2022 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige

The Genesis GV70 is the smaller of Genesis’s two SUVs (the other is the GV80). I toured the Sport Prestige trim, which is the top of the line. I’m excited to do a deep dive into this sporty little SUV, so let’s do it. 

Exterior

Okay, I really like it. I’m totally obsessed with the front end—the grill is super unique (and even gives me Bentley vibes) and I love the design and material. It has this kind of reflective chrome mirror thing going on and I am here for it. The one thing I don’t love is the weird plastic part beneath the grill. The side features cool split headlights (super futuristic) and some *badass* wheels. There’s a sharp beltline, chrome around the windows and door handles, and sleek black roof rails. The back has tail lights that mirror the headlights, but again has the weird black pastick below. I wish the wiper came down from the top, but overall I really like this exterior. 

Interior

Front

The door panel has beautiful contrast with both red and black components. There’s also some chrome and I’m loving the carbon fiber instead of wood—it makes it look so sporty. One bummer is that the side cubbies, no offense, could not be lamer. I know my cup is giant but, seriously, I don’t think the cup holder could hold anything bigger than an Aquafina. 

The black suede and leather seats are stunning, and pretty comfortable. The steering wheel is nice and has these kind of non-button buttons—they’re touchscreen-esque and really pretty. The dash is completely digital, and there's a heads up display as well. 

The main screen has a 12.8 inch display, and is a touchscreen (although there are a few “quick buttons” pulled out, which I love). Climate control is also pulled out. On the screen you also have parking sensors, surround cameras, and a backup camera. One cool thing is that you can change the angles of the cameras. All Genesis (and Kia and Hyundai) cars have a feature I really love—”sounds of nature,” which is essentially a built-in sound machine. It also has “quiet mode” which lets you quickly turn the volume down in the back. I mean… if you have littles, you want those features.

Below is a wireless charger, 2 USBs, and 2 tiny cupholders. The detailing of all of the buttons/controls in the center (a knob to control the screen if you’d like and your shifter) are amazing. Like, so pretty. The center console is a nice size for this size vehicle and has a 12 volt in there as well. The panoramic sunroof is great and brings in so much natural light. 

Second Row

The second row door panels are really nice, just like in the front (although the cubbies are still lame). The knee and head clearance is decent—not great—but it’s about what you’d expect for a compact SUV. Am I living large? No. But am I comfortable enough? Sure. 

It does have built-in sunshades—a fav feature of mine. But, the back pocket is net, which feels a little ridiculous for a $60,000 car… but okay. It has climate control and heated seats, but two of the teen tiniest vents I’ve ever seen, which is not great for ventilation. There are 2 USBs and an outlet for this row, as well.

Car Seat Setup 

There are 2 sets of lower anchors and 3 tether anchors across the back (which is the government minimum). I installed a rear-facing infant seat, which didn’t leave a lot of clearance. If the car seat was behind either a tall driver or passenger, I really don’t think it’d be comfortable for anyone. I’m… not obsessed with this car seat situation. It doesn’t feel like they thought about how car seats would fit when they designed this car, which makes it not my first, second, or even third choice for this size vehicle for you if you’re going to need to fit 2 seats. If you have older kids, sure, but not for a big family or one with multiple car seat riders.

Trunk Space

It has a power tailgate and honestly a really nice size trunk. My Uppababy Vista fits easily, so that’s exciting. There’s a little storage in a compartment below, but nothing crazy. There are also buttons to put the second row down from the back. 

Bonus Feature

Okay, this car has one of my favorite features—remote parking assist. You know those times where someone parks too close to you or something of that sort and you can’t squeeze in to open your doors? Well, with the GV70, all you have to do is push a button on your key and it pulls the car out for you just enough. And don’t worry, it has alllll the sensors and won’t bump into the things around it. You can also send the car back to where it was. WILD. Feature of the future, in my opinion. 

Trim Level

You have the choice between a 2.5T and a 3.5T, and I chose to bump up to the 3.5T because you get some fun convenience and safety features. Plus, by starting with the higher level I didn’t need to add any packages. I didn’t see any need to bump it up higher than Sport level, either. This brought my total MSRP to $54,145. 

I’m kind of obsessed with this car. It’s not going to be the right one for big families or ones with lots of littles, but if it meets your family’s needs, I say go for it. It’s an amazing blend of luxury and sport and I really enjoyed it.