Test-Driving The 2025 Genesis GV70 Turbocharged SUV

In a segment that’s packed with everything from cheap family cars to ultra-luxury SUVs, the Genesis GV70 finds itself at the upper end of this scale. Although the brand is fairly new, it’s Hyundai’s luxury offshoot which started with the Hyundai Genesis executive model until the name was used to create a standalone company.

Due to emissions standards and market preferences, there’s some variation in the GV70 lineup across Europe and North America but theses changes are hidden beneath the hood. While Genesis is yet to offer any hybrid models, the brand is expected to start launching electrified engines in 2025. In the meantime, there’s all-electric versions of the GV70, the smaller GV60 SUV and the G80 sedan.

What Is The 2025 Genesis GV70 Like To Drive?

Drive it gently and the GV70 is more accurately described as wafting rather than driving. It feels smooth and comfortable at all speeds and could quite easily lull your passengers into a slumber. The 2.5-liter version has a reasonable amount of power with 300 bhp but the 3.5-liter version will likely feel more sporty with 375 bhp.

Since there’s no hybrid version, the GV70 struggles to match the instant acceleration and bursts of energy its rivals can. However, Genesis offers the Electrified GV70 which does the 0 to 60 mph sprint in an impressive 4.2 seconds. As an SUV though, a car like this rarely needs that much power at the tap of a pedal. Instead, the GV70 is focused on providing a cosseting ride that makes you barely notice the amount of time you’ve been in the car.

After around an hour and a half of driving, the car automatically starts a massage session for the driver to keep you alert and comfortable. The car can also decide when to block outside air or keep air circulation as normal to optimize cabin conditions. These features can be turned on and off in the main touchscreen menus.

Compared to the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Genesis is a fairly new player in the market. Coming from the backing of the Hyundai Group, it’s refreshing to drive something different that doesn’t compromise on quality or likeability. For European markets, the brand is likely to need a hybrid option or more powerful engine to compete in the long term. In North America, the larger 3.5-liter engine is expected to be the better option but fuel economy will suffer slightly.

What Is The 2025 Genesis GV70 Like Inside?

The interior is the epitome of luxury. Every surface is smooth and soft, every button has a nice tactile feel and the screen can be operated as a touchscreen or using a rotary dial which is helpful if you don’t want to lean forward. Since the gear selector also uses a rotary dial it can be easy to mix up the two but once you work out where you usually rest your arm on the center console, this happens less frequently.

Beneath the crisp touchscreen, there’s a panel of climate control functions which use two dials, a few buttons and an integrated touchscreen. The most important controls have physical interaction points while things like heated and ventilated seat controls, which aren’t likely to be used as often, are controlled using the small touchscreen.

In front of the cupholders, is a compartment to wirelessly charge your phone. Unlike typical wireless charging pads, it doesn’t sit flat and instead holds your phone on an incline so the compartment doesn’t have to be as big. It can remain open and charge, or to eliminate distractions, the top can be closed.

How Much Does The 2025 Genesis GV70 Cost?

Genesis sits in the premium segment, so the GV70 can get a little pricey. In its base form, prices in North America start from $45,700 for the 2.5-liter engine. In Europe the 2.5-liter engine is joined by a 2.2-liter petrol unit but America gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine to top the range instead. With the 3.5-liter engine , pricing starts from $58,300 and power increases from 300 bhp to 375 bhp.

There’s three packages to choose from to add more features: Sport, Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige. Sport is the standard trim level with all the tech you need like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and ventilated front seats and smart cruise control. It also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic roof.

For an extra $6,400, the Genesis GV70 Sport Advanced gets 21-inch wheels, Nappa leather and a Lexicon premium audio system. Topping the range, Sport Prestige can be specified at $9,600 to add heated rear seats, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. If you regularly carry passengers in the back or want to make your life easier with a head-up display, it might be worth looking at the top trim package.

Technical specification

Price as tested: $72,100 (£57,375)

Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol

Power: 300 bhp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque: 422 lb-ft

0-62 mph: 6.1 secs

Top speed: 149 mph