5 Sportback comes with active lane assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel. Pricing begins at $47,595, including the destination charge.
Audi A5 Sportback Highlights
Fuel economy: Serving as the base powertrain in the A5 Sportback 40 TFSI variant couples a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the G70, all-wheel drive comes standard here. This engine returns an excellent EPA-rated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. For a little more pep, there is also a 261-hp version of this turbo 4-cylinder called the 45 TFSI. While it’s not quite as good on gas, we’ve found it adds noticeably more oomph to the driving experience.
Cabin quality: Audi continues to create elegant interiors with no-nonsense controls and top-quality trim. We’re big fans. Standard features include a heated steering wheel, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Quick S5, rapid RS 5: The A5 Sportback turns into a veritable rocket in S5 or RS 5 configurations. The former has a 349-hp turbo 3.0-liter V6, while the latter comes with a storming 444-hp turbo V6. Either is a great pick for driving enthusiasts who don’t mind spending the additional cash. The S5 Sportback starts at $59,195, whereas the RS 5 Sportback commands $81,195.
Cargo volume: From breathtaking acceleration to… cargo space? It’s true — the A5 Sportback has a great amount of room behind its split-folding second row. At 21.8 cubic feet, it’s nearly double the trunk capacity of the G70.
Read our Audi A5 Sportback Expert Review or see 2025 Audi A5 Sportback models for sale near you.
Similarities
They’re refined as well as fun, loaded with tech and safety features, and each has the all-weather assurance of AWD. We’ve found the Genesis G70 and Audi A5 Sportback to be great all-rounders.
Pricing
New 2025 Genesis G70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,850 |
$41,753 |
|||
$52,300 |
$50,134 |
New 2025 Audi A5 Sportback Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$49,695 |
TBD |
|||
$55,495 |
TBD |
|||
$58,245 |
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 New 2025 Genesis G70 vehicles and New 2025 Audi A5 Sportback 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.
Specifications
| 2025 Genesis G70 | 2025 Audi A5 Sportback | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 201 hp @ 4,475 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 236 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/29 highway/24 combined | 26 city/36 highway/29 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6, AWD | Turbo 3.0-liter V6, twin-turbo 2.9-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 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.6 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.4 inches | 187.3 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 55.1 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.3 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.8 inches | 35.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.6 inches | 54.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.5 cubic feet | 21.8 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The sleek Audi A5 Sportback is an intriguing choice because of its handy hatchback and standard AWD. We love the interior quality, as well as the overall comfort levels.
The Genesis G70 doesn’t have the cargo space, fuel economy, or ultimate horsepower for this contest. Yet counters with exemplary warranty coverage, lower pricing, and a comprehensive amount of standard features. Let’s also point out that the G70’s base engine has a 99-hp advantage over the standard drivetrain in the Audi A5 Sportback.
This is why the G70 takes the win here and why we put it high in our ranking of Best Luxury Compact Cars.
