The Stylish 2022 Genesis GV70 Could Slay Its German Rivals
It’s still a bit unknown, but Genesis should be on your list if you’re looking for sharp and affordable luxury cars. Its sedans, like the G80, can rival those from the likes of BMW, Lexus, and Alfa Romeo. Ditto its crossovers, such as the bargain-Bentley-esque GV80. Now, the Korean brand is tackling the entry-level luxury crossover segment with the 2022 Genesis GV70. And it, too, is looking to cause a stir.
The 2022 Genesis GV70 has style for days
The 2022 Genesis GV70’s design is meant to closely resemble the updated G70, Motor1 reports. It also rides on the G70’s platform, Car and Driver reports. That’s to be expected, given that it’s a car-based luxury crossover. Whether or not you like the GV70’s design is an entirely personal choice. However, it’s difficult to describe it any other way but ‘stylish.’ But the chic looks aren’t just on the outside.
Inside, the 2022 Genesis GV70 has a GV80-like steering wheel and 2 rotary dials, one for the transmission, and one for the infotainment, Roadshow reports. It also has 2 screens, a 14.5” infotainment display and a smaller one for the climate controls, Motor Trend and Motor1 report. The climate screen is supplemented by physical buttons. There’s also a 12.3” digital instrument cluster.
We can’t gauge interior material quality from pictures alone, but the design itself is certainly bold. The rotary dials, though, appear to be made of knurled metal. And no, the purple color isn’t just for show—it’s an actual option, Autoblog reports. There’s also a red option, as well as the usual black and beige.
The interior and exterior of the 2022 Genesis GV70 Sport, though, will be slightly different. For one, this trim has different bumpers, larger wheels, and dual exhaust tips. Also, the GV70 Sport gets a different steering wheel, as well as carbon-fiber trim and microsuede upholstery, not leather. At the GV70’s price point, though, the carbon-fiber trim likely isn’t the real thing, Roadshow reports.
What we still don’t know about the Genesis GV70
Speaking of pricing, that’s one of the things that, as of this writing, Genesis hasn’t released about the 2022 GV70. Car and Driver muses it could start at or just under $40,000. Roadshow reports a similar predicted starting price; it suspects a fully-loaded example could cost roughly $60,000.
Genesis also hasn’t officially released the GV70’s powertrain details. But the luxury crossover will likely come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer optional AWD, MT reports. As for engines, they’ll likely come from the GV80, Motor1 muses. The larger crossover has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. The former makes 300 hp and the latter 375 hp. Both engines are paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
How does it compare to its rivals?
Without knowing the pricing or powertrain details, it’s difficult to precisely compare the 2022 Genesis GV70 to its rivals. Plus, it’s not scheduled to hit US dealerships until “sometime in 2021,” Car and Driver reports.
When it does come, though, it will likely compete against luxury crossovers like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Not to mention another similarly-stylish bargain model, the Mazda CX-5.
At $43k, the base 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i is likely a bit pricier than the base GV70. With a 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, it’s arguably under-powered. However, Car and Driver reports it has a “comfortable” amount of power, and the handling refinement to match. Though it also notes the interior, while practical, is a bit “dowdy.”
The 2021 Audi Q5 isn’t as fun to drive as the X3, Car and Driver reports, though it has a 261-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. With a $43,300 base price, it’s roughly as expensive as the X3. However, unlike the BMW, the Q5 has standard AWD. Plus, for a little extra, it’s available as a mild hybrid. But even with the mild-hybrid system, the Genesis GV70’s hypothetical V6 makes more power.
The $43,200 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and optional AWD. It’s a comfortable luxury crossover with plenty of standard tech and safety features, Car and Driver reports. However, its interior materials feel slightly lower in quality compared to the E-Class. Plus, its infotainment screen is smaller than the GV70’s screen.
Hopefully, though, Genesis releases some more information soon.
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