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2019 Genesis G70

Starting at $35,895

9/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2019 Genesis G70 RWD
Chris Doane Automotive|Car and Driver
9/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Performance credentials confirmed, premium interior achieved, bang-for-your-buck status unlocked.
  • Lows Disappointing manual transmission, down-market infotainment system, tight rear seat.
  • Verdict The new sports sedan on the block promptly leapfrogs long-established rivals.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

The exceptional 2019 Genesis G70 effectively serves two demanding masters—driving enthusiasts and luxury aficionados. Surprisingly, this is the first attempt by the upstart Genesis brand to build a legitimate sports sedan. The G70 immediately received praise from all of us who got behind the wheel—followed up by a spot on our 10Best Cars and Editors' Choice lists. Not only is it a better value than segment stalwarts such as the BMW 3-series, it is more engaging to drive and delivers an equally premium experience. The Genesis is drop-dead gorgeous, too, with sweeping bodywork that looks both aggressive and affluent. The G70 is available with either a turbocharged four-cylinder or an optional muscular twin-turbo V-6 that send power to the rear or all four wheels. Every version handles with aplomb while the driver is cosseted by a spectacular cabin.

What's New for 2019?

The 2019 G70 represents the freshman effort to disrupt the entry-luxury class by Hyundai's upscale Genesis subsidiary, which also builds the larger G80 sedan and the even larger G90. While this all-new sports sedan shares a platform with the Kia Stinger, it's marketed toward a different clientele. The G70 is an important step for Genesis to firmly establish its credibility versus the world's premier luxury automakers (see BMW and Audi, for starters).

Pricing and Which One to Buy

2.0T
$35,895
3.3T
$44,745

The 2019 Genesis G70 price hinges on two engine choices: the turbocharged four-cylinder (2.0T) and the twin-turbo V-6 (3.3T). While both have a standard automatic transmission, only the rear-wheel-drive 2.0T gets the optional manual transmission. Before the enthusiast crowd pulls out their wallets, understand that the stick-shift gearbox is a letdown. Besides, the mighty 365-hp twin-turbo engine is worth the money, especially when paired with the optional Sport package. This setup includes performance upgrades (stronger brakes, stickier summer tires, and more) and premium enhancements (decorative leather surfaces, heated and cooled seats, and more). Those who want the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive can add it for $2000.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Mighty acceleration on V-6 models, harmonious ride and handling, Sport package delivers.
Dislikes: Twin-turbo has a hint of lag, clumsy manual gearbox.

The base G70 2.0T features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 252 horsepower (255 on the manual) through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. While all-wheel drive is optional on most models, the manual version we tested is the exception. Its engine felt reserved around town, and acceleration times were ordinary. The light clutch pedal and numb shifter engagement also tempered our excitement. At least the manual 2.0T was more playful when paired with the Sport package. However, our heart skipped a beat behind the wheel of the beastly twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 model that makes 365 ponies and 376 lb-ft of torque. We spent some personal time with the rear-drive 3.3T and were smitten by the engine's wave of thrust that sent it from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds.

Regardless of the powertrain configuration, the G70 has expertly balanced ride and handling characteristics. Its suspension smoothed out uneven surfaces, and the sedan remained composed during spirited cornering sessions. The more powerful 3.3T has the benefit of adaptive dampers that allow the driver to firm up the ride if necessary, but every G70 we've driven did a remarkable job of sending information to the driver's hands. Its steering feedback is precise and pleasant, with adjustable effort available by switching among the multiple drive modes. The aforementioned Sport package makes the Genesis sedan even more athletic, thanks to the addition of grippier tires, which helped the other rear-drive version we tested post an impressive 0.95 g on our 300-foot skidpad (this is a test that measures a vehicle's roadholding ability). The 3.3T Sport was also fitted with a set of Brembo brakes that helped haul the sedan to a stop from 70 mph in 164 feet. During normal use, the brake pedal had a firm feel and progressive responses to braking inputs.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With multiple powertrain combinations and rear- or all-wheel-drive options, the G70 lineup has different EPA-rated city and highway estimates. The all-wheel-drive 3.3T is rated the least efficient, at 18 mpg city and 25 highway; the rear-drive 2.0T with the automatic transmission is the most efficient, at 22 mpg city and 30 highway. We've tested three different versions of the Genesis sports sedan on our 200-mile highway-fuel-economy test route, and the results were very similar—despite the 3.3T's significant power advantage. The rear-wheel-drive 3.3T we tested earned 29 mpg. The manual 2.0T recorded 30 mpg, and the automatic 2.0T with all-wheel drive got 31 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Intimate driving position, loaded with upscale features, top-notch build quality.
Dislikes: Outdated touchscreen graphics, no rotary controller, small back seat.

Inside, the G70 delivers a luxury experience, thanks to attractive materials and excellent build quality. Its driver-centric layout and straightforward controls cater to driving enthusiasts. Likewise, the upscale brightwork and decoratively stitched surfaces on our test car appeased our affluent side. Genesis also keeps things classy by avoiding the urge to plaster faux carbon-fiber bits and a flat-bottom steering wheel into the cabin. While the front seat nicely strikes a balance between comfort and sport, the rear seat is compromised by limited legroom.

Every G70 is fitted with a standard touchscreen infotainment system that protrudes from the otherwise clean dashboard. The setup includes desirable features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the cartoony interface is clearly pulled from lesser Hyundai models and not luxury siblings such as the Genesis G90. The touchscreen also had slow responses during testing, and our interactions were less intuitive than on competitors with user-friendly rotary controllers.

We managed to fit five carry-on bags in the G70's trunk, and another nine with the rear seat folded. Interior cubby storage includes a useful tray at the front of the center console that is perfect for smartphones and other small items. Unfortunately, the door pockets are small, and the center-console bin lacks organization.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The G70 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is the highest honor the independent crash-test agency bestows. However, the Genesis hasn't been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The sports sedan boasts several standard driver assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking. Key safety features include:

  • Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  • Standard automatic high-beam headlights

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Genesis covers every G70 with an exceptional warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance. The luxury brand also offers a valet service—by appointment—where it will pick up and drop off the vehicle for maintenance visits and provide a replacement Genesis model for use in the meantime.

  • Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
  • Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

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