Test Driving The 2026 Genesis GV70 Luxury SUV
The Genesis GV70 luxury SUV was introduced in 2022, and for 2026 it gets its first major updates as part of its 'mid-cycle refresh' (as it's known in the auto industry). Genesis is still a relatively new player in the luxury car space, but the brand has been growing rapidly and continues to grab market share from the more established players. We just experienced the top trim level 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige, which left us highly impressed at how well the Genesis stacks up against the competition in one of today's most competitive segments.
2026 Genesis GV70: 3.5T Means Plenty of Power
The 3.5T in the model name means this GV70 has the larger 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, offering 375 horsepower and 391 pound feet of torque. A smaller, 2.5-liter turbo four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound feet of torque powers the lower-cost GV70 2.5T. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed transmission and include standard all-wheel drive. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder gets the GV70 to 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds, while out test car's 3.5-liter V6 shortens that time to around 4.8 seconds. Fuel efficiency is rated at 24 mpg for the smaller engine and 21 mpg for the twin-turbo V6.
Our test car was painted in lovely Mauna Red metallic paint
In terms of cost, the base GV70 2.5T starts at about $49,000, while this top-trim 3.5T Sport prestige rings in at $72,225. The GV70's list of standard features, even on the base model, makes it an excellent value. And our test car was loaded with advanced tech and desirable luxury accoutrements, including its sparkling $650 Mauna Red paint and a $30 NFC Key Card that lets you start and drive the luxury SUV with a credit-card sized key. You can also use Genesis' digital key technology to start and drive it with your smartphone.
A new grille features more intricate shapes that add to the GV70's upscale look
2026 Genesis GV70: Updated Exterior Styling
For this mid-cycle refresh, Genesis has focused on refining the GV70's looks while substantially upgrading its interior design and technology. The GV70 has a sleek exterior shape and high-tech exterior lighting. For 2026 the signature Genesis "Crest" grille remains prominent, but now features a mesh pattern for a more intricate look. Flanking the grille are Genesis' staple 'two-line' headlights that now incorporate advanced Micro Lens Array technology. This technology not only provides improved illumination but gives the front end a high-tech, jewel-like appearance.
Genesis' trademark "two-line" headlight now features advanced lighting tech on the GV70
Moving to the side, the GV70's muscular, coupe-like profile remains. It's one of the vehicle's best angles. Its combination of meaty flanks and sweeping roofline gives the SUV a sporty look without compromising interior space. For 2026 you can get newly designed 19-inch 'Dark Hyper' silver wheels on the 3.5T model, though this Sport Prestige model is equipped with 21-inch wheels with 255/40-21 tires. At the rear the quad-lamp taillights remain, but the exhaust outlets and lower bumper are revised and have a more cohesive and upscale appearance.
A new 27-inch display screen combines the instruments with the touchscreen
2026 Genesis GV70: Interior Goes High Tech
Inside, Genesis has completely redesigned the dashboard, with the most impressive upgrade being a large 27-inch OLED display, similar to what we've seen debuting throughout the industry over the past year. The sweeping screen design brings the digital instrument cluster and the central touchscreen together, replacing the old dual-screen setup while delivering sharp, high-res graphics and an intuitive interface.
A new climate display with touch controls works well and saves space
To create a more spacious and clean cabin design the climate controls and center stack have also been completely revamped. The physical buttons and knobs have been incorporated into a sleek, touch-based system that works well, despite the loss of dedicated hard buttons. The control system is intuitive and features a cool graphical display that makes adjusting airflow easy. There's also a new two-tone, flat-bottomed steering wheel adding a sporty touch to the luxurious cabin.
Comfortable seats wrapped in Nappa leather validate the GV70's luxury pedigree
The cabin materials, as we've come to expect from Genesis models, include soft-touch surfaces, real aluminum trim, and supple leather. The 3.5T Sport Prestige model includes carbon fiber cabin trim and Nappa leather seats. These plush surfaces and advanced digital displays are further enhanced by impressive ambient lighting that really ups the cabin experience when the sun goes down.
Heated rear seats and second-row climate controls enhance the passenger experience
But even with all this focus on style and technology, the 2026 Genesis GV70 remains a practical SUV. It's got a standard hands-free liftgate, and cargo space behind the second-row seat is 28.9 cubic feet, which nearly doubles to 56.9 cubic feet if you fold the second-row seat down. That second row is also pretty plush, with heated outboard seats and a dedicated second-row climate control panel on the 3.5T Sport Prestige trim. Space in the second row borders on tight for large adults, but my 6-foot frame fit without issue.
The GV70's 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system enhanced the SUV's luxury experience
Those new, larger display screens aren't the only technology upgrades for 2026. Voice recognition has been improved, allowing occupants to control the navigation and climate control systems with spoken commands. There's also a fingerprint authentication system on the center console, and for audiophiles the previous Lexicon sound system has been replaced by an available 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
The base GV70 features 19-inch wheels but our 3.5T model had 21-inch rollers
2026 Genesis GV70: Luxurious AND Sporty
All of these styling, technology, and luxury features ride on a unibody chassis that leverages high-strength steel, a multi-link suspension, and a rack-mounted power steering system to deliver both a luxurious and performance-oriented driving experience, depending on driving mode. This 3.5T Sport Prestige trim includes an adaptive suspension and both a 'Sport' and 'Sport+' mode that substantially increases the GV70's performance capabilities.
Plush materials dominated the GV70's cabin, including carbon fiber accents
Driving the SUV through twisting corners confirms its responsive, precise steering and throttle inputs, along with minimal body roll and willing acceleration accompanied by an inspired exhaust note. The GV70 isn't the most nimble or powerful compact luxury SUV, but it's not far off the segment benchmark while being about as luxurious and technologically advanced as anything in the category.
The 2026 Genesis GV70 delivers the full luxury SUV experience, and at a great price
2026 Genesis GV70: Compelling in Competitive Segment
The 2026 Genesis GV70 is an effective evolution of an already desirable model. It's now more stylish and more technologically advanced while retaining the high-quality, premium cabin and engaging driving dynamics that made it a favorite when it debuted in the compact SUV category. And when you consider the list of standard features offered on each trim level, at a price undercutting most competitors, it's hard to deny the 2026 Genesis GV70's value proposition. In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.
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