Item: 2021 Genesis G70
Rating: 3.4
Author: Willis Kuelthau

Overview

What's New

Mechanically unchanged, the 2021 Genesis G70 has seen a slight price increase, while available packages have come down in cost. The Sport package has been dropped from models with the 2.0-liter engine, while the Elite pack's options have been made standard on all 3.3-liter models.

Choosing Your Genesis G70

The Genesis G70 is offered in two trims: 2.0T and 3.3T. Prices start at $37,025 including destination for the base 2.0T, while the 3.3T begins at $47,225.

Engine Choices

As the trim names indicate, there are two engines available for the G70. 2.0T models get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while 3.3T trims feature a larger 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6.

Engine Type	Horsepower	Torque	Fuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	252 hp	260 lb-ft	25 mpg
3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	365 hp	376 lb-ft	20 mpg

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, but the 2.0-liter can be had with a six-speed manual for an extra $2,600. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive a $2,000 upgrade on either trim, but it's only available with the automatic transmission.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Genesis G70 is a five-seat compact luxury sedan. There's 10.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the trunk.

Safety Features

Every G70 comes with an extensive roster of safety aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. 3.3T models also get front and rear parking sensors.

A surround-view monitor is available through the Prestige Package.

Connectivity

An 8-inch touchscreen display dominates the G70’s dash, powering an array of online services including voice-powered destination search. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, with three USB ports and satellite and HD radio.

Moving up to the 3.3T adds navigation, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Lexicon audio system to the list of standard equipment. These features are available on 2.0T models through the Elite and Prestige packages.

A head-up display is part of the Prestige pack for both models.

2.0T - From $37,025

Even the most affordable G70 is comprehensively equipped. Keyless entry with dual-zone climate control underpins a cabin with power front seats, vinyl upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. AWD models also get heated front seats. The outside features a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and LED headlights.

Upgrades are available in the Elite ($4,150) and Prestige ($8,000) packages. The former brings leather seating, navigation, parking sensors, a power steering column, heated front seats, a larger sunroof, and more. The Prestige builds on that and adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera system, wireless charging, a head-up display, and more.

3.3T - From $47,225

In addition to the twin-turbo V6, the 3.3T model brings mechanical improvements like a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, dual exhaust, and a limited-slip differential. Other standard features include 19-inch wheels and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

A heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, alloy pedals, and a wireless charging pad improve the cabin. Memory functionality is added to the driver's seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors.

Here, the Prestige package costs $2,850 and adds quilted Nappa leather seating, heated rear seats, a power trunk, a suede headliner, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitor. The newly-available Sport package ($4,150) includes all that plus an electronically controlled suspension, a dark chrome grille, dark tint taillight covers, and copper headlight bezel accents.

Compare Genesis Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

If performance is a priority, 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T makes a strong case with its twin-turbocharged engine and available Sport package. For buyers on a tighter budget, the 2.0T model fitted with the Elite package does a good job of combining affordability and technology.

Neil Cumins

Automotive Editor - October 09, 2020

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Expert Review

Pros

Very attractive
Luxurious interior
Exciting in the corners
Strong value

Cons

Cramped rear seat
Tiny trunk
Suspension too stiff for some

Expert Rating

3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Willis Kuelthau

Automotive Editor - January 21, 2021

Taking on the titans. The 2021 Genesis G70 continues the Korean brand’s full-scale assault on the sport sedan hegemony. The G70 goes up against classics like the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4.

Even on style alone, the Germans should be quaking in their boots. Blending aggression and elegance is a tall order, but the G70 pulls it off well. The long, low-slung hood sends all the right messages, and the air intakes hint at performance without feeling gaudy.

The G70’s trim range gets streamlined for 2021, but it still has all the most important ingredients: two potent engines, plenty of technology, and compelling value.

Prioritizing performance. The G70 is one of few sedans on the market still available with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s a good gearbox and a welcome addition for enthusiasts, but it’s only available with rear-wheel drive and the base engine. We’re not too sad, because the eight-speed automatic is an excellent alternative.

The base engine produces a potent 252 horsepower, and it compares favorably to a BMW 330i or Mercedes C 300. The next step up is a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which lends a thrilling soundtrack and drops the 0-60 mph sprint to 4.5 seconds. Neither is particularly efficient – even with RWD, the G70 maxes out at an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon combined.

A sport sedan requires more than power, and the G70 is blessed with a sharp and responsive suspension. Turn-in is immediate, steering is precise, and the G70 is right at home on a track or a canyon road. If anything, the suspension may be too stiff for some tastes, especially with the optional Sport package.

Genesis G70

Luxurious, not spacious. From the front seat, it’s hard to fault the interior of the Genesis G70. Design is simple and appealing, with high quality materials throughout. Upper trims get quilted leather with wood or metallic trim, which elevate the experience even further.

Things start to go downhill in the second row. The G70 has only 34.8 inches of rear leg room, which is well shy of its closest competitors. Head room is limited, too, and we can’t recommend the G70 as a family road-trip vehicle.

Worst of all, however, is the trunk. The G70 can hold only 10.5 cubic feet of cargo, which we’d expect from a sport convertible more than a sedan. It isn’t particularly useful, and it reinforces the G70’s character of performance over practicality.

The complete package. In keeping with its Hyundai ancestry, the G70 is heavy on features and technology. The standard kit includes everything we expect in a luxury sedan, and the option packages are sensible. Our favorite is the Prestige, which includes quilted leather and ventilated front seats along with some welcome tech perks.

The G70 also comes with an impressive suite of safety tech, including advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick Plus award from the IIHS, something many rivals can’t claim.

The best news of all is the price – all those features come at a starting price well below what you’d spend on a German competitor. Even after adding the Prestige package, a G70 2.0T doesn’t cost much more than a base BMW 330i. That’s excellent value, especially since the G70 can go toe-to-toe with the big boys in the curves.

Final thoughts. The 2021 Genesis G70 loses out on practicality, but it makes amends with thrilling performance and effortless style. It puts the sport back in sport sedan, and for that we applaud it.

It’s less appealing as a family car, but its combination of luxury, value, and performance should earn it a place on many shopping lists.

Check prices for the 2021 Genesis G70 »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.0L I-4 / 252 HP / 260 ft.lbs.

Transmission

8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Rear-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

22 / 30 / 26 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.0L I-4 / 252 HP / 260 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	22 / 30 / 26 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Aluminum
Fuel Tank	15.8 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$60

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	10.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	94 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	184.4 "
Exterior Width	72.8 "
Exterior Height	55.1 "
Front Headroom	39.7 " / 39.4 "
Rear Headroom	36.9 "
Front Legroom	42.6 "
Rear Legroom	34.8 "
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,516 Lbs.
Wheel Base	112 "
Turning Radius	18.1 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored With Black Insert
Grille Moldings	Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Leatherette / Leather / Nappa Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power) / (10-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power) / (10-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers	6 / 15 Lexicon
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt / Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	1

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor	Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection	Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert	Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights	Low Beam Assist-dynamic (lba-d) Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors	Front And Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months	120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	84 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2021 Genesis G70 for Sale