Every now and then, an automaker comes out of nowhere and does one amazing thing after another. Thirty years ago, that was Lexus. Today, it's Genesis.
Five years ago, Genesis transitioned from being a single model--- a large Hyundai sedan ---to its own sport-luxury brand with five models. And with the introduction of the second generation G70, the entire lineup is fresh. No holdovers from a few years back. The G80, the G90 and the two SUVs, the GV70 and GV80 (also known as the SUV that saved Tiger Woods' life)---are all expressions of what Genesis is thinking now, not what it was thinking five years ago.
Under the hood is a 3.3-liter turbo V6. 365 horsepower, 376 pounds per foot of torque, just like the previous generation---along with 0-60 times in the mid-four second range. There's an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. EPA fuel economy averages improve with the new-gen G70 3.3T---17 miles per gallon city becomes 18, 26 highway becomes 27.
The '21's available six-speed manual is no more. I'm sure you're tired of hearing it, but the automatic is quicker anyway. Hagerty (no relation)'s Jason Cammisa can explain it to you.
And if you're thinking those braces under the hood serve a purpose---you're right. The G70 is a paragon of structural stiffness and a delight to drive on winding roads.
Beyond keeping the good stuff from before, the new G70 brings the exterior and interior design into line with the rest of the Genesis vehicles---all of which are very desirable machines. G70s start at $37,525, but our RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige is several rungs up the ladder. Base price is $42,100. The window sticker is at the end of this review so you can see for yourself, but among the standard equipment highlights at that price are 19-inch alloy wheels, 12-way power front seats with leather seating surfaces and premium navigation with a 10.25-inch HD screen.
Apart from $500 for the Saville Silver paint, the extra-cost options came in two packages---$4,300 for the Sport Advanced Package and $4,000 for the Sport Prestige Package. Details of both are on the window sticker below, but I'd absolutely go for both for the 15-speaker Lexicon audio system and ventilated front seats in the Sport Advanced and the Nappa leather seating, surround-view monitor, microfiber suede headliner and Brembo brakes in the Sport Prestige.
With $1,045 inland freight and handling, the as-tested price of the 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige is $51,945.
And that's a mere $700 bump from the bottom-line price of the last-gen G70 3.3T I reviewed last October. The G70---and the Genesis line---just keeps getting better.
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