2022 Genesis G70 3.3T AWD
05/11/2022
Shahed Hussain
Hyundai launched Genesis as a separate brand a few years ago to establish a presence in the premium luxury segment. The G70 sedan has been in the US market since 2018 and received design refresh in 2021. As with other premium midsize sedans, the G70 is available in rear-drive and all-wheel drive configurations and a choice of two turbocharged powertrains.
Base price for the 2022 G70 starts at $37,775 for the rear-wheel drive 2.0T, or $39,875 with AWD. Moving up to the G70 3.3T AWD V-6 raises the base price to $44,450. We tested a 2022 G70 3.3T AWD equipped with the Sport Advanced package ($4,300) and Sport Prestige Package ($3,900). Including the $1045 freight charge sums up to an MSRP of $53,945. Notable standard and optional equipment include: Nappa leather covered seats, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 12-way power driver and passenger seats, heated steering wheel, 10.25-in touchscreen, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, sunroof, Lexicon 15-speaker audio system, 19-in. alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, surround view monitor, Qi wireless charging, and head-up display. Safety technologies include: forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning, smart (adaptive) cruise control, and lane keep assist.
Genesis powers the G70 with either a 252-hp 2.0L inline-4 or a 365-hp 3.3L V-6. Both engines are turbocharged, but the 3.3L is boosted by twin turbos vs. a single turbo in the 2.0L. The V-6 develops 365-hp @ 6,000 RPM and 376 lb.-ft. @ 1300-4500 RPM. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic. According to the EPA, the 3.3T AWD is rated at 17/25 MPG (city/hwy.). Opting for RWD improves fuel consumption to 18/25 MPG (city/hwy.). We averaged 21 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving in the tested 3.3T AWD.
There are no surprises in the G70 suspension design: MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar in front, accompanied by a rear multi-link rear layout with coil springs, dampers, and stabilizer bar. Brakes are Brembo discs at all four wheels. Steering is via a motor-assisted rack-and-pinion system. Our test vehicle came equipped with Michelin all-season tires wrapped around 19-in. diameter alloy wheels. Curb weight for the 3.3T RWD is 3,957 lbs.
The G70 interior design seamlessly blends function and luxury with superb materials and build quality. Most touch points are padded surfaces. The heated/ventilated Nappa leather front seats provide superb lateral support and comfort. A low roofline results in limited front headroom: occupants taller than 5'-10" will need to lower the front seat to avoid brushing the headliner. Rear passengers should be pleased to find supportive seating for two occupants, but the center position is best suited for short trips. Rear legroom is acceptable, but as in the front, headroom is tight for occupants taller than 5'-10".
Genesis designed a simple digital cluster with an analog-style tachometer, speedometer and fuel gauge. Although not immediately obvious, the speedometer markings change from 10 MPH increments to 20 MPH increments past 40 MPH. The tachometer needle rotates counterclockwise, which seems odd, but is still functional. A central multi-function screen display vehicle status and can be configured to monitor oil temperature, torque output and turbo boost. The leather-wrapped heated steering wheel has integrated controls for audio, phone and cruise control settings. A tablet-style infotainment touchscreen display atop the dashboard is within easy reach of the driver. Audio and climate settings are controlled via knobs and buttons on the center stack. A 12V power outlet and two USB ports are conveniently located under the HVAC controls. Dual cupholders are on the center console behind the compact gearshift lever.
Since the G70 is the sole sport sedan in the Genesis lineup, suspension tuning is aimed at driving enthusiasts. As we expected, the springs and dampers deliver a firm, tightly snubbed ride at both urban and highway speeds. Over properly maintained highways, we appreciated the excellent body control, but on patched and potholed road surfaces, the ride became jittery. The moderately-assisted steering is exceptionally accurate and communicative. We disabled the lane keeping assist feature, as it added undesired steering input. A benefit of the stiff suspension and tight steering is excellent stability and tracking at 80+ MPH. The Brembo brakes deliver rapid deceleration along with firm, progressive pedal actuation. Tire and wind noise are pleasantly hushed at highway cruising speeds. During our test period in February, we drove the G70 on snow-covered roads and discovered that the Michelin all-season tires lacked grip in sub-freezing temperatures, especially under braking. The G70's AWD system makes the most of available traction, but owners in cold climates should consider winter tires mandatory.
Having previously driven the G70 2.0T, we expect that few Genesis customers will desire to upgrade to the V-6, but the 3.3T is unquestionably more fun to drive. The turbo V-6 delivers excellent midrange throttle response, and the 8-speed automatic responds with quick gearchanges via the steering wheel paddles.
After spending a week with the G70, it is apparent that much development effort was expended to engineer such a polished vehicle. The G70 simply has no rough edges to indicate that it is the first sport sedan from Genesis. A less than $5K difference between the 2.0T AWD and 3.3T AWD makes the V-6 a compelling choice for a driving enthusiast. In this crowded segment with multiple models from German, US, and Japanese brands all competing for market share, any new entrant must be exceptional to be competitive. We would recommend anyone searching for an affordable sport sedan to seriously consider the G70.
