The world of sport sedans is a competitive arena, filled with contenders vying for the attention of drivers who crave both exhilaration and refinement. In this landscape, the 2022 Genesis G70 3.3t emerges as a compelling option, and after spending a week behind the wheel, it’s clear why. This isn’t just another luxury car; it’s a statement, blending striking design with a potent powertrain and a surprisingly engaging driving experience. Having recently tested other vehicles in this segment, including the Acura TLX Type S, the G70 3.3T offered a fresh perspective and solidified its place as a serious contender in my ongoing sport sedan evaluation.
Genesis G70: A New Chapter in Luxury
Genesis, as a brand, might not have the decades of heritage of some European rivals, but that’s precisely its strength. Born from Hyundai, Genesis was established as a standalone luxury marque in 2015, bringing a fresh approach to the premium segment. The G70, introduced for the 2019 model year, is the entry point to the Genesis sedan lineup, positioned below the larger G80 and flagship G90.
The Genesis naming convention is straightforward: “G” for sedans and “GV” for SUVs, with higher numbers indicating larger vehicles. Currently, the lineup includes the G70, G80, G90, GV70, and GV80, making the G70 the most accessible Genesis in terms of size and price.
The design language across the Genesis range, including the G70, is largely credited to Peter Schreyer, a renowned automotive designer with an impressive portfolio from his time at VW and Audi. Schreyer’s influence is evident in the G70’s sophisticated and distinctive styling, which sets it apart from the often-derivative designs in the luxury car market.
The 2022 Genesis G70 starts at an attractive price point, but to truly experience its sporting potential, the 3.3T twin-turbo V6 engine is the way to go. This powerplant delivers a robust 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, transforming the G70 into a genuine performance sedan. While the base 2.0L turbo-four is competent, the V6 elevates the G70 to another level of driving enjoyment.
The test vehicle was a 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T RWD model, enhanced with the Sport Prestige package. Starting at just over $42,000 base, the addition of the $8,300 Sport Prestige package brought the total to just under $52,000. This package encompasses both Sport and Prestige features, adding a wealth of luxury and performance-oriented upgrades.
Exterior Styling: A Head-Turning Design
Subjectivity is inherent in automotive design, but the Genesis G70 confidently asserts its visual appeal. Its exterior styling is undeniably striking, drawing attention and sparking conversation. During a fuel stop, a passerby even mistook it for a Bentley, highlighting the G70’s upscale and sophisticated aesthetics. While comparisons to luxury marques are subjective, this anecdote underscores the G70’s ability to command attention and admiration.
If there’s a minor critique of the exterior, it might be the split headlight design. While distinctive, it can appear slightly disjointed from certain angles. However, the rear design is undeniably well-executed, conveying a sense of sportiness and premium appeal. Overall, the G70’s exterior is a significant strength, contributing to its desirability and road presence.
Interior Refinement: A Comfortable and Tech-Forward Cabin
Stepping inside the 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T reveals an interior that largely lives up to the expectations of a luxury vehicle in its price range. The materials throughout the cabin feel premium, with pleasing textures and a sense of quality craftsmanship. The overall design prioritizes user-friendliness and comfort, making it a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.
Small details, like the retro-style digital diodes for the radio station display, add a touch of unique charm. The inclusion of a physical volume dial is also a welcome feature for quick audio adjustments. The seats strike a good balance between support and comfort, offering ample adjustability to accommodate various body types.
Minor shortcomings in the interior were limited. The heads-up display (HUD) settings seemed to reset upon restarting the car, requiring readjustment. Additionally, the Qi wireless charging pad was unresponsive during the test, a common issue in many modern vehicles.
One notable difference from other Hyundai and Kia vehicles is the placement of the blind-spot view monitor. In the G70, the camera feed appears exclusively in the tachometer display, regardless of the turn signal direction. While functional, this deviates from the more common implementation where left and right signals trigger the display in the speedometer and tachometer respectively. The G70’s split analog/digital instrument cluster design feels somewhat less integrated compared to fully digital setups found in some competitors.
From a practicality standpoint, the G70 serves well as a daily driver. Rear seat space is adequate, and trunk capacity is surprisingly generous, easily accommodating items like hockey equipment. Features like remote start further enhance its everyday usability, especially in colder climates.
Driving Experience: Sport Mode Unleashed
While the exterior and interior impress, the true highlight of the 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T is its driving dynamics. The G70’s Sport Mode is genuinely transformative, unlike many vehicles where it offers only marginal changes. In the G70, Sport Mode sharpens throttle response, firms up the suspension, and even tightens the seat bolsters for enhanced lateral support during spirited driving. The car feels noticeably more responsive and engaging in this mode, delivering a driving experience that lives up to its sport sedan billing.
Sport Plus mode takes the performance even further, offering an even more aggressive driving experience. The transmission eagerly downshifts, even to first gear when coming to a stop, accompanied by a satisfying exhaust note. It’s worth noting that the G70 utilizes artificial engine/exhaust sounds, which, while common, can be deactivated for a more natural audio experience.
The G70’s handling is commendable, particularly in the rear-wheel-drive configuration, offering a balanced and agile feel. The Brembo brakes are another standout feature, providing confident and powerful stopping performance. During an unexpected pedestrian encounter, the brakes proved their effectiveness in a panic stop situation.
Minor driver-assistance system intrusions were occasionally present, with the system sometimes initiating emergency braking based on perceived threats that were not actually hazardous. However, these instances were relatively infrequent and are a common characteristic of many modern safety systems.
Conclusion: A Sport Sedan Worth Considering
The 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T convincingly makes its case as a compelling option in the sport luxury sedan segment. It masterfully blends eye-catching design, a well-appointed interior, and a genuinely engaging driving experience, particularly when equipped with the potent twin-turbo V6 engine and Sport Prestige package. For drivers seeking a sedan that delivers both luxury and performance without breaking the bank, the Genesis G70 3.3T deserves serious consideration. It’s a testament to how far Genesis has come in a short time and a clear indication of its potential to disrupt the established order in the luxury automotive market.
