When Hyundai launched its luxury brand Genesis, it made sedans that offered the luxury experience for less than the competition. With this model and other releases, Genesis has learned that more style, better driving dynamics and top-notch fit and finish will get you noticed and make some competitors a bit nervous, too.
The smallest Genesis, the compact G70, uses standout styling features to get your attention. Its unique quad LED lighting clusters, combined with an interesting grill shape, catches the eye immediately. The stance of the G70 is very athletic with the longer hood, lower coupe-like roofline and small trunk overhang. Overall, it gives off a sporty vibe.
It’s not a boring drive either. The G70 has an updated base engine this year — good for 300 hp. Not enough? The Genesis I drove came packing a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 that really moves the small sedan with authority. The G70 will go from zero to get you in trouble very quickly. The twin-turbo V6 is not easy on gas either. The G70 RWD 3.3T handles very well and also has higher handling limits than some other small luxury sedans I’ve driven. However, the G70 will quietly and comfortably eat the miles on the highway, or provide a hushed commute to work without any hassle.
Hop inside and the transformation to a true luxury sedan is on full display, even in this entry-level G70 compact sedan. Upgraded materials like Nappa leather seating surfaces with heat and ventilation are more upscale than much of the competition for a price that is still a bit less. The large touch screen is easy to use and there are still knobs for the radio volume — and one for station tuning, a nice nod for us born in the last century. Nonetheless, however nice and upscale, this Genesis G70 lacks the back seat space, giving you less than some other compact luxury sedans.
Cost: $49,950; as tested $54,350
MPG: 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway; I managed 24.2 mpg in 488 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: Forward collision-avoidance assist; safe exit assist; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; lane keeping assist; high beam assist; blind view monitor; smart cruise control with machine learning; surround view monitor; driver attention warning; parking distance waring reverse; highway drive assist
Options: $4,400 Sport Prestige package
Things to know: The Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T is a fun-to-drive small luxury car with power, style and more luxury than you might expect in a car with this price tag.
Pros:
- Good looks help the G70 stand out in the crowded luxury class
- Comes packed with safety equipment and technology
- Twin Turbo V6 really is a powerful engine that many competitors do not have anymore
Cons:
- Rear seat space is lacking when compared to some others
- Big power means less MPG, especially in stop-and-go driving
- Trunk space is limited
