The 2025 Genesis G70 sedan has sharp looks, powerful turbocharged engine choices, and outstanding warranty coverage. The 2025 Lexus IS enjoys a wide range of drivetrains, a smooth suspension, and the marque’s sterling reputation for dependability. In other words, both of these two compact luxury cars have plenty going for them. They’re equally adept at dealing with city traffic as they are hustling down a challenging country road full of twists and turns, or just commuting for miles on the highway. They’re engaging yet practical, and they’re both relative bargains compared with rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.
Let’s now see how they stack up against each other.
2025 Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 was introduced for the 2019 model year, receiving a substantial refresh for 2022. The only change this year is Burleigh Blue Matte paintwork joining the list of options. Even the entry-level G70 benefits from a gutsy 300-horsepower engine, along with strong Brembo brakes up front. The G70 is as lively as it is luxurious, and comes with plenty of standard equipment.
Genesis G70 Highlights
Unbeatable warranties: We know this is a sporty luxury sedan, and we should be kicking things off with talk of zippy zero-to-60 mph times. The G70 is quick, yet it’s also notable for its great warranties. There’s a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. To sweeten the deal even more, Genesis includes three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Top safety scores: Genesis has seen to it every G70 comes with driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The G70 has also earned Top Safety Pick+ status, the highest score possible from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), just like the Lexus IS.
Powerful engines: A 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sources the base drivetrain. A 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3.-liter V6 is optional. Both engines can be paired with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and each one is well matched to the G70’s athletic demeanor.
Genesis Digital Key: This handy phone feature allows G70 drivers to lock, unlock, and start their car without needing a key.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G70 models for sale near you.
2025 Lexus IS
The main three Lexus IS versions are the IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500. Performance-themed F Sport packages are also available. This generation of IS debuted for 2014, although Lexus has maintained a steady stream of updates since then, and sales remain respectable. For 2025, F Sport versions gain more standard equipment, and a heated steering wheel becomes standard in F Sport Design variants of the IS 300 and IS 350.
Lexus IS Highlights
Quality and resale: One key benefit of going with the IS is the marque’s longstanding reputation for dependability. This also means the IS has strong resale values, despite this generation being more than a decade old.
Drivetrain choices: The IS is also notable for its choice of drivetrains. The base 241-hp turbo 4-cylinder in the rear-wheel-drive IS 300 has reasonable pep and is worth considering for keeping the price low. Adding all-wheel drive to the IS 300 also entails a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6. The IS 350 boosts that V6 to 311 hp. All-wheel drive is also available with the IS 350. That’s more mechanical variety than the Genesis G70.
Old-school IS 500: Credit to the Lexus engineering team for dropping a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 into the IS. This old-school muscle machine is strictly rear-wheel-drive and can scoot from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. An added perk is that the exhaust growl during hard acceleration is glorious.
Mark Levinson audio: The sound quality of this 17-speaker/1,800-watt system is awesome. It’s available as an individual option or as part of a package.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the IS models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Genesis G70 and Lexus IS are nimble, energetic, and comfortable for long stints behind the wheel. Their relatively modest dimensions are also advantageous when zipping into gaps in traffic or scoring prime parking spots.
Pricing
New 2025 Genesis G70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,850 |
$41,784 |
|||
$52,300 |
$50,129 |
New 2025 Lexus IS Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,610 |
$39,404 |
|||
$43,580 |
$40,337 |
|||
$44,935 |
$42,045 |
|||
$45,655 |
$43,052 |
|||
$47,010 |
$44,353 |
|||
$60,595 |
$58,213 |
|||
$65,095 |
$62,185 |
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 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 241 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,650-4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/29 highway/24 combined | 21 city/31 highway/25 combined |
| Also Available | AWD; Twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 | AWD; 3.5-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | Not rated | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.6 inches | 110.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.4 inches | 185.4 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 55.1 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.3 feet | 34.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 36.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 44.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.8 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.6 inches | 53.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.5 cubic feet | 10.8 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Lexus IS has plenty of things going for it, including a strong reputation for reliability and resale value. Having so many drivetrain options is another plus. But it’s undoubtedly showing its age. This commendable little Lexus looks and feels a step or two behind newer rivals (like the G70), both inside and out. The fresher and more modern Genesis G70 also has a stronger base powertrain and longer warranty coverage.
