Used 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Design Sedan Review

Genesis is a new brand with a limited product portfolio, but so far we've been impressed. The big G90 sedan offers an exceptional level of luxury for less money than competitors, while the midsize G80 delivers an impressive blend of power, performance and refinement. Now comes the smallest sedan of the lineup, the all-new 2019 Genesis G70.

From a driving perspective, the G70 shines. Particularly when equipped with its optional turbocharged V6, the G70 provides lively and entertaining performance. This performance doesn't come at the expense of comfort either. The ride quality is compliant, and the cabin is quiet at highways speeds. This balanced approach is exactly what sedans such as the BMW 3 Series have done so well all these years.

There are some downsides. Genesis did a lot of work to make the interior look luxurious. There is quilted leather everywhere, lots of soft-touch surfaces, and a high level of attention to detail. But the Genesis can't hide all of its parent company's roots: The infotainment screen is pure Hyundai, and some of the plastics definitely don't live up to expectations. Also, this is a compact luxury sport sedan in the classic sense. We appreciate the car's relatively tidy dimensions, but the trade-off is a very tight back seat.

The redesigned BMW 3 Series is packed with the latest technology and some other new tricks. You might also want to consider the well-rounded Audi A4 or the luxurious Mercedes C-Class. In general, though, you won't get as many features or as much engine for the money you'd spend on the Genesis. If you're looking for is an engaging entry-level luxury car (that also happens to have a best-in-class warranty), the 2019 Genesis G70 is worth checking out.

Genesis offers the 2019 G70 in a somewhat confusing array of trim levels that can be further enhanced with a few select option packages. The two main entry points are the G70 2.0T, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque), and the G70 3.3T with its turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 hp and 376 lb-ft).

The base car is the 2.0T Advanced. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment highlights include 18-inch wheels, a hands-free trunklid opener, proximity entry with push-button start, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, dual-zone climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Infotainment is handled by an 8-inch touchscreen system, three USB ports (two front, one rear), satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Active safety features and driver aids include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The G70 2.0T Advance with AWD also gets a heated steering wheel and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential as standard.

Next up is the 2.0T Elite. It adds LED headlights, a navigation system, parking sensors, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a 15-speaker Lexicon sound system, and leather upholstery. On top of these features, you can also get the 2.0T Prestige (AWD only) that adds a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, a surround-view parking camera, heated rear seats and upgraded quilted leather upholstery.

The 2.0T Dynamic has all of the above plus 19-inch wheels, performance tires and a mechanical limited-slip differential on RWD cars. Accentuating these features is the 2.0T Sport, which is like the Dynamic but with unique 19-inch wheels, copper and black trim accents, and unique upholstery quilting.

The 2.0T Sport M/T trim is your only way to get a manual transmission. It starts with the 2.0T Advanced trim's features, then replaces the eight-speed automatic with a six-speed manual and the electric parking brake with a manual one. It also comes with 19-inch wheels, the limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, a sport exhaust system good for 3 extra hp, and some of the features from the Elite (LED headlights, driver-seat memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering wheel and Lexicon stereo).

Starting off the V6-equipped range is the 3.3T Advanced. Somewhat confusingly, though, it comes standard with most of the features of the 2.0T Elite. It also has Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires. Opting for AWD switches to 18-inch wheels and adds a heated steering wheel.

The other 3.3T trims (Elite, Prestige and Sport) follow the 2.0T progression, though there are a few minor differences with feature availability. Notably, the 3.3T Sport has an adaptive suspension.

At launch, two limited-edition models are available. The 3.3T Design starts with the Prestige trim, then adds exclusive forest green paint and cream leather upholstery with unique quilting, a premium cabin air filter, and special 19-inch alloy wheels. The 3.3T Dynamic builds on the 3.3T Sport with upgraded performance tires, upgraded brake pads, special suspension tuning and upgraded engine cooling.