2022 Genesis G70

Overview

Although it shares its underpinnings with the Kia Stinger, the 2022 G70 kicks the luxury quotient up a notch and proves that the Genesis brand is a credible competitor in the entry-luxury segment. Going head-to-head with sports sedan leaders such as the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-class requires both an athletic chassis and a posh cabin—two things that happen to be the G70’s strengths. Not only does it deliver driving enjoyment and a nicely trimmed interior, but the smallest Genesis sedan is also an exemplar for the brand’s bargain pricing, coming in several thousand dollars cheaper than its keys rivals from Germany. Not to mention its standard 10-year warranty package, which is more than double what most entry-luxury cars offer.

What’s New for 2022?

Genesis has given its entry-luxury G70 sedan a makeover for 2022, which includes updated front and rear styling as well as interior tweaks that bring the car visually into line with the new G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. Genesis has also addressed one of our complaints inside the G70 for 2022 with a new, larger, and more premium-looking infotainment display. The G70’s optional six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The base G70 2.0T features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 252 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels; all-wheel drive is optional. Its engine felt reserved around town, and acceleration times were ordinary. However, our heart skipped a beat when we got behind the wheel of the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 model, with its 365 ponies and 376 lb-ft of torque. We spent some personal time with the rear-drive 3.3T and were smitten by the engine’s wave of thrust that sent it from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds in our testing. Regardless of the powertrain configuration, the G70 has expertly balanced ride and handling characteristics. Its suspension smoothed out uneven surfaces, and the sedan remained composed during cornering sessions. The more powerful 3.3T has the benefit of adaptive dampers that allow the driver to firm up the ride if necessary, but every G70 we’ve driven did a remarkable job of sending information to the driver’s hands. Its steering feedback is precise and pleasant, with adjustable effort available by switching among the multiple drive modes.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the G70 delivers a luxury experience, thanks to attractive materials and excellent build quality. Its driver-centric layout and straightforward controls cater to driving enthusiasts. Likewise, the upscale brightwork and decoratively stitched surfaces on our test car appeased our affluent side. Genesis also keeps things classy by avoiding the urge to plaster faux carbon-fiber bits and a flat-bottom steering wheel into the cabin, and the result is an interior that seems more luxurious than the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Jaguar XE. While the front seat strikes a nice balance between comfort and sport, the rear seat is compromised by limited legroom. We managed to fit five carry-on bags in the G70’s trunk, and 14 total with the rear seat folded. Interior cubby storage includes a useful tray at the front of the center console that is perfect for smartphones and other small items. Unfortunately, the door pockets are small, and the center console bin lacks organization.