In its inaugural year, the 2019 Genesis G70 was the top-ranked compact premium car for initial quality by J.D. Power and a finalist in U.S. News 2019 Best Luxury Small Car for the Money rankings with a score of 8.5 out of 10. For 2020, the Genesis G70 improved that score to 8.7 and earned the top spot in the U.S. News small luxury car rankings. Hopefully, the improvements will generate enough demand to propel the G70 into the future.

The Genesis G70’s features

As tested by U.S. News, the 2020 Genesis G70 earned praise for quick acceleration, precise handling, quality interior construction, and a long list of standard safety features. A cramped rear seat, inadequate trunk space, lackluster infotainment graphics, and subpar fuel economy for its class prevented the G70 from earning a higher score.

Quick acceleration of the 2020 Genesis G70 is provided by one of two engine choices. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder producing 252 hp is the standard equipment power plant. A more powerful twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 produces 365 hp. The choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive is available for either engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. A six-speed manual shift gearbox is available but only with the four-cylinder rear-wheel-drive drivetrain. 

The G70’s precise handling characteristics begin with its low center of gravity design and rigid frame structure. The addition of the available electronically controlled sport suspension and premium brake system makes the car predictable with minimal driver input.  

The overall quality interior of the G70 is highlighted by plush multi-position-adjustable front seats. The driver’s bucket seat offers 12-position adjustment and the passenger seat offers eight positions. If adjustability isn’t enough, buyers can opt for ventilated, heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. There is also an optional suede headliner available. 

The G70’s standard safety features

While many carmakers offer advanced safety features, not all make those features standard on every trim level. The Genesis G70 includes features such as forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection standard on all trim levels. A smart cruise control system utilizes forward-looking radar to maintain speed and following distance when driving in traffic. Blind-spot collision and rear cross-traffic detection systems make changing lanes and backing out of parking spots safer and less stressful. 

In addition to the standard safety features, G70 buyers can opt to add additional parking sensors with a parking camera that provides an all-around view of your parking area, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive headlights for improved vision while driving at night. 

The Genesis G70 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+

As the 2019 and 2020 Genesis G70 model years are nearly identical, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings apply similarly to both. Generally, the first year a vehicle is introduced is not the highlight year for the brand. The Genesis G70 breaks the mold on that stigma by delivering excellent quality and safety ratings from its introduction to the public. 

In extensive IIHS crash and crash avoidance testing the G70 earned “Good” or “Acceptable” ratings in nearly every category indicating the car’s ability to avoid collisions or protect its occupants adequately in the event of a crash. The only issues noted in the IIHS tests were a poor rating for headlights provided as standard equipment on base models and difficult-to-use child safety seat restraint anchors. 

Good buy or goodbye?

Based on reviews provided by U.S. News and IIHS the Genesis G70 is a good choice for consumers interested in a small, but potentially powerful, luxury car. Available options for engine, drivetrain, and safety features elevate the G70 to the top of its class, and reliability ratings from J.D. Power indicate a vehicle with lower than average maintenance and repair costs.