2024 Genesis G70
A few years ago, the Genesis G70 was seen as a formidable challenger in a highly coveted vehicle class – the premium/luxury sports sedan. Everyone who has driven one enjoyed its exuberant attitude and swagger.
Considering all of the offerings in its class, we welcomed a 2024 Genesis G70 to the check out a few new updates to this sports sedan – including a new engine to this model!
One thing that attracted discriminating customers to this premium/luxury sports sedan is whether it is distinctive enough from the competition. There are some design cues that are seen across the Genesis line that appear on the smaller G70 – the mesh-finished shield-like grille, and the dual thin horizontal lighting signature. The G70 is a taut four-door body design that offers some lines and shapes that distinguishes it from all comers.
The roofline slopes to a sculptured rear end. The short rear decklid opens up to a 10.5 cubic feet trunk. We tried to stuff some luggage in the trunk to find that part of rear parcel shelf dug into the height of the cargo hold. In one case, we had to fold down the rear seats to leverage another article of cargo.
Our tester was the Sport Premium model, which adds a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and a set of red Brembo calipers to finish off the G70’s look.
Stepping inside is an elevated experience you now expect from Genesis. The Instrumentation mixes an analog speedometer and a digital tachometer and information screen. The controls were absolutely great to reach and use, with an added a luxurious touch. The climate control is now a digital screen. The infotainment screen sits on top of the center stack at a decent sightline to the driver.
Where you feel the Genesis difference is the leather upholstery with contrasting stitching. You can plenty of softer touches all around the cabin. There is a superior air of quality inside the G70.
Interior space is quite small for most drivers and passengers. Four average-sized adults could sit comfortably inside the G70, but that’s about it. Tall drivers will have to climb out of a small door opening. The Sport’s seats are heavily bolstered and contoured. In fact, the seats have a 16-way power adjustment, including the seatback bolsters.
New for 2024 is a standard 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 311 pound-feet of torque. Our turbocharged engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel-drive. The shifts are equally quick, and the drive system does a great job keeping the G70 on the ground. In turn, we observed an average of 23.0 MPG.
Where the Genesis G70 will win you over is in the way it handles. With a selection of drive modes to choose from, Sport will give the driver the quickest of reflexes and the flattest of cornering. The penalty of being in Sport mode is a firm ride that has minimal give on rough surfaces. You can switch tom Comfort where the ride is improved, but the overall handling is dialed back a bit. The best compromise is to put the G70 into Smart mode. This setting gives you the best of everything – a complete balance to make your drive an exciting one.
In any mode, the steering is equally sharp and precise. In Sport and Smart modes, the on-center feel is direct and the feel is heavy. This is where the enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy what the G70 will offer behind the wheel. Braking is good, though there is a bit of a hesitation if you’re touching the pedal lightly. A slightly harder touch will give the Brembo braking system a quicker response and superb stopping power.
The 2024 Genesis G70 lineup starts at $41,400 with two levels to choose from both the turbo four and twin-turbo V6. Either engine is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Our all-wheel-drive turbo four-cylinder Sport Prestige tester came with a sticker price of $49,700.
The Genesis G70 competes in an admittedly tough segment among premium/luxury sports sedans. Its competitors include the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Volvo S60, Cadillac CT4 and CT5.
There is no question that the Genesis G70 is a worthy contender in a highly competitive segment. It earned its awards by showing that it can satisfy the discriminating enthusiast with a high level of quality and performance expected in a premium/luxury sports sedan.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
