Genesis – formerly a model line in the Hyundai brand – has been a stand alone brand for a couple years now. For a large share of the entry level sports sedan market, it has remained relatively unknown.
Based on our recent test drives, we submit that the refreshed 2022 Genesis G70 Compact Sport Sedan is well-worthy of consideration if you want a premium-fitted and performance-biased sport sedan as your ride of choice.
Multiple updates add more luxury, technology and sportiness, yet keeps it a very affordable entry level luxury sport sedan.
Up front, the G70 now features the brand’s signature Quad headlights with super thin LED lamps and a new cross-hatched pattern grille. From the side, G70 continues to feature its elongated hood and adds restyled fenders with a functional air extractor just behind the front wheel wells to improve airflow.
At the rear are the signature Quad Lamp taillights with the bold ‘Genesis’ signature text on the trunk lid, dual exhaust tips and body colored diffuser.
Inside the cabin, a new wide-view 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen is angled to the driver for easy use. Featuring simple to use interface technology including over the air navigation updates, it also has dials for frequently used functions.
The 3.3L TT V6 powertrain models now feature a SPORT MODE+ that enables Rev Matching and activates a Variable Exhaust Valve System for a more aggressive exhaust note.
2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sports Prestige as Tested
The Genesis brand team sent us a 2022 G70 RWD powered by the 3.3L Twin Turbo for a week-long road test in and around Austin, Texas.
Our test G70 Twin Turbo V6 Sports Prestige came in a seductive Siberian Ice color with a premium Black w/Red Trim interior. Standing tall and sleek on distinctive five-spoke 19-inch dark alloy wheels with complimenting Brembo Red brakes, this Genesis was a beauty both standing still and rolling down the road.
Already well-equipped with plenty of sporty performance features, it had an MSRP $42,100.
To make it the compact luxury sports sedan you really need to know, Genesis added their Sport Advanced Package ($4,300) and Sport Prestige Package ($4,000) for a more premium performance ride and drive experience.
Key features of the Sport Advanced Package included: Wide Sunroof, 19-inch Sport Wheels, Aluminum Trims w/Sport Pattern, Ventilated Front Seating, Lexicon (by Harman) 15-speaker Premium Audio, Wireless Device Charging, Power Drive Seat Bolster and Cushion Extender, Parking Distance Waring and the Variable Exhaust System.
The Sport Prestige Package added: Heads-up Display, Surround View Monitor w/Blind Spot Side View Monitors, Heated Steering Wheel, Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces, Brembo Braking System, Electronically Controlled Adaptive Suspension and Limited Slip Differential.
With delivery, our very well equipped 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige compact sport sedan fit nicely in our garage for $51,445.
Let’s take a look at some of the notable features.
Powertrain / Mechanical
Nested nicely under the hood of our test G70 was their 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 delivering 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters it delivers very decent acceleration (0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds) and power to the rear wheels through a Limited Slip differential.
For the road, Drive Mode settings on our G70 V6 Sports Prestige included the standard ECO/COMFORT/SPORT, but added a new SPORT+ and CUSTOM as part of the Sport Prestige Package.
The Sport+ mode in the V6 modifies the transmission shift algorithm to hold gears at red-line when upshifting in manual mode optimizing engine power at every acceleration point. It also provides rev-matching for down shifting.
Sport+ mode also stiffens the electronic dampers on the adaptive suspension, weights up the steering and opens the Variable Exhaust Valve system to deliver a deeper exhaust note.
OF NOTE: When in the Sport+ mode, we seriously liked the automatic adjustable seat bolster feature that “grabs’ your butt as a driver puts the Genesis V6 G70 Sports Prestige RWD through its paces.
Interior Elements of Note
The driver-oriented cabin is generously fitted and styled for the driver and passenger. Given the G70 is a compact sports sedan, that generous space comes at the expense of the rear seating. Though rated to seat five, we would suggest more like four – average sized adults and no long road trips.
Setting that aside, upscale elements included the 12-way power heated and ventilated sport seats with bolsters – in Nappa leather no less.
All interior surfaces, including leatherette door panel inserts, feature a cross-hatched stitching (in Red) pattern quilting for premium accent.
The 10.25-inch widescreen includes Navigation used by the Adaptive Smart Cruise Control to automatically reduce and then resume speed when entering and exiting curves during highway driving.
There is more, but if you are in the market for a really nice and capable entry-level sports sedan – you need to see and drive a Genesis G70.
Where others start around $50,000 before adding options and packages to make it a true luxury sports sedan – Genesis puts one in your garage ready to go for the same money.
Safety
The 2022 Genesis G70 is rated an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ which says pretty much all you need to know.
Features and elements include: Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/Junction Turning, Highway Driving Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist and Rear Occupant Alert and more.
Warranty
The Genesis warranty coverage for the G70 is very comprehensive and includes:
- Limited Warranty 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance 3 years / 36,000 miles
2022 Genesis G70 Lineup
The Genesis G70 for 2022 has two engine options – both integrated with the 8-speed automatic transmission and available RWD or AWD.
The 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine model prices RWD MSRP $37,775 and AWD MSRP $39,875.
The 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 RWD MSRP is $42,350 with the AWD MSRP $44,450.
Feature Packages are available for both versions. Check out the version combination that suits you at: https://www.genesis.com/us/en/2022/genesis-g70.html
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KEY DATA: 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3 TT
- Model: G70
- Trim: Sport Prestige
- Class: Compact Sports Sedan
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $42,100
- As Tested: $51,445
- Powertrain: 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6
- Horsepower: 365 @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 376 lb.-ft. @1,300-4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
- Drive Modes: ECO/COMFORT/SPORT/SPORT+/CUSTOM
- Drive System: RWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph 4.8-seconds
- Suspension: MacPherson Strut (F) / Multi-Link (R)
- Steering: Variable Ratio Electric Power Steering
- Brakes Brembo Ventilated Disc (F) / Solid Disc (R)
- Wheels: 19-inch Alloy
- Tires: 225/40ZR19 (F) / 255/35ZR19 (R) High Performance
- Fuel Economy: 18/27 mpg City/Highway 21 mpg Combined
- Fuel Tank: 15.8 Gallons
- Range: 425 Miles Highway
Source: Genesis Press Materials and Writer Drive Test
