2025 Genesis G70

The value side of the 2025 Genesis G70 is just a part of a bigger picture. However, let’s just talk about that for a moment. Take a German rival, then add all the optional equipment that’s standard in the G70, and it will be substantially more expensive. Still unmoved? How about the best warranties in the class? Or the most powerful base engine among compact luxury sedans? In our eyes, the G70 is also one of the most agreeable-looking contenders.

The G70 is yet another example of how Genesis impresses in so many ways. We have a huge number of positive owner reviews that essentially say the same thing.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Genesis G70.

Following a revamp last year that included tweaked styling and a new 2.5T engine, the only change this year is Burleigh Blue Matte paintwork joining the list of options. The G70 made its debut for the 2019 model year.

We recommend the standard 2.5T, it’s the most popular choice and comes with a lot of standard equipment.

Other luxury compact sedans that deserve attention and consideration include the BMW 3 Series (starting higher than the G70), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (beginning higher still), Lexus IS (starting below the G70), and the Audi A4. The A4 is priced about the same as the G70 — it is about to be replaced, however. And the entry-level version has a weedy engine. Another thing to bear in mind is that the Lexus IS is the oldest of this group by some margin.

Before buying a new Genesis G70 luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are above the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The entry-level G70 employs a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower, making it the most muscular base engine of the class. It can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds. For comparison, the BMW 330i can channel its 255 hp to hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds.

A twin-turbocharged 365-hp V6 propels the G70 3.3T. The closest BMW 3 Series in terms of muscle is the M340i with 382 hp — but that car is about $10,000 more.

The good thing about both G70 engines, we’ve found, is that they deliver their maximum thrust at low revs. Darting into a gap in traffic is satisfyingly swift. For the most part, they also operate with quiet efficiency. It’s only when drivers select Sport or Sport+ modes that the engines become more vocal.

We’ve driven the G70 with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and the larger V6 and discovered that the 2.5T is easily powerful enough and an excellent choice. If anything, we prefer that the front end feels a bit lighter for a finer overall balance.

Every new G70 has good outward vision, and the front seats hold their occupants reassuringly in place even through quick corners. The G70 feels stable, responsive, calm, and collected. The standard Brembo brakes are also confidence-inspiring.

Fuel Economy

The G70 isn’t renowned for its sparing use of gasoline. The 2.5T engine manages 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving (with rear-wheel drive) or 23 combined mpg (all-wheel drive). To compare, the rear-drive BMW 330i can achieve 31 mpg combined, although most of the class is closer to the G70.

The 3.3T is capable of only 20 mpg combined. Subtract one mile per gallon if all-wheel drive is in the mix. Each engine requires premium gasoline.

Although the G70 is a relative bargain, there’s no indication of that in the cabin. It’s furnished with high-quality materials and assembled to luxury-car levels. Standard equipment includes a dedicated touchscreen for the climate control system, USB-C ports, rear side airbags, and a frameless rearview mirror.

The G70’s 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen isn’t even the second biggest in the class, but it’s perfectly usable. Rear passengers will find that the 34.8 inches of legroom is probably adequate as long as they aren’t tall. They won’t find much more in any rival premium compact sedan. But the G70’s trunk space of 10.5 cubic feet is on the stingy side.

Like a BMW 3 Series (the benchmark for this class), the 2025 G70 has a relatively long hood, plus short overhangs at each end. We think the overall look is effective and appropriate for the luxury sector. A new finish this year is Burleigh Blue Matte.

Navigation-based smart cruise control
This standard adaptive cruise control feature uses information from the navigation system to determine when curves are coming up and can adjust speed automatically. When used with the lane-centering Highway Driving Assist feature (also standard), it lightens the driver’s workload. We’ve found the driver aids in all Genesis vehicles work exceptionally well.

Brembo brakes
These are standard on every new G70. Brembo is a highly respected Italian company that also supplies Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin.

All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive is a popular option that brings greater sure-footedness in wet and dry conditions. A heated steering wheel is also part of the deal.

Genesis Digital Key
Using the Genesis app, users can lock/unlock and start the 2025 G70. This works with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones. We like the convenience of it.

Lexicon audio
Go into any world-class recording studio, and Lexicon equipment will be used at pretty much every session. The optional 15-speaker, 660-watt Lexicon system in the G70 can make occupants feel like they’re sitting inside one of those studios. It’s truly excellent and standard in the 3.3T models and the 2.5T Sport Prestige.

Blind-Spot View Monitor
Better than regular blind-spot monitoring, the Blind-Spot View Monitor, standard across the 2025 G70 range, shows images in the instrument cluster from side cameras. This provides greater reassurance when the driver is about to change lanes. Part of the 3.3T model’s Sport Prestige package, this is one of those features we miss when we’re driving other cars.

A turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine goes into the entry-level G70, developing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The more muscular option is a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6, creating 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. In both cases, rear-wheel drive is the default setup, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. All transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty from Genesis lasts five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first, with roadside assistance for five years at unlimited mileage. The powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. These terms are among the best in the industry. Genesis also includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

The G70 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — the institute’s highest accolade. It also took a top score of Good in an updated small overlap front impact test. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.