Genesis G70 (2021-2024) Review

If you want to stand out in a car park full of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models, the Genesis G70 is a good choice. Most of its appeal comes from the ownership experience – not only are you unlikely to park next to another one, but you'll also enjoy the luxury of a Genesis personal assistant. Servicing is included in the price, while you'll never have to visit a dealer again.

We've only sampled the Genesis G70 with the 2.0-litre petrol engine, but we suspect the 2.2-litre diesel engine will be a better choice – not only will it be more efficient, but its extra torque means it ought to be more relaxing to drive, too.

Similarly, we wouldn't necessarily recommend a Genesis G70 Sport Line like our test car. The Genesis G70 Premium Line is more affordable and has everything most buyers would want, including smaller alloy wheels, which is good news for ride comfort.

The big sellers in this class include the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. The Audi A4 was in that class, but has since been canned; the new Audi A5 fits nicely. In reality, the Genesis G70 competed with left-field alternatives such as the Jaguar XE (discontinued), Alfa Romeo Giulia, Volvo S60 (discontinued) and Lexus IS (discontinued). 

There are lots of discontinued rivals, but Volkswagen's brought back the Passat, there's also the Skoda Superb, while those seeking an EV can have a BMW i5 Touring or MG5 EV. 

Interior quality is generally very good in the Genesis G70. There are a few hard plastics hidden away here and there, but most of the materials you'll come into contact with are satisfyingly squishy.

Standard features on our Genesis G70 Sport Line test car included leather seats (heated in the front with 12-way power adjustment), laminated front glass, a leather steering wheel and adjustable interior ambient lighting – all features which make it feel quite luxurious, if not quite in the same league as a Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

All Genesis G70 trim levels come with a 10.25-inch navigation system with DAB radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is the same unit that you'll find in a range of Hyundai and Kia models, and while it's not fancy, it's simple to operate and does everything you'd need it to.

Our one gripe is that, unlike bigger Genesis models (including the GV70), there isn't a rotary controller for navigating around the media system. That means it's reliant solely on touchscreen operation (unless you resort to voice commands), which isn't as easy and safe when you're on the move.

Exterior dimensions: the Genesis G70 is 4685mm long, 1850mm wide and 1400mm tall.

Boot space in the Genesis G70 is actually pretty poor. It can accommodate just 330 litres of luggage – and, even then, only if you can fit it through the rather slim boot opening. There's no adjustable boot floor, either, while there's only space underneath for a tyre repair kit (rather than a spare wheel).

Elsewhere in the cabin, the Genesis G70 feels similarly cramped. Passengers in the back feel like second-class citizens, with tight legroom and only marginally more acceptable headroom. Things are better in the front, where there's enough space for tall drivers and front-seat passengers. A wide centre console provides space for two generous cupholders, while there's room for a few odds and ends in the door bins.

Rival models are almost universally more spacious, but if you need more space, there's always the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake.

There are two core engines available in the Genesis G70: a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre turbodiesel. Both send power to the rear wheels and are paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.0-litre petrol is available with two power outputs: 197PS and 245PS. Both produce 353Nm of torque, accelerating to 62mph in 8.8 and 6.1 seconds, respectively.

The 2.2-litre diesel, meanwhile, packs 200PS and 440Nm of torque. 0-62mph acceleration takes 7.4 seconds, while top speed is 143mph.

So far, we've only sampled the 245PS 2.0-litre petrol engine. This is eager enough, although we suspect the additional torque of the diesel engine would be welcome. For those wanting a sportier Genesis G70, it's a shame that the twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 isn't offered in the UK.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox – an old-fashioned torque-converter unit – can occasionally get a bit flustered, particularly if you need a burst of acceleration out of a bend. You can always take control using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, though, and – even left to its own devices – it's not as frustrating as the dual-clutch gearboxes used in Audi models.

As you'd expect for a car that's intending to tempt buyers away from a Mercedes C-Class, the Genesis G70 is very quiet and refined. You won't notice much of a noise from the engine (unless you work it particularly hard in sport mode), and there's not a great deal of wind or road noise.

Genesis says it's aiming for best-in-class safety with the Genesis G70 – a bold claim for a car that's set to rival premium competitors like the BMW 3 Series. As such, it's got a wide range of standard safety equipment provided across the range, including an innovative centre airbag that prevents front-seat passengers from colliding in a crash.

All models come with Smart Cruise Control, which can speed up and slow down with traffic, while Highway Driving Assist can nudge the steering to keep the car within its lane on the motorway. A Stop & Go function, meanwhile, allows the G70 to come to a total stop in traffic before accelerating away again without any input from the driver.

A Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system can help bring the car to a stop when it detects a potential collision with an approaching vehicle detected on the left or right side of a junction. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, meanwhile, will alert you of vehicles in your blind spot (and apply the brakes to prevent a crash if necessary).

The Genesis G70 was awarded five stars in the 2021 EuroNCAP test. 

Genesis hasn't been in the UK market for long, however, some owners have reported creaky headliners and headlight issues. Still, these issues should be fixed under the massive Genesis support plan. If you have any concerns about reliability, the brand's five-year Care Plan, which includes a warranty and roadside assistance, should help put these to rest.

Genesis didn't make the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index, but Hyundai nailed 10th place with an 82.62% score. 

If you're looking to save money on car insurance, look for a Genesis G70 with the low-powered 197PS 2.0-litre petrol engine. This falls into insurance group 31A. Most other models have been placed into insurance groups 37A or 38A.

Most G70s should be south of £40,000, meaning expensive car tax can be avoided. However, some trims and cars fitted with the expensive Innovation Pack pushed this north, and instead of paying £195 per year, you'll pay £620. 

The Genesis G70 is available in three trim levels: Premium Line, Luxury Line and Sport Line.

The Genesis G70 Premium Line is comprehensively equipped. Standard kit includes LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on petrol models) and a puddle lamp displaying the Genesis logo. Inside, there are leatherette seats with electric adjustment, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning and cruise control. Tech highlights include a 10.25-inch navigation system with DAB radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while there's a host of standard advanced safety features (including Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-avoidance Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, to name a few).

As its name suggests, the Genesis G70 Luxury Line adds a few luxurious touches. Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and heated leather seats. Electronic Control Suspension is standard, as well as an electric rear tailgate opening.

The Genesis G70 Sport Line is a more dynamic choice. Standard equipment includes black exterior detailing, 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and the Electronic Control Suspension. It also gets the electric boot opening, while interior highlights include metallic pedals, heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel.