2025 Genesis GV70

We make no apologies for our gushing admiration of the Genesis GV70 because, in our perspective, it nails every aspect of what a compact luxury SUV should be. From its head-turning exterior style to its well-executed interior and top-notch tech, the 2025 Genesis GV70 is a winner.

Given its robust standard and available equipment roster and choice of powerful turbocharged engines, it’s easy to see why the GV70 checks all the right boxes. Add a class-leading warranty, impeccable fit and finish, and a surprisingly competitive price, and you have our top pick among compact luxury SUVs.

The all-electric Genesis Electrified GV70 is reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Genesis GV70.

The 2025 Genesis GV70 carries over with only one notable upgrade: the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More changes are coming next year, with the 2026 Genesis GV70 slated to get a few more tweaks to the cabin and exterior.

The 2025 Genesis GV70 proves an exceptional value, especially considering some of its standard features are often optional on the competition. We think the 2.5T is the best value for the money. So do most buyers, as it’s the more popular of the two main trims. Going with the 2.5T Standard saves you thousands over a similarly equipped Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, neither of which can match the GV70’s standard horsepower or impressively long standard warranty.

Before buying a Genesis GV70, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. The GV70 holds its value exceptionally well, better than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but not as well as the Lexus NX. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a car can mean a higher down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

Given the 2.5T trim’s impressive 300 horsepower engine, it’s not hard to see why so many buyers chose it over the more powerful (but only by 75 horsepower) and more expensive 3.5T.

As its alphanumeric name suggests, the GV70 is based on the same platform as the G70 luxury compact sedan. This is a great move because we think the G70 is one of Genesis’s most engaging cars so far.

The GV70’s suspension strikes a nice balance between a smooth ride and responsive handling. More than once we were awed by how well the GV70 absorbs road imperfections, yet its setup is not so soft as to wallow or pitch when the road begins to bend. The GV70’s compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver, as does the optional 360-degree camera.

Fuel Economy

The 2.5T achieves 24 combined mpg, a figure roughly in the same ballpark as its competition, many of which don’t come close to the GV70’s horsepower rating. The 3.5T returns 20 combined mpg and both engines require premium gasoline to achieve peak horsepower, torque, and fuel economy estimates.

Inside the GV70’s cabin, there’s a unique feel. Sure, you’ll find the same requisite wood, metal, and leather/leatherette adornments as in other brands, but it’s the way Genesis weaves them all together that impresses us. There’s an exhilarating mix of tech and sumptuousness highlighted by a choice of colorful digital instrument clusters and a big 14.5-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation.

Several package upgrades further enhance the GV70’s luxury credentials, offering the convenience of a heated steering wheel and 3-zone automatic climate control. Simulated leather seating surfaces are standard, but buyers can upgrade to the real thing. Keep scrolling through the available upgrades, and you’ll find a panoramic moonroof that’s a stargazer’s delight, heated and ventilated front seats for year-round comfort, and even an option to turn your phone into a key.

Adults must be taller than average to find fault with the accommodations in either row. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches isn’t class-leading, but it’s not far off. Cargo capacities with rear seats up (28.9 cubic feet) and down (56.9 cubic feet) are similarly plentiful.

We do wish the tempered-glass rotary gearshift and equally classy-looking circular infotainment system controller weren’t right next to each other in the center console, but eventually we’ll stop reaching for the wrong one.

Everyone has their own tastes, but the GV70’s looks work for us. And, given the number of approving smiles and head nods from pedestrian observers, the feeling seems universal. There’s a cohesive design approach across the portfolio of Genesis SUV models, with double lights front and rear, along with an assertive (though not oversized) grille. Compared with the 2.5T Standard model, the 3.5T Sport has a darker grille, larger front air intakes, and dual circular exhaust tailpipes.

14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen
We appreciate that Genesis grants all GV70 models with a generously sized touchscreen that boasts super-crisp graphics and intuitive operation. The system also includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, navigation, and wireless charging.

Ergo Motion driver’s seat
More than a massaging seat, this has a programmed set of stretch movements to relieve pressure on the lumbar region and pelvis. We found it wonderful to have on long journeys and dull commutes alike. It’s a standard feature exclusive to the 3.5T Sport.

Digital key
Accessing and starting the 2025 GV70 can be done with an Android phone. When verified with the fingerprint reader, driver profiles are loaded automatically, adjusting seat positions and audio preferences. Apple iPhone owners can use a key card. This feature is available on both 2.5T and 3.5T models.

3D digital instrument cluster
We’d spring for this option if signing our name to the check. The optional 12.3-inch unit takes digital gauges to another level by showing slightly different images to each eye.

Remote Smart Parking
While standing outside the GV70, depressing a series of buttons on the fob allows owners to ease their vehicle into or out of a parking space. It comes in Sport Prestige variants.

Lexicon surround-sound system
The audiophiles in our group love/need to hear details like the sound of a bow against a violin string or the subtle nuances of a great singer’s timbre. For them (and all like them), the GV70’s available 16-speaker/1,050-watt Lexicon system is a must-have.

In what should be a surprise to no one, the 2.5T Standard version of the 2025 GV70 SUV has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. It’s a 4-cylinder unit making 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A muscular 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft is developed by the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 in the 3.5T variant.

Both engines connect to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard throughout.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Like its parent company, Hyundai, Genesis offers the best warranties in the business. The new-vehicle warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles (whichever happens first), roadside assistance for five years features unlimited mileage, scheduled maintenance is free for the first three years or 36,000 miles, and powertrains are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The GV70 has been rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking/junction turning assistance/pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.