2022 Genesis G70 | First Drive

For the latest Genesis G70 pricing and information:

It only came out in 2018, but the G70 is already getting a pretty hefty refresh. Thanks, Genesis.


Without question, it’s just as gorgeous as the rest of the vehicles Genesis is turning out right now.


The G70 definitely gets more athletic-looking with the new Genesis headlight treatment and larger intakes. Yow, it’s really good, especially in person.


Looks aside, this is our first chance to get behind the wheel, so for today, I’m going to focus on how this hot little number drives.

If that’s anything like it did when it first launches, then today should be a good day.

The model I’m driving has the 3.3liter Twin-turbo V6 engine in it (graphic: 365 hp/375 lb-ft torque)

And let me tell you, this thing absolutely rips.

now available on the 3.3T model is launch control and Sport +.

Tuning on the power steering gets more of a performance bent. It’s sharper and well-weighted. RMPs get a little higher and it gets a variable exhaust valve that opens up and gives the driver an extra 3-hp as well as some more growly exhaust notes.

You definitely feel the difference in Sport and Sport + and you are not going to be disappointed with how the rear end squirts out behind you. Fun….

The base model gets a formidable 2.0L TI4 (252 hp 260 lb ft torque)


I loved how the suspension was tuned before. But does it hold up as I remember it?


Comfort mode feels great for daily driving. Supple, comfortable but not too sedate. Sport and Sport + ratchet up the action. Things get firmer and more responsive without feeling harsh. In short, I think every mode in this car is stacked with strengths.

The effective mechanical limited-slip differential keeps you out of major trouble as do the upgraded Brembo brakes.


All engine options get powered by an 8-speed automatic transmission that’s a smooth operator. Yes, Genesis discontinued the manual transmission. Hey, they offered it, and no one bought it, so we only have ourselves to blame.


But don’t judge the automatic too harshly…. This shift by wire example offers up Rev matching in sport and sport + w/paddle shifters.

Throws are short and there’s a gear hold on Sport + that doesn’t automatically shift if it feels you’re not doing it quickly enough.


If you’re looking for any lack of control or excessive body roll, you’re going to be disappointed.

The G70 is the lowest and widest car in the segment. The torque vectoring system uses inner rear wheel braking for more stability and traction and can send 100% of power to the rear wheels. It essentially becomes a forced drift mode and makes for a lot of fun driving.


As an option, drivers can upgrade to the performance Micheline Pilot Sport 4 Summer tire.

It’s a great sport tire that’s nice and sticky but could be a little firm for daily driving.

The Primacy Tour tires on the G70 come standard on the 19-inch tire upgrade are lovely and quiet. An absolutely outstanding tire.


Adding to the stellar driving experience is the feeling in the cabin. The seats are designed to hug you when you go around turns.

The bolsters move as the car does keeping you in place.

For a sport sedan visibility is good. And the cabin if you’re in comfort mode feels quiet enough, but why would you want to not hear that engine noise?


The G70 also can be equipped with a level 2 autonomous system that works with navigation-based smart cruise control.

It operates smoothly and keeps you in your lane without awkwardly jerking the wheel.

The G70 comes with some great tech including a digital key that you can keep in your wallet and new advanced safety features and Smartphone connectivity.


The competitive set here is fierce with the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C Class, and the Audi A4. And those are just the ones from Germany. My opinion? You’re going to spend less right out of the gate with the G70 and you get so much car for your money. You’d be crazy to not have this on your shortlist.

Pricing starts on the base model at $37,525, and even at that price, it’s pretty loaded. The 3.3L Sport starts at $42,100 but can get up into the low $50s with the Sport Prestige version. AWD is a $2,000 upgrade.

So, have my feelings changed at all about the G70, yes. If possible, it’s even better than it was before, which is a good thing. There’s going to be a lot more about this one, so stay tuned.


00:00 2022 Genesis G70
0:20 Exterior
0:49 Engine
1:49 Driving Impressions
2:15 Transmission
3:28 Tires
3:54 Interior
4:53 Competitors

[thedarkestrainbow]

Genesis is making some of the most attractive vehicles I’ve seen in a while. Love their design language. This car is stunning.

[OPnine]

Genesis is killing it with all their new vehicles, now if only they would start opening their own dealerships/showrooms

[WysteriaGuitar]

I helped my father-in-law who is 85 get a 2020 G70 and he loves it!

[davidwolf]

Genesis keeps improving their vehicles and this one is a great example. Not that they needed improvement in the first place. This is a beautiful sedan.

[haze]

They did an amazing job here. I love that they got rid of the chrome fake vent on the side. It all looks great.

[timw]

This is a nice improvement.. the front end makes the difference

[venom]

Damn that’s looks freaking amazing. Well done Genesis. 👍

[markleckband]

The front looks like a comic book character. In a good way! Like firefly.

[doug]

I just bought a 2022 G70 2 weeks ago. LOVE IT!! New style refresh is everything - headlights, taillights, grills, interior, infotainment screen (best upgrade on the car IMO). Sleek, sporty, luxury....and this Twin Turbo really moves! All the competition they compare it to in online reviews (BMW, Audi, Mercedes are more $$ and underpowered). I shopped the 2021 G70 (and crossed it off my list early), Infiniti Q50 (and Q60), Cadillac CT5-V, Lexus IS 350F Sport, Acura TLX & Kia Stinger. The 2022 G70 just seemed to have that little something extra that made this an easy decision.

[charlieo]

Those headlights are so good to look at.

[connormcnicol-day]

Would definitely take this over the new C-Class.

[judethaddaeus]

The fact that Genesis can design such striking-looking, beautiful vehicles without overstyling or copying retro themes, is commendable. Why isn’t anyone else doing this? And with such good quality and value for money?

Cadillac has been trying to be this good for DECADES and they still haven’t cracked the code. Yet here’s Genesis. I just wonder whether stuff like the G70 and G80 will have the time to gain a reputation in the market before the sedan apocalypse makes these cars go the way of the manual transmission...

[allwheeldrive]

The German cars are simply no longer as attractive. This Genesis meets or beats them on performance and looks, but blows them away on reliability, ownership costs, and the overall ownership experience. I've owned several BMWs and have plenty of friends who owned Mercs and Audis. For me - and many of them - never again. The full Genesis line is awesome.

[radudeATL]

Genesis is BUTTER, and they are on a ROLL!

[aono]

Looks awesome, drives almost as good as M340i and costs way less. Genesis got a winner.

[MrNemo]

I know it'll hardly sell but still wish they'd bring the wagon stateside

[caoYB]

That ZOOM recorder F1-LP looks pretty good, like a 90s Mini Disc

[ctk]

WoW, that's a good looking color/car!!!! Wish it had the new interior from the GV70.

Wish this came out before I leased the new TLX!! :(

[TMM]

Love so so much. So much character. Not ordinary

[JBsC]

Worlds going electric yet before that happens genesis is creating some stunning new designs