Cars like the G70 show how well Genesis can deliver luxury at an affordable price. The Genesis G70 itself has won multiple awards and proven to be both a reliable and safe premium sedan. However, it’s not quite perfect. Minor manufacturing bugs aside, one critique of the G70 has been a lack of power. But, just as its platform-mate, the Kia Stinger, is getting an update, so too is the Genesis G70. And part of the update involves addressing that very flaw.

What’s new about the 2022 Genesis G70?

One part of the Genesis G70’s 2022 update is a new look, Road & Track reports. The Korean brand’s compact luxury sedan now looks more like the larger G80 sedan and GV80 crossover. It will also spawn a wagon (‘shooting brake’) model, Car and Driver reports, but as of this writing, it hasn’t been confirmed for the US.

The 2022 Genesis G70’s interior has also been mildly redesigned, Motor Trend reports. The 8” touchscreen is now a 10.3” unit, and it now supports over-the-air updates. Also, the available wireless charging pad is now horizontal, Autoweek reports, to work with even the largest ‘phablets.’ Otherwise, the interior is unchanged, Autoblog reports, though Hagerty muses some of the materials may have been upgraded.

But arguably just as big as the 2022 Genesis G70’s updated design is its new powertrain details. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, the 2022 G70 won’t be available with a manual. However, it will have more power, The Drive reports.

Instead of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the base 2022 Genesis G70 will get the G80’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This means, instead of 252 hp, the sedan will make 290 hp. There’s no word if the optional 365-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is getting replaced. However, Car and Driver reports “it’s…likely” the G70 will receive the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 found in other Genesis vehicles.

Pricing and availability

As of this writing, Genesis hasn’t released official pricing for the 2022 G70. R&T estimates prices will start around $37,000. For comparison, the base rear-wheel-drive 2020 model starts at $35,450. The AWD 3.3T model starts at $45,650.

An exact release date is also unavailable. However, the 2022 Genesis G70 will launch first in its home market of South Korea in October 2020. US customers will have to wait until early 2021.

2022 Genesis G70 vs. the Kia Stinger and their rivals

This news about the 2022 Genesis G70 essentially confirms that the 2022 Kia Stinger will have the 2.5-liter engine, too. When we previously reported about the latter car, it was more of a rumor. However, MT also confirms the 2022 Stinger will have a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, albeit with up to 300 hp.

Speaking of the Kia Stinger, it’ll continue to be one of the Genesis G70’s main sales rivals. The two share platforms, powertrains, and many of the same features. However, MT and Autoblog both found the G70 to be the better choice, due to better ride quality and interior materials. And the Genesis sedan is just as sporty as its Kia cousin. Plus, for 2022, the G70’s infotainment will be more in-line with the rest of the Genesis lineup.

Compared to the BMW 3 Series, Car and Driver found the Genesis G70’s interior a little lacking. Plus, in M340i trim, the BMW’s powertrain was smoother and more powerful. However, Cars.com notes the G70’s controls were easier to use, and the Korean sedan was a better value.

With its power increase, the 2022 G70 will likely leave the 2021 Lexus IS behind. It might have a harder time, though, with the 2021 Acura TLX. Which, Car and Driver reports, will be priced similarly to the G70. With a 262-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder base engine, and the Type S’ 355-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, the TLX might not be quite as powerful. But Acura’s updated sedan is shaping up to be a proper challenge to the 3 Series.

We’ll just have to wait for a proper head-to-head to find out how the 2022 Genesis G70 fares.

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