2021 Genesis G70 Review

Name: 2021 Genesis G70 Review
Brand: Genesis

Price Range: $24,998 - $35,998

Genesis G70 2.0T Sport M/T Sedan Exterior

Genesis G70 3.3T Sedan Exterior. Sport Package Shown.

+335

The G70 is a bold statement from Genesis. It's small sport sedan that captures some of the magic historically associated with the BMW 3 Series. The tight back seat, limited utility, subpar mileage and Hyundai-based infotainment technology keep the G70 from attaining greatness, but they don't detract from the fun.

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2021 Genesis G70 Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Sporty, fun-to-drive character
Some first-rate upscale design touches
Excellent warranty coverage
Lots of features and tech for the price

Cons

Cramped back seat
Ho-hum infotainment screen
Some cabin materials are subpar for the class

What's new

Minor changes to list of standard and optional features
Part of the first G70 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

If you're in the market for a small luxury sport sedan, it might be tempting to choose one of the three German mainstays and call it a day. But there are a number of competitive four-doors that offer better value and — dare we say it — better road manners than the Teutonic trio. The 2021 Genesis G70 is one of these under-the-radar superstars. With a surprising level of performance, above-average road and seat comfort, and a nicely trimmed interior, the G70 is a bona fide luxury sedan.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G70 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$184/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The base 2.0T model dukes it out with the BMW 330i, Mercedes-Benz C 300 and Audi A4. Not only does it cost less than these heavyweights, but it comes with more features to boot. The gem of the lineup is undoubtedly the 3.3T model. Powered by a strong turbocharged V6, this G70 is a sport sedan through and through. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full analysis of this year's G70 and help you decide if it's the right car for you.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9/10

How does the G70 drive? Driving engagement is one of the G70's biggest strengths. It's a strikingly well-balanced sedan in either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive guise. The communicative steering is pretty much perfect for a sedan that will serve as both a daily driver and occasional backroad explorer.

The G70's responsive and powerful V6 is another bonus. Though it lacks the peak power of some competitors, the few tenths it gives up in acceleration don't matter. This sedan is quicker and handles better than almost any driver could need.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the G70? Optional adaptive dampers give the G70 the control it needs for aggressive driving as well as the ability to absorb road imperfections in daily use. We're taken by how well the sedan handles commuting duty yet offers the precision needed on winding roads.

Multiple drive modes allow adjustment of the suspension firmness (when equipped with adaptive dampers) and other parameters such as steering effort, engine sound and engine response, so the G70 will match the driver's needs.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Three knobs and several dedicated buttons (as opposed to touchscreen controls) manage the G70's ventilation system. There are also dedicated buttons for deactivating the car's safety systems, and the traditional black gauges with white type are easy to read in any conditions. The Genesis is both simple and tasteful without being gimmicky in its presentation.

In general, the G70's controls are placed sensibly and they're clearly marked and easy to use. And Genesis hasn't yet felt the need to wholly reinvent the shifter like so many of its German competitors. That, too, remains a paragon of functional simplicity.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? We don't love that, as a luxury car, the G70 shares its infotainment system with far less costly Hyundai models, but we can't deny that the system is among the easiest to use in the segment. As the systems from Genesis' competitors add functions, they have become increasingly complex. Yet Hyundai's system remains simple to use without giving up functionality.

The driver assist features are also Hyundai standard-issue. They work well enough, and they're impressive in a $25,000 car. But in the luxury class they're merely adequate. The advantage they have is that they're standard on most trims and not costly extras.

Storage

7/10

How’s the storage? Genesis has done a good job of making the available space inside the G70 useful by offering small-item storage up front, including a charging tray/phone cubby. On the downside, trunk space is not generous relative to others in the class and it's barely tall enough to accommodate a grocery bag standing vertically. At 10.5 cubic feet, the trunk is better suited to holding duffel bags than hard-sided suitcases.

The back seat has child seat anchors housed in plastic sleeves. The covers are hinged so they need to be pushed aside rather than just popped out. Limited rear seat room means you'll have a hard time installing bulky car seats.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? The G70 is well behind most competitors with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined for a V6-equipped model. Even the base four-cylinder maxes out at 25 mpg combined. Rival sedans, meanwhile, can get close to 30 mpg combined with their four-cylinder engines.

Value

8/10

Is the G70 a good value? Build quality is impressive, specially on the top-tier trims. Almost every touchpoint has been thoughtfully handled — exposed hard plastics and switchgear have pleasant textures. A few areas such as the cupholder surround are tacky (cheaply mirror-chromed hollow plastic), but the G70 makes a solid luxury impression and feels very solidly put together.

Another bonus if you plan to keep the G70 for a long time is the warranty. The long powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties are pretty much the best you'll find in the luxury class.

Wildcard

9/10

It's easy to enjoy the G70. It's the kind of lively, engaging luxury sport sedan that enthusiasts have been claiming to want for years. It's a shame there's a Hyundai infotainment screen sticking inescapably out of the dash because otherwise the G70 ticks almost all of the boxes.

Which G70 does Edmunds recommend?

There's nothing wrong with the standard 2.0T trim level. It costs a lot less than similarly equipped competitors, and its set of luxury features is comprehensive. That said, the 3.3T really is the way to go. The turbocharged V6 transforms the G70 into a true sport sedan, and one rich in value thanks to its lengthy list of added features.

2021 Genesis G70 models

The 2021 Genesis G70 is a small luxury sedan available in two main trim levels: 2.0T and 3.3T. Each corresponds with a unique powertrain. Feature and spec highlights for the G70 are as follows:

2.0T: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque)
3.3T: turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine (365 hp, 376 lb-ft)

The 2.0T comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with this engine. The 3.3T only comes with the automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the G70, though the 2.0T with the automatic and the 3.3T can be equipped with all-wheel drive.

2.0T
The entry-level G70 is packed with features, including:

18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Hands-free trunk opener
Keyless entry and ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable front seats
Heated front seats (AWD only)
Simulated leather upholstery
8-inch touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

The G70 2.0T also comes with a set of driving aids, such as:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Genesis and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the G70 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

There are two option packages for the 2.0T:

Elite package

Power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Driver's seat memory settings
Heated front seats
Navigation system
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Prestige package

Elite package
19-inch wheels
Automatic wipers
Premium microfiber headliner
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats with additional adjustments
Heated rear seats
Upgraded leather upholstery
Wireless charging pad
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Genesis and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

2.0T six-speed manual
The manual-equipped G70 isn't a mere transmission swap. Starting with the base model's equipment, it removes adaptive cruise control but adds:

19-inch wheels
Summer performance tires
Brembo brakes
Limited-slip differential
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Driver's seat memory settings
Heated and ventilated front seats with additional adjustments
15-speaker Lexicon audio system

3.3T
The 3.3T is equipped similarly to the 2.0T six-speed manual, except with a more powerful engine and an automatic transmission. It also adds:

Elite package
Sport suspension
Automatic wipers
Sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Leather upholstery
Wireless charging pad

As with the 2.0T, there are two option packages for the 3.3T:

Prestige package

Microfiber headliner
Heated rear seats
Upgraded leather upholstery
Head-up display
360-degree camera system

Sport package

Prestige package
Darkened exterior trim elements
Adaptive suspension dampers (adjust to enhance ride comfort and handling)

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Consumer reviews

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5 (66%)

4 (7%)

3 (3%)

2 (10%)

1 (14%)

4.0

29 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Value proposition in Sport Sedan cagtegory

Gman4me, 06/27/2020

2020 Genesis G70 3.3T 4dr Sedan AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I am a former BMW 540 with M package, BMW 435 with M package owner. My Genesi G70 3.3 prestige package lease is $140/month less than my previous BMW 4 series, a 5k savings of 36 months. Even if you check off every option on the BMW, the Genesis offers more for less. Many Thoughtful features abound such as brake hold, and passenger seat controls on drivers side as well as in the …

Love the car; customer experience, not so much

Marc , 08/14/2021

2021 Genesis G70 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I’ve had my 2021 G70 for a month now and I love the way it drives, looks, feels, and sounds. This is a Prestige with every bell and whistle available. The interior is amazing: I just sink in and enjoy the drive, even if it’s just to the store and back. But getting this car in my garage was a torturous process of awful local dealership experiences that evoked third-rate used car lots …

Beautiful Blue G70 Sport

Anthony J., 07/19/2020

2020 Genesis G70 2.0T Sport M/T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Do not go into the dealership thinking that you're just buying and Hyundai. The Genesis is really in a class of its own even when the G70 is next to a Sonata, it stands out. The interior screams luxury, and the exterior says luxury with a dash of sporty.

Converted from BMW

Kent, 05/06/2020

2020 Genesis G70 3.3T 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I have owned 2 Lincolns's, 2 BMW's and 7 Cadillac's. Value, ride and handling is right up there, on the 3.3 liter. 2.0 was a bit sluggish. When you compare a fully loaded Genesis to the BMW there is no comparison when it comes to value. Traded a 4 year old BMW. 6 month update. No problems and service department is much friendlier with great follow up.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Genesis G70, so we've included reviews for other years of the G70 since its last redesign.

See all 29 reviews of the Genesis G70

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2021 G70 Highlights

Trim:

2.0T

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the G70 models:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Alerts the driver to potential obstacles, including pedestrians, and applies the brakes to avoid a collision if the driver takes no action.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Illuminates warning lamps in the car's mirrors if another vehicle is in the car's blind spot and sounds a warning if a lane change might cause an accident.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning: Warns the driver of approaching cross-traffic when the car is reversing out of a parking space or driveway.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Genesis G70 Review

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2021 Genesis G70 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G70 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which G70 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Genesis G70 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Value proposition in Sport Sedan cagtegory

Love the car; customer experience, not so much

Beautiful Blue G70 Sport

Converted from BMW

2021 G70 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G70 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}