Competing in the entry-level luxury-sport sedan segment is no easy matter, especially when you are up against class leaders such as the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But newcomer Genesis is proving that they can be credible in this market, and they are showing just that with this week's ride - the Genesis G70.
Out since 2018, the G70 is Genesis' small luxury sport sedan. Using the underpinnings of the now defunct Kia Stinger, it's the brand's smallest sedan, following its larger siblings, the G80 and G90. In its debut year, it was named 2019 North American Car of the Year, so right out the gates, the G70 was off to a good start.
For 2026, a new Prestige Graphite trim has been added. Powered by the optional 3.3 turbo V-6, it's painted in a grayish-blue shade called Ceres Blue and wears darkened chrome accents and unique 19-inch wheels. The interior is decked out in matching dark blue Nappa leather upholstery. Other changes for the 2026 model year include the heated steering wheel now being standard on AWD 2.5T and higher trims, and the 2.5T Prestige gets an updated wheel design and optional aluminum trim. A surround-view camera system is also available for the 2.5T Prestige and comes standard on all 3.3T models. Gone is the adaptive suspension that was available on the top-of-the-line 3.3T Sport Prestige trim. Also removed is the optional power trunk option.
Three versions of the 2026 Genesis G70 are available, one less from last year. The base 2.5T features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque). The 2.5T Prestige uses the same drivetrain but is more upscale and luxurious. The 3.3T Sport Prestige gets a nice bump in power (365 horsepower, 376 lb-ft of torque) from its twin turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. Both engines power the car's rear wheels unless you choose the available all-wheel-drive system.
The cabin of the G70 is quite impressive thanks to the inviting materials used, decorative stitching, solid switchgear, and excellent build quality. The G70 is no doubt a luxurious car, it does, however, cater to the driving enthusiast with its driver-centric ergonomics and clear, intuitive controls. And the G70 doesn't try to be something it is not - there is no fake carbon-fiber bits or racing-styled, flat-bottom steering wheel - just a straight-forward setup, but one that is done to near perfection.
Looking nice and being comfortable are two different things. Thankfully, the G70 is both. The front seats offer great support with a wide range of seat adjustments, making them very comfortable for the short trip or the long haul. The back seats are not bad, but room, especially leg room, is in short supply, making it a tight squeeze for adults. G70s with the new Prestige Graphite trim are treated to a very impressive 3D instrument cluster. By using built-in cameras to track your eyes, it creates a parallax 3D effect without the need for special glasses. This results in some gauges like the speedometer and tachometer to float or pop off the screen. For those that don't like it - it can be completely reverted back to a standard 2D display.
Regardless of which engine is in the G70, it is a fun, quick car. For outright thrills and the best performance, obviously the twin-turbo V-6 model is the way to go, with 0-60 mph times in the mid 4 second range. But the four-cylinder turbo is still plenty quick, able to sprint to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds.
The test vehicle is a 3.3T AWD with the new Prestige Graphite trim package. It has an MSRP of $60,295.
Out on the road, it's easy to see that Genesis had BMW in its sights when building the G70. The G70 has expertly balanced ride-and-handling characteristics. Its suspension smooths out uneven surfaces and remains composed during spirited cornering sessions. Its steering feedback is precise and pleasant, with adjustable effort available by switching among the multiple drive modes. I doubt anyone will find any faults in the way the G70 performs.
When it comes to practicality, however, the G70 lags when compared to others in this class. Trunk space is limited to just 10.5 cubic feet, although more room can be had by folding down the rear seats. At least the trunk opening is large, making it easy to load. Back in the cabin, there is a cubby storage compartment in the center console - perfect for cell phone storage and charging.
Genesis knows to be successful in the luxury car market, they must have a good entry point to their product line. The G70 sedan is just that, as it shows it is a great way to enter the luxury car market as well as get acquainted with the brand. And when put up against its rivals, the G70 easily holds its own - and might even surpass a few of them.