- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.5T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
224kW, 422Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 10.3L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2021)
2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD review
The Genesis GV70 makes a value-packed play in the premium segment. So should buyers take a closer look at this underrated medium SUV?
- Refined and powerful drivetrain
- Five years' complimentary servicing
- Unashamedly premium cabin
- Fuel consumption not on a par with rivals
- No wireless CarPlay or Android Auto
- Some minor overeagerness of some safety tech
2024 Genesis GV70
It's taken a while, but Genesis is starting to show signs of traction in the Australian market. Launched in Australia as a standalone brand in 2019, the luxury arm of Korean car giant Hyundai hasn’t captured the imagination of the buying public in the same way Lexus did some 30 years or so earlier. The comparison to Lexus is an apt one. What Lexus is to Toyota, Genesis is to Hyundai.
Still, signs are positive. Last year, the Korean brand sold a total of 1916 vehicles in Australia, its best ever year, representing an 84.4 per cent increase over the previous year. Sales of Genesis have been climbing steadily since the brand began its assault on the luxury car market in Australia.
From 103 sales in 2019, to 229 in its first full year in 2020, Genesis has slowly chipped away at making inroads into the luxury market. Sales tripled in 2021, on the back of the brand launching its much-anticipated range of SUVs. That grew to 1039 in 2022, the first time the brand cracked the 1000 mark before almost doubling in its most recent full-year sales data.
Appropriate, then, we reacquaint ourselves with the Korean luxury brand. It’s been a while since we’ve spent a decent amount of time in a Genesis. Too long, in fact.
To whet our appetite, we spent some time in the brand’s best-selling model, the Genesis GV70, to see how it stacks up in an ultra-competitive luxury medium SUV segment.
How much does the Genesis GV70 cost in Australia?
The petrol-only range starts at $70,500 for the rear-wheel-drive Genesis GV70 2.5T and tops out at $85,100 for the GV70 3.5T. In between, the 2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD gets underway at $72,900 before on-road costs. It’s this mid-range car we have on test here.
For those ready to take the plunge into electric motoring, the Genesis GV70 E Performance offers a claimed driving range of 445km. But on pricing alone, it’s not in the same ballpark, starting at $126,475.
The GV70T AWD we have here is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an on-demand all-wheel-drive system. Genesis's GV70 slots into a competitive segment against established premium players from Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
The medium SUV segment remains the most popular choice for Aussie new car buyers, and while the bulk of sales come from mainstream brands in the under $60,000 segment, there are still plum pickings to be had at the luxury ‘over $60,000’ end of the scale. Last year, over 65,000 premium medium SUVs found a new home in Australia, a number too big for car makers to ignore.
The GV70’s big play is in value, not just in terms of starting price but also in what you get for your money.
Inside it’s all luxury with a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, configurable ambient lighting, acoustic laminated windscreen and front-door glass, leather-appointed interior, front power seats with heating and ventilation, as well as reclining rear seats.
Infotainment is hosted via a 14.5-inch high-definition screen with navigation, augmented reality, live traffic updates, DAB+ digital radio, handwriting recognition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s also wireless phone charging and a nine-speaker sound system.
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Our test car came fitted with the $13,500 optional Luxury Sport Line pack that adds a swag of nice-to-haves, both inside and out.
Luxury Sport Line pack
- 16-speaker Lexicon stereo w/amplifier
- Digital sound processing
- Driver fatigue warning
- Side parking sensors (in addition to standard front and rear sensors)
- Parking assist – graphical display
- Automated parking assistance
- Fully automated multi-zone climate control
- Heated steering wheel
- Active high beam shadowing
- Laminated side windows
- Rear privacy glass
- Nappa leather seats
- Sports pedals
- Suede-look headlining
- Front seat massage and adjustable bolsters
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Digital instrument display
- Head-up display
- Sports steering wheel
- 21-inch alloy wheels
All up, our Genesis GV70 rolled out of the dealership at $84,400 before on-road costs. That translates to around $97,300 drive-away in NSW. A lot of money, yes, but still competitive when comparing like for like with some of its rivals.
A similarly specified BMW X3 xDrive 30i M Sport starts at $97,900 before on-road costs, but by the time you add a few options to bring it in line with the GV70, you’re looking at around $123,300 drive-away.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, available in Australia in just a single highly specified GLC300 variant, starts its life as a $103,370 before on-road costs proposition. It doesn't require nearly as many options to bring it up to GV70 spec, meaning it rolls out of the dealership at around $117,800.
The Genesis’s closest match, both in philosophy and price, comes from Lexus with its NX350 F Sport starting at $77,511 before on-road costs and options. But add the $6000 Comfort Pack that brings some equipment also found in the GV70 as-tested, and you’re looking at around $91,600 drive-away (in NSW).
Key details | 2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD |
Price | $72,900 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | Makalu Grey |
Options | Luxury Sport Line pack – $13,500 |
Price as tested | $84,400 plus on-road costs |
Drive-away price | $97,300 |
Rivals | Mercedes-Benz GLC | BMW X3 | Lexus NX |
How much space does the Genesis GV70 have inside?
Genesis's interiors have always felt special, a blend of quality materials and thoughtful design. This one is no different, the cabin not only a comfortable place, but also an unashamedly luxurious place to spend time in.
The materials throughout are top-notch – from the leather seats and aluminium garnishes, to the ergonomic layout, every surface and every touchpoint simply oozes with a luxury vibe.
The seats, resplendent in quilted and contrast-stitched detail, are comfortable and supportive, with nice side bolsters that help you feel snug and secure. They’re power-adjustable in myriad ways, as is the steering wheel, making for an easy time of finding the ideal driving position.
The front seats are heated and cooled as well, adding to the comfort vibe.
Thought has gone into the ergonomics. As well as some beautifully knurled dials and knobs that add a satisfying level of tactility to the user experience, the layout of the cabin is pleasingly simple and effective, with most features easy to find and falling to hand easily. And in the one instance where it doesn’t quite gel – we’re looking at you infotainment touchscreen – Genesis has mitigated with a thoughtful solution, a rotary dial in the centre console that scrolls through the system’s various screens and functions.
Another rotary dial, this one for gear selection, isn’t to our taste, but again it’s beautifully finished and is swift to respond to inputs, not always a given with these types of dials.
Decent storage options abound: from the large central bin with a nicely padded lid, ideal for resting weary elbows, to the obligatory pair of cupholders, and generous door pockets that can take bottles.
Cabin ambience is good, although the optional suede-like headlining – in black – lends a dark air to the surrounds. It’s mitigated by a standard-fit panoramic roof that lightens the mood inside noticeably.
Adding to the lightened mood, the Genesis’s ambient lighting palette illuminates some interesting and curious geometric shapes onto the door cards; patterns that look like they have come straight out of your favourite eighties nightclub. Not to everyone's taste, certainly, but I kinda dug it with the caveat I spent a lot of time in a lot of eighties nightclubs.
Second-row comfort is excellent, certainly for two adults, who can luxuriate in seats that recline manually for added comfort. Space is good in all key measures, while the seats themselves feel nicely supportive.
Thanks to the optional Luxury Sport Line pack fitted to our test car, the outboard seats are heated, ideal for keeping cosy during the colder months. Second-row passengers score separate climate controls and air vents, too, while again thanks to the Luxury Sport Line pack, the outboard seats are heated.
Don’t expect the same feeling of spaciousness or comfort in the middle seat, however, which sits higher than those on either side and is impacted by a large drivetrain tunnel that eats into foot room. And the seatback feels firm, thanks to the presence of a fold-down armrest that houses the second row’s cupholders. The middle seat is best saved for emergencies and short trips.
For those with kiddies, the outboard seats are fitted with ISOFIX child seat mounts, while all three seats are equipped with top-tether anchors.
The seats fold away in 60:40 split fashion to free up cargo space. With the second row in use by people, there’s a decent 542 litres available. That expands to 1678L with the second row folded away. That’s slightly down on the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s 620/1680L, and on a par with the BMW X3’s 550L and a good deal more than its German rival’s 1600L with the seats folded.
A space-saver spare lives under the boot floor.
2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD | |
Seats | Five |
Boot volume | 542L seats up 1678L seats folded |
Length | 4715mm |
Width | 1910mm |
Height | 1630mm |
Wheelbase | 2875mm |
Does the Genesis GV70 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A slimline 14.5-inch touchscreen houses the Genesis’s infotainment system. It’s a sleek integration of technology sprouting out of the dash, but thanks to its slim height it doesn’t feel intrusive.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is the full suite of radio frequencies (AM/FM/DAB+), satellite navigation, Bluetooth streaming, and a nine-speaker sound system. Our test car, though, featured a 16-speaker audio set-up thanks to the optional Luxury Sport Line pack.
The screen is responsive to inputs, although we found its position on the dashtop a bit of a stretch in terms of reach. Thankfully, a rotary dial located in the centre console accesses the infotainment screen’s functions, and while a little more fiddly to use than simple touch inputs, it does remove the need for leaning forward to effect inputs.
The rotary dial can also accept commands by simply writing – letter by interminable letter – with your finger on its surface. But perhaps it was my penmanship, or maybe it’s just not very good, but I found that function not particularly helpful. Or necessary.
A smaller secondary screen houses the GV70’s climate controls and features a mixture of nicely crafted rotary dials and a selection of on-screen inputs. It’s a good set-up, easy to read and easier to use.
Connecting CarPlay via a cable proved easy and remained trouble-free throughout our time with the Genesis. There's no wireless connectivity for smartphone mirroring, although the GV70 is equipped with a wireless charging pad.
There are a pair of USB-A plugs up front, joined by two more in the second row so devices need never run out of juice.
The digital driver's display blends the old and the new. Two digital dials, looking very much like traditional analogue dials, bookend a small data screen that can show trip information, fuel consumption and the like.
A nice head-up display projects critical driving data directly onto the windscreen in a clear and easy-to-read manner.
Is the Genesis GV70 a safe car?
The Genesis GV70 carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded at the model’s launch in 2021. It scored 89 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent child occupant and 87 per cent for its safety assist systems, while vulnerable road user protection was rated at 64 per cent.
Looking at its competitive set, the Mercedes-Benz GLC wears a five-star safety badge, as do the Tesla Model Y and Lexus NX. However, both the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 are now unrated by ANCAP, their previous five-star scores lapsing on 31 December 2023.
It’s important to note that does not mean either of those German rivals is unsafe, their ‘Unrated’ status merely a reflection of ANCAP's guidelines that state a safety rating is only valid for six years from the time of testing.
2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD | |
ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2021) |
Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Genesis GV70 have?
The Genesis GV70 range packs a comprehensive list of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) into its handsome package.
As well as key technologies listed in the table below, the GV70 is also fitted with helpful features such as tyre pressure monitoring and safe exit assist. And the addition of the optional Luxury Sport Line pack to our test car added forward attention warning and reverse parking collision avoidance assist.
We didn't observe too many overeager interventions from the myriad systems, although the GV70’s lane-keeping aids could prove a touch trigger-happy on occasion, while the alert to indicate the lead vehicle was very quick to offer its opinion on whether you were moving away at traffic lights in a manner it considered timely. These are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
Eight airbags cover both rows of occupants, including a centre airbag that deploys between the front seats to protect against head clashes between occupants in the event of a collision.
One feature that deserves mentioning is the excellent camera-based blind-spot view monitor that projects images of the, well, blind spot, into the digital driver's display when the indicators are activated.
The image is projected into the digital dial on the side of the direction indicated, speedometer on the left or tachometer on the right. It’s a clever feature, instantly visible, and extremely helpful when assessing traffic and the road behind you on the side you want to merge or turn.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Includes cyclist, pedestrian and junction detection |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | With stop-and-go function |
Blind Spot Alert | Yes | With avoidance assist and blind-spot view monitor |
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist |
Road Sign Recognition | Yes | Includes speed limit assist |
Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Includes lead vehicle departure alert |
Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Front, rear, and side sensors, 360-degree camera |
How much does the Genesis GV70 cost to run?
Genesis covers the GV70 with its standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is par for the course.
Service intervals run to 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. And the first five years or 75,000km of scheduled servicing will cost owners exactly $0 under the brand’s ‘Complimentary Servicing’ plan. Additionally, when it’s time for a trip to the workshop, Genesis will collect your GV70 from your home or office and provide you with a courtesy car to use while your car is getting its mechanical refresh.
That’s a sweetener hard to ignore.
Mercedes-Benz asks GLC owners to stump up $6200 over five years, although it’s worth noting Merc’s service intervals are spaced at 12 months and 25,000km. Lexus asks for $495 per year (or 15,000km) for the first three years of servicing (it doesn’t quote a figure for five years of coverage), while BMW charges $2675 over five years/80,000km for the X3.
Comprehensive insurance for the GV70 in this spec runs to $2212 per annum – marginally less than the Mercedes-Benz GLC ($2394), Lexus NX350 ($2471), but fractionally more than the $2169 for a Tesla Model Y.
Estimates are based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
At a glance | 2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD |
Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
Servicing costs | Complimentary (5 years) |
Is the Genesis GV70 fuel-efficient?
Fuel consumption is one key area where the GV70 loses a little gloss, certainly when compared with its rivals. Genesis claims the GV70 2.5T AWD will use 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres of 95-octane unleaded on the combined cycle. We spent almost a month in our GV70, our time encompassing the full gamut of driving conditions, for an indicated 13.5L/100km.
That’s getting up there, both in terms of claimed and real-world consumption. Our most recent test of the Mercedes-Benz GLC saw an indicated 7.9L/100km against a claim of 7.7L/100km, while Lexus claims 8.2L/100km for its NX350 (non-hybrid). We saw 9.1L/100km. And the BMW X3 on our most recent road test showed 8.8L/100km against BMW’s claim of 7.9L/100km.
The GV70’s fuel tank measures in at 66L.
Fuel efficiency | 2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD |
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 10.3L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 13.5L/100km |
Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 66L |
What is the Genesis GV70 like to drive?
The Genesis GV70 2.5T is, as the 2.5T in its name suggests, powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. It makes a decent 224kW and 422Nm. That’s a step-up over most of its main rivals. An eight-speed automatic sends drive to all four wheels via an on-demand all-wheel-drive system.
And straight off the bat, from the moment you fire up the turbo-four and start driving, it’s apparent that this is an engaging combination.
Power delivery is smooth and refined, the GV70 accelerating at a brisk pace (0–100km/h is dispatched in a claimed 6.1sec). Better still, with peak torque developed between a very usable 1650–4000rpm, the Genesis has no problems accelerating while on the move. Whether overtaking or merging into freeway traffic flow, there’s more than enough grunt from the 2.5-litre to never really leave you feeling like wanting more.
The eight-speed auto is a peach, too, offering refined shifts that are barely felt in the cabin while remaining intuitive to the driving conditions and needs. Step on the loud pedal for a burst of speed, and the eight-speed will shuffle back a gear or two effortlessly accessing the GV70’s optimum power and torque.
Ride comfort is also commendable. Hyundai, and by extension Genesis, has invested a lot of time and money in ensuring its locally delivered fleet is tuned specifically for our road conditions. The result is a supple and composed ride that absorbs the majority of the road nasties we’ve become accustomed to in our daily driving. Tackling larger obstacles, such as speed humps, provide little challenge for the GV70’s well-sorted suspension.
Road noise is kept largely at bay thanks to the GV70’s acoustic laminated glass up front, although coarse surfaces do make their presence felt, especially with the optional 21-inch alloys and slim-walled rubber of our test car.
The steering remains nice and direct, responding to even minimal inputs and adjustment with a precision that inspires confidence, whether around town or out on the highway.
The GV70’s on-demand all-wheel-drive system ensures grip is on hand when you need it. Its default mode is rear-biased, and in Eco or Comfort drive modes it decouples the front wheels altogether. Harder acceleration will result in drive once more being sent to the front wheels.
Sport and Sport+ modes, however, despite remaining rear-biased, ensure some drive is always being apportioned to the front wheels for optimal grip.
Sport and Sport+ modes also sharpen things like throttle response while encouraging the transmission to hold on to gears a little longer. Alternatively, you can opt for changing your own gears via the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The GV70 does its best work, though, around town and on the motorway at cruising speeds, providing an effortless experience from behind the wheel and in the cabin. It’s a peach.
Key details | 2024 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD |
Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
Power | 224kW @ 5800rpm |
Torque | 422Nm @ 1650–4000rpm |
Drive type | On-demand all-wheel drive |
Transmission | 8-speed torque converter automatic |
Power-to-weight ratio | 113.5kW/t |
Weight (tare) | 1973kg |
Spare tyre type | Temporary |
Tow rating | 2200kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Turning circle | 11.5m |
Should I buy a Genesis GV70?
While Genesis may slowly be making inroads into the premium market in Australia, it’s been a long slog for the now not-so-nascent brand. Yes, sales are starting to climb, but to the broader public there’s still some mystique around the brand.
More than once I was asked, “What brand of car is that?”.
“A Genesis,” I dutifully replied.
“What’s a Genesis?”
“A fancy Hyundai,” an answer met by puzzled looks.
And that’s a shame. Because Genesis is a worthy contender in the premium new car market.
Still, brand cachet being what it is, the hordes tend to flock to the established brands.
But for those who venture outside of the mainstream, the Genesis GV70 is genuinely worthy of a place on your consideration list.
How do I buy a Genesis GV70 – next steps?
If you like taking a slightly different road to the norm, then the Genesis GV70 might be the right medium SUV for you. The mid-range 2.5T AWD we tested here represents to our mind the pick of the bunch.
You get the surety of all-wheel drive, a powerful turbo-four and a level of standard equipment, even before you add options, befitting a premium medium SUV that represents great value, especially when compared against the more established players.
It’s hard to gloss over the 2.5T’s less-than-stellar real-world fuel use, though, so that’s something to consider. As a sweetener, five years’ complimentary servicing at this end of the new car spectrum represents significant savings when compared with the Germans.
The next step on the purchase journey is to check the Genesis website for stock of your preferred GV70 variant. You can also find new and used Genesis cars for sale at Drive.com.au/cars-for-sale.
We strongly recommend taking a test drive at a dealership before committing because personal needs and tastes can differ. Find your nearest Genesis dealer via this link. We’d also recommend test-driving the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 because it is popular with buyers and provides a good benchmark.
If you want to stay updated with everything that's happened to this car since our review, you'll find all the latest news here.