Genesis GV70 Is The Best Luxury Compact SUV For 2023/24 – US News & World Report

Indeed, the 2023 GV70 epitomizes the concept of a well-rounded luxury compact SUV. It boasts powerful engine choices, confident handling, a comfortable ride, and a stunning interior crafted with premium materials. While it shines in many aspects, it does have a few negligible drawbacks to keep it humble, such as the placement of some infotainment controls and seats that may not be as comfortable as those found in certain competitors. 

Nevertheless, the GV70 is a compelling proposition for individuals seeking a luxurious compact SUV that offers both value and opulence, and that’s, in large part, thanks to its well-balanced driving dynamics and robust engine options. 

Despite fierce rivals such as the BMW X3, offering more space for passengers and cargo with sportier handling, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, offering a similarly high-quality interior and a smooth ride, the 2023 Genesis GV70 caught the discerning eye of US News & World Report, enough for the media house to crown it king of compact luxury SUVs. Let’s see why. 

Related Reading: The Mazda CX-5 Is The Best Compact SUV For 2023/24, According To US News & World Report 

How Genesis GV70 Scored #1 In The Compact Luxury SUVs Class For 2023/24

From the US News & World Report’s rankings, the 2023 Genesis GV70 holds the top position in the Luxury Compact SUVs category for its outstanding performance. That’s thanks to an impressive rating of 8.8 out of 10. This rating, US News says, is derived from a thorough analysis of 22 research and data components collected from diverse sources. 

Indeed, Genesis's distinct approach to luxury is prominently showcased across its entire lineup, most notably in the 2023 GV70 SUV. Perishing the thought of creating a budget-friendly option that feels subpar has allowed Genesis to create a compact luxury SUV that, in many respects, outshines similarly priced competitors, such as the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60. 

While it might lack the immediate brand recognition of the aforementioned SUVs, the GV70 compensates with its striking aesthetics and an exquisitely appointed interior. The GV70 may not yet be a household name but its presence is unmistakable. 

Under the hood, the GV70 offers the choice of a turbo four or twin-turbo six powerplants, both providing ample power, and every model comes standard with all-wheel drive. While its handling is reportedly nimble, though not quite as razor-sharp as a Porsche Macan, the GV70 is that ride of choice for those craving a peaceful cruise. 

We’ve already noted in the intro that the rear seat could do better with space, so if you frequently transport passengers, upgrading to the larger and even more luxurious GV80 might be a better fit. Like we said, they’re negligible flaws. 

2023 Genesis GV70 Engine, Performance, And Efficiency

The GV70 shares its engine options with the Genesis G80 and GV80. The four- and six-cylinder choices hold hands with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). 

In the base models, there's a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. During independent testing, this powertrain propelled the GV70 to 60 mph in a commendable 6.0 seconds. Fuel economy figures for the four-cylinder engine stand at 22/28 mpg in city and highway driving. 

For those seeking more power, Genesis offers the GV70 with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, generating a robust 375 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Testing the GV70 3.5T, it sprinted to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. 

However, it's important to note that the V6 comes with a slightly lower fuel efficiency rating, ranging from 19 mpg in the city to 24-26 mpg on the highway, depending on driving conditions. 

How Does It Feel Inside The ‘23 GV70?

Comfort plays a significant role in elevating the GV70's status as an exceptional SUV. The front seats offer extensive adjustability, and the models tested had seats equipped with heating, ventilation, and even a massage feature. In the rear, the seat cushions are notably comfortable and provide ample recline for passengers. 

With the inclusion of an adaptive suspension (standard with the V6 engine), the GV70 can adapt to changing road conditions. While it may not provide the same level of plushness as the larger Genesis GV80, it successfully strikes a commendable balance between comfort and compliance. The climate control system features a dedicated, user-friendly touchscreen interface. 

The seat heating and cooling capabilities are exceptionally powerful, and the heated steering wheel is equally impressive. The cabin maintains a serene atmosphere, thanks to dual-pane windows that effectively reduce wind and ambient noise. Only on particularly textured road surfaces does some low-level road noise become reportedly noticeable. 

The Interior Design

The GV70 presents a distinct interior design compared to recent Genesis models. Notably, the infotainment control knob is much more user-friendly than that of the GV80. This dial rotates and moves, featuring a touch-sensitive surface for navigating menus. 

Remember what we said in the intro about the positioning of some of the infotainment controls? It's easy to mistake the dial for the gear selector, which is also a dial. Negligible, but still a flaw, nonetheless. Additionally, the touchscreen may feel a bit distant for the driver, necessitating a stretch to access it. 

But when it comes to interior spaciousness, the GV70 impresses within the small luxury class. The generously wide door openings facilitate easy entry and exit. The driving position is highly favorable, and Genesis ensures that all primary controls are easily accessible for the driver. 

Despite the GV70's sporty body design, visibility remains excellent, enhancing the overall driving experience. 

How’s The Tech?

The GV70 adopts its infotainment system from the larger GV80 SUV, featuring a substantial widescreen infotainment display seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, along with a clickwheel controller positioned on the center console. 

Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. For those seeking a premium audio experience, there's the option to upgrade to a high-end Lexicon stereo system. 

We’ve already mentioned the rotary infotainment control knob on the center console positioned in close proximity to the rotary transmission control knob, which can occasionally lead to unintentional adjustments to the radio station when attempting to change gears.

In any case, the GV70 boasts a prominent 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system as its centerpiece, no matter the trim you choose. 

For lower trims, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster display is provided, but the Sport Prestige variants elevate the experience with a remarkable 12.3-inch fully digital 3D gauge cluster. 

Across all models, a wireless charging pad and USB ports are conveniently positioned in the front and rear. Stepping up to higher trims introduces the premium audio prowess of Lexicon. 

The GV70's Fingerprint Scanner

One exceptional feature worth highlighting is the GV70's interior fingerprint scanner, which can seamlessly replace the traditional key to initiate or halt the engine. 

Furthermore, it extends its utility by enabling secure and convenient transactions, including the ability to make payments for fuel at select gas stations. 

What Are The 2023 Genesis GV70 Trim Levels?

The Genesis GV70 lineup comprises two distinct trim levels: the 2.5T and the 3.5T Sport, both embodying the essence of a small luxury SUV. The 2.5T model is equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. 

In contrast, the GV70 3.5T Sport is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, boasting an impressive 375 hp and a substantial 391 lb-ft of torque. Both variants feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and control. 

Notably, the 2.5T Prestige trim has been rebranded as the 2.5T Sport Prestige for the 2023 model year. This revision includes the addition of a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and the convenience of three-zone automatic climate control. 

Across the Sport lineup, including the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 models, touch-sensitive steering-wheel buttons and sleek black-painted rear brake calipers are now standard features. 

The midrange 2.5T Advanced model has received an upgrade, now featuring the premium Lexicon stereo system as standard equipment. Furthermore, the 2.5T Select trim benefits from upgraded front brake calipers and the comfort of a heated steering wheel. 

In terms of aesthetics, the GV70 offers fresh exterior color choices, including Capri Blue, Makalu Gray, and Makalu Gray Matte, allowing for more personalized style preferences. 

Coming Soon To A Dealership Near You – Electric GV70

Genesis has exciting plans to introduce an all-electric iteration of the GV70 for the year 2023, positioning it above their smaller GV60 EV in the lineup. 

This electrified variant will feature a single powertrain configuration, consisting of electric motors both at the front and rear, generating a remarkable combined output of 483 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque. This marks the GV70 as the most potent in the lineup. 

Genesis has stated an estimated range of 249 miles, measured in accordance with the Korean EV certification system. Additionally, the all-electric GV70 will benefit from a rapid-charging capability, with a maximum charge rate of 350 kW. 

This translates to the ability to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 18 minutes, making it a promising and convenient option for electric vehicle enthusiasts. 

How Much Is The 2023 Genesis GV70?

The GV70 kicks off with an enticingly affordable base price of $44,245 (MSRP, including logistics and popular options), but our recommendation leans toward the Advanced package, representing excellent value for the investment. 

This upgrade introduces leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including a remote self-parking capability. 

Opting for the Advanced trim also incorporates the appealing features found in the Select model, such as 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium 16-speaker Lexicon stereo system. 

When it comes to performance, the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides spirited acceleration, while the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 impressively delivers swift power. For those looking to maximize value, we suggest considering the GV70 2.5T Sport Prestige. 

This choice doesn't compromise significantly on performance compared to the V6, and the cost savings relative to the V6-equipped models can be substantial. The Sport Prestige trim offers a comprehensive package of technology, style, and luxury, making it a standout choice in the GV70 lineup. It's a compelling winner all-around.