Used 2023 Genesis G70

The novelty has dissipated, and the Genesis G70 is now firmly in contention among a clutch of excellent luxury compact sedans that includes the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Yet the G70 has an equipment-to-price ratio that could see many buyers moving away from those German marques and towards Genesis. Badge cachet is only worth so much.

Among the G70’s other virtues are classy interiors, tempting extras, and a driving experience to please enthusiasts.

The good thing about both engine choices in the 2023 G70 is that they deliver their maximum thrust at low revs, so accelerating away from a standstill or darting into a gap in traffic is satisfyingly swift. For the most part, they also operate with quiet manners. It’s only when you select Sport or Sport+ modes that they become more vocal.

Outward vision is good, and the front seats hold their occupants reassuringly in place even through quick corners. The G70 feels stable yet responsive.

Real enthusiasts are going to want the 365-horsepower 3.3T model with the twin-turbocharged V6. The closest BMW 3 Series in terms of muscle is the M340i with 382 horsepower — but that car is almost $55K, as opposed to the 3.3T’s $44,650.

This variant qualifies for several driver-oriented extras, like a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes (suppliers to Ferrari, among others), and a head-up display. Genesis also offers Michelin Pilot Sport 4 performance tires, whose sidewalls are stiffer than the standard Michelin Primacy Tour all-season tires. Test drive both, if possible, to see which set is preferable.

It’s an indication of how fast technology changes when the 2023 G70, which received a new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen last year, is now outdone by a 14.9-inch display in the 2023 BMW 3 Series. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, meanwhile, uses an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented display.

Not to worry. The G70’s infotainment system remains perfectly usable and sits in a cabin furnished with high-quality materials assembled to luxury car levels.

Rear passengers will find that the 34.8 inches of legroom works okay as long as they aren’t tall. They won’t find much more in any rival premium compact sedan. But the G70’s trunk area of 10.5 cubic feet is on the stingy side for the class.

A redesign last year brought the G70 luxury compact sedan into visual harmony with the rest of the company’s portfolio. This is especially noticeable with the grille and headlights echoing the “winged shield” design of the Genesis badge.

Like a BMW 3 Series (the benchmark for this class), the 2023 G70 has a relatively long hood plus short overhangs at each end.

The basic 2.0T version is eligible for all but one particular color choice offered across the rest of the range. It’s Verbier White, but there are two other whites available.

GENESIS DIGITAL KEY
Using the Genesis smartphone app, users can lock/unlock and start the 2023 G70. This only works with Android-based phones at the moment. Apple iPhone owners can use what looks like a hotel key card with near-field communication (NFC) technology.

LEXICON SURROUND-SOUND SYSTEM
Go into any world-class recording studio, and you’ll find Lexicon equipment used at pretty much every session. The optional 15-speaker/660-watt Lexicon system in the 2023 G70 can make occupants feel like they’re sitting inside one of those studios.

There’s been one change to the 2023 G70 2.0T sedan’s standard equipment — it now has 19-inch alloy wheels. The rest of the inventory includes LED exterior lighting, hands-free trunk opening, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated/power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather seating surfaces, a self-dimming rearview mirror, and a steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather.

In the tech department, there’s a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and navigation.

A comprehensive set of advanced safety features is also standard, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and junction turning assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic high beams.

As well as a V6 engine, the 2023 G70 3.3T variants also have rain-sensing wipers, variable-ratio steering, puddle lights, real leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable steering column, and memory settings.

Whenever you add all-wheel drive to a 2023 G70, you also get a heated steering wheel.

New additions to the 2.0T’s optional Sport Prestige package include heated/ventilated front seats, alloy pedals, a dark chrome grille, and a different design of 19-inch alloy wheels. This package also brings many of the extras fitted to the 3.3T, plus a Lexicon audio system, a wide sunroof, parking sensors, and wireless charging.

A Sport Advanced package for the 3.3T also brings the Lexicon system, wide sunroof, parking sensors, wireless charging, plus the Genesis Digital Key. The other options bundle for the 3.3T is called Sport Prestige and adds features like a limited-slip differential, head-up display, Brembo brakes, Nappa leather seating surfaces, 360-degree camera system, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and — new for 2023 — a powered trunk lid.

At the entry level of the 2023 G70 range is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The more muscular alternative is a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 developing 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.

In both cases, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default setup, with all-wheel drive (AWD) offered as an option. And all transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic.

Premium gasoline is required for each engine. Neither one is particularly thrifty with fuel.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
252 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg (RWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)

3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6
365 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
376 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (RWD), 17/26 mpg (AWD)