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This isn’t the first, or even second, choice for most people looking for a premium mid-size SUV.
While rivals like the BMW X3, Lexus NX or Merc GLC sell in the thousands each year, only a few hundred Australians have chosen the Genesis GV70.
It’s quite lucky then, that this update has come along because, like its rivals, sales for this model are… well, down.
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Can a series of updates, and a big interior refresh help the GV70 fight the turning tide?
Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
8 / 10
Starting from $78,500, before on-road costs, the entry-grade Genesis GV70 is now $8000 more expensive than before, but is a much higher specification. Pricing now creeps up to $100,000 for the top variant, which used to be a $92,200 offering.
The base model is now all-wheel drive as standard and is called the GV70 Advanced. Two higher variants, Signature and Signature Sport, are available with the same 2.5-litre turbo engine or a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 which is also carried over.
Key updates to the GV70 include the addition of a large 27.0-inch screen unit that incorporates the driver and multimedia displays.
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Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also now included, while a climate control touchscreen and over-the-air updates round out the key interior tech changes.
The Signature adds niceties like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, second-row climate control and a scent diffuser and an 'Intelligent Front-lighting System' for the LED headlights.
V6-equipped GV70s also get ‘Preview’ suspension control which predicts road surfaces and adjusts accordingly as well as an electronic limited-slip differential.
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The top-spec Signature Sport adds styling changes like dark chrome, larger air intakes, sports seats and a sports steering wheel.
The only cost option in the range is matt paint, for $2000.
Even with the sticker price going up, pricing is pretty darn sharp compared to rivals from Europe where options would start to nudge that figure proper north of the $100,000 mark in high specification.
Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
9 / 10
If you’re familiar with the GV70 the design changes aren’t going to seem revolutionary, but they do add a bit of subtle distinction.
For example, new 'Micro-Lens Array' headlights come in a slimmer design. Plus they bring more function, like a welcome light sequence.
They flank a tweaked grille with a 'dual weave’ mesh, plus the bumper has been altered for a low, wide look.
Even the Genesis logo is a bit different, now as a flat imprint.
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There are new wheel designs, sizing of course depending on variant, as well as whether some of the trim comes in dark chrome or not.
At the back, the exhaust mufflers are hidden behind a redesigned bumper (unless you’ve got a Signature Sport) and there’s a new rear spoiler with lighting that complements the new tail-lights.
Inside, the styling hasn’t changed massively, either.
There are some updated materials and new trim garnishes, but the biggest updates are more functional than visual.
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Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10
8 / 10
Of course, it’s hard not to spot the giant 27-inch integrated multimedia and driver display unit, its OLED screen similar to other plush models in the Genesis and Hyundai range.
While the move to make more functions screen-based rather than using physical buttons can be a little annoying, the system here is still easy to use and there’s a climate control panel, so not too much messing around in menus.
There’s a bunch of other stuff carried over from before, like the huge sunroof and the fact the front seats are heated and ventilated. And they’re proper leather.
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From the wireless phone charger to the ambient lighting, the interior is stacked with bits and features that aim to make the cabin feel extra comfy.
The storage and space feels well thought out, there are plenty of places to put things and you don’t feel cramped, even in the second row.
Behind that, there’s a 542-litre boot which is in the same ballpark as the X3, NX and GLC.
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Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 8/10
8 / 10
While the GV70 is now all-wheel drive only, two engine options remain.
All three variants can be had with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 224kW and 422Nm, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It carries over from before the update, as does the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 which makes 279kW and 530Nm and uses the same transmission.
The V6 isn’t available in the base Advanced grade, and while its outputs aren’t sky-high compared to the four-cylinder, it has a much thicker peak-torque band.
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Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 6/10
6 / 10
Genesis claims the GV70 will sip 10.3 litres per 100km of driving in four-cylinder guise, or 11.3L for the V6, both tested under the standard combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle.
The GV70 needs at least 95 RON fuel but is E10 compatible, and has a 66-litre fuel tank.
During the launch drive, we didn’t get a chance to properly test fuel consumption but noted the trip computer for the four-cylinder showed 12.1L/100km since its last reset 1400km prior.
With that figure, you could expect to travel about 540km in the four-pot (likely a little less in the V6) before needing to refuel, though theoretically there’s 640km of range in the tank for the four, and 580 in the V6.
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Driving – What's it like to drive? 8/10
8 / 10
On the road, the updates might not be immediately obvious depending on which GV70 variant you’re in.
While it was already a capable and comfortable thing, I can’t recall having noticed in the past specifically how quiet the GV70 is when moving, and that’s something the update seems to have improved.
Even on some of the rougher roads, the active sound cancelling and physical noise and vibration improvements are certainly noticeable.
As before, the 3.5-litre V6 is a sturdy unit. It doesn’t feel like it’s working too hard but gets things moving quickly enough that it doesn’t feel lazy, either.
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Cars fitted with the V6 also get slightly better suspension, adding to the quiet nature of the cabin and providing a refined ride that Genesis should be proud of.
The four-cylinder needs a little more encouragement, but it’s no slouch, either, even if it doesn’t sound quite as nice or come with the same upgraded suspension.
Dynamically, the GV70 feels a little bit muted, but no less capable because of it. Steering is light and a little numb, but that’s okay, it’s not really trying to be a sports car.
In sharp, twisty roads, the GV70 will let you get away with slightly more than you expect, but once you start approaching the limit will gently let you know you’re headed for danger if you push too much further.
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Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 9/10
9 / 10
The safety standard was already pretty high in the GV70, with a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from 2021, plus eight airbags including dual front, side chest, curtain, a driver knee airbag and a front centre bag.
Plenty of advanced active safety kit like blind-spot avoidance, lane-follow and lane-keep assist, rear-cross traffic avoidance and even a surround-view parking camera were already standard.
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Now, the GV70 also comes with updated highway driving assist, forward collision avoidance assist, parking collision avoidance, nav-based smart cruise control, an in-cabin camera for driver monitoring and remote parking assist.
The downside is, like other Hyundai (and Kia) models, elements like the speed limit warning and driver attention warning can be overzealous and ultimately distracting.
But Genesis Australia has followed Hyundai by implementing a steering wheel shortcut button to adjust these settings.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 10/10
10 / 10
Genesis has a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty which is about standard for the industry, and relatively good for a premium brand.
It gets better, though.
The brand offers a generous five-year or 50,000km complimentary scheduled servicing plan with 12-month or 10,000km intervals.
And there’s more.
Genesis offers 10 years of free roadside assist if you service your car with Genesis (it’s five years otherwise), and there’s five years of Genesis’ concierge and courtesy vehicle program.
Not needing to pay for anything for at least five years is a slam-dunk when it comes to ownership prospects.
Verdict
The GV70 was already a pretty good thing, and aside from some small annoyances in the new safety tech, the update has made it a better car to drive.
It’s quieter, packs a few more features in, and still looks stylish and stands out on the road.
Even with its price increasing, its value is hard to deny, especially when it comes to post-purchase ownership.
It’s hard to say if the update will entice more customers away from rivals, but the GV70 continues to earn its place as Genesis’ most popular model.
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5T | 2.5L, 8 SPEED ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC | $70,500 |
| 2.5T AWD | 2.5L, 8 SPEED ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC | $72,900 |
| Electrified Performance LUX | Electric, 1 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $126,475 |
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