2025 Genesis GV70 Review By Laery Nutson

2025 Genesis GV70 Review

By Larry Nutson
Executive Producer
Chicago Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel

Auto Central Chicago IL.; This year, in mid-May, I participated in the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally. That event led to having some seat-time in the 2025 Genesis GV70.

The MAMA Spring Rally is held each year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin where automakers are invited to present their newest vehicles through detailed product briefings. In addition, MAMA members can drive a wide variety of new vehicles on the famed racetrack, over a challenging off-road course, in an autocross competition, and of course, the way most cars and trucks spend their life, on the public roads like those around Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine.

The 2025 Spring Rally provided a rare opportunity for more than 75 journalists to drive and evaluate more than 80 of the latest vehicles in one place. It’s no easy task and a logistical challenge for automakers to get all these vehicles in one place at one time. And, of course, when it’s all over, the vehicles need to be moved to their next use.

I was asked to help in this regard and drive the GV70 from Elkhart Lake to Chicago. Thus, I got a couple hours of highway drive-time and then, about a day and a half of local Chicago short-trip driving,

About the GV70. The Genesis GV70 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by the Korean luxury automaker Genesis, a division of Hyundai.

The GV70 aims to combine performance, luxury, and technology in a stylish and refined package. It is available with either a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The GV70 boasts an athletic design with a bold grille, swept-back roofline, and sculpted bodywork. The interior of the GV70 is crafted with premium materials and offers features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system on higher trims. The 2026 models feature a new 27-inch widescreen display that integrates the gauge cluster and infotainment system.

The standard 2.5L turbo engine produces 300 horsepower, while the available 3.5L twin-turbo V6 delivers 375 horsepower. Both offer strong acceleration and a smooth, refined driving experience.

The GV70 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. Compared to European rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the GV70 offers similar features and performance at a lower starting price, coupled with a longer warranty.

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The Genesis GV70 has been well-received, earning praise for its comfortable ride, intuitive handling, and well-appointed interior. It's a strong competitor in the luxury compact SUV segment and a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and feature-rich SUV without the steep price tag of some European rivals.

For 2026 the GV70 gets an exterior freshening with a redesigned G-Matrix Crest Grille and iconic two-line headlamps equipped with micro lens array (MLA) technology. The front end has been enhanced with a bolder skid plate design, creating a robust stance that is complemented by extended air intake grilles, creating a uniquely sporty appearance.

The athletic side profile has been accentuated with newly redesigned 19” and 21” wheel options, and the updated rear fascia includes redesigned exhaust tips.

The interior of the new GV70 offers an all-new 27-inch OLED display that integrates the gauge cluster and updated infotainment system into a single expansive horizontal layout.

U.S. pricing for the newly redesigned 2026 GV70 SUV starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)* of $47,985. More details and specifications can be found at https://www.genesis.com/us/en/home.

Happy motoring!