Genesis GV70 review

That’s often tediously self-explanatory with new car launches these days, but this is actually something completely fresh to add to the smorgasbord of SUVs currently on offer. As you’ll probably know by now, Genesis is the posh branch of Hyundai-Kia that has been going its own way since 2015, although it’s only been in the UK since mid-2021. Think of it as what Lexus is to Toyota or what Infiniti is (or was, in Europe's case) to Nissan.

Genesis won’t thank us for that last comparison, though. Things didn’t exactly work out well for Infiniti in the UK – who’d have thought we wouldn’t fancy a £100,000, V8-engined Sebastian Vettel edition SUV? Sounds like a perfect fit for our shores. 

Great, so what actually is the GV70?

Ah yes, apologies. The GV70 (the V apparently stands for versatility) is Genesis’ second SUV and is designed to compete with the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, the Porsche Macan and the Mercedes GLC. And that’s just the Germans – this premium mid-size class also includes the Jaguar F-Pace, the Volvo XC60 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

At its launch, you had the choice of a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol. Both engines are four-cylinders, both are paired with eight-speed automatic gearboxes and both come with all-wheel drive as standard. 

Now, an electric version has been added to the line-up (the one in white you see pictured above). It’s available in one iteration only, a 483bhp dual-motor setup mated to a 77.4kWh battery. Genesis claims 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds (in Boost mode anyway – more on that on the Driving tab) and a top speed of 146mph, plus up to 283 miles of range on a single charge.

It supports ultra-fast 350kW charging too, meaning 10–80 per cent is possible in 18 minutes if you can find a plug capable of those speeds, as well as V2L (vehicle to load) capability, so you can power any electrical appliances of your choosing.

It looks a bit brash, doesn’t it?

Prices start from £41,475 for Premium, £43,825 for Sport and a £45,135 for Luxury for the ICE models, with the petrol engine commanding £500 extra over the diesel. You’re looking at a rather hefty £64,405 for the electric model, which is only available in Sport trim.

Genesis is attempting to sell itself with a new car five-year ownership proposition too – check out the Buying tab of this review for more.

When the GV70 was first released, we concluded that it didn’t quite match the refinement of rivals, with the 2.5-litre petrol engine in particular also extremely thirsty. The Electrified variant undoubtedly addresses these flaws, and combined with the ownership proposition, would be the model we’d go for.

It’s a shame that there isn’t a cheaper, single motor variant however, with the near £65k starting price a tough sell up against more established rivals including the likes of the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace.

Still, if you can get on board with the GV70’s price and outside looks, you’ll be even happier once you get up in the leather- and tech-filled interior. As you’d expect from the Hyundai-Kia group these days, it feels well put together and is generally easy to get on with, although there are a couple of design touches that could drive you mad.