The 2022 Genesis G70’s refresh comes with many changes, but a new powertrain won’t be one of them. Many gearheads were intrigued following an initial announcement of a more powerful turbocharged engine entering the fray. However, this is no longer seems to be the case, as the 2022 G70 will retain its previous engine options, according to Car and Driver. 

The Genesis G70 is a fantastic alternative to sporty German luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series. This is because the G70 provides similar athletic performance and premium materials as its competitors, but it is offered at a more affordable price.

Will the lack of a powertrain upgrade affect how shoppers view the luxury car for the 2022 model year? Let’s examine the rumored new engine and how it compared to the actual powertrain options the G70 will offer for the 2022 model year.

There’s still power to be had

Many who consider buying the Genesis G70 and sporty cars like it crave a thrilling driving experience. That’s why the rumored 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder was so anticipated. 

Car and Driver corrected its earlier report that Genesis would be implementing this turbo engine, which is featured in the Hyundai Sonata N-Line. This powerplant makes around 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s quite a significant difference from the performance of the G70’s original standard engine.

This is undoubtedly disappointing for prospective buyers. However, the 2022 Genesis will still deliver exciting performance. It offers a choice between two engines – a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. The standard turbo engine isn’t as brawny as the rumored one, but it still kicks out between 252 and 255 hp, depending on which trim level you choose.

Drivers looking to turn things up a notch should lean toward the available V6, which cranks out 365 hp. Plus, you can add an optional sport exhaust, which increases the engine’s output by an extra three hp.

What to expect from the refreshed 2022 Genesis G70

The G70 debuted during the 2018 model year, and after several years of success, Genesis is giving its compact car a mid-cycle refresh. The 2020 Genesis G70’s exterior design received some minor tweaks. Most noticeably, Genesis lowered the G70’s grille and spread out its quad headlamps, giving the car a more athletic look. Meanwhile, shoppers will have more paint options, including the G70-exclusive Bond Silver.

Inside, you’ll find an upgraded infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The 2022 Genesis G70 is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio. Plus, the layout of the wireless device charging system now has a horizontal layout to better accommodate a variety of smartphone shapes and sizes.

There is one change that may disappoint old-school drivers, and that’s the elimination of the G70’s manual transmission. Instead, the car will only feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. But drivers will still have their choice of rear- or all-wheel drive as well as an available drift mode.

A worthy buy, nonetheless

The refreshed 2022 Genesis G70 may not be as new and exciting as it was once rumored to be. However, this compact luxury car is still one of the best on the market. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the 2021 G70 first within its class, and the 2022 model will likely fare well, too.

Meanwhile, those thinking about upgrading to a new G70 should no longer feel the pressure to wait until 2021. The mid-cycle refresh isn’t bringing about an abundance of changes, so the current model won’t feel too out of date.

While it is a shame that the 2022 Genesis G70 won’t have a sporty new 2.5-liter turbo engine, drivers shouldn’t be too disappointed. The available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 packs quite a punch, and it’s sure to deliver the thrills that gearheads crave.