We're Getting Comfortable with Our 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T

10,000-Mile Update

We’re settling in for a 40,000-mile get-to-know-you with the Genesis GV70 3.5T, and that means staffers have been taking stock of the SUV’s cabin environs.

Initial impressions generally are positive. “A $100,000 interior in a $60,000 vehicle,” read one early logbook comment, while others praised “the level of interior detailing” and “the artistry of the cabin design.” That design features repeating ellipse shapes (such as on the door panels), textured edges on the knobs and stalks, air vents integrated into the dashboard trim, and even a metal pattern on the pedals. Since our GV70 is the top-of-the-line Sport Prestige variant, it further benefits from exclusive materials including nappa leather and microsuede upholstery, a microsuede headliner, and carbon-look Sport Aluminum accents.

There is one ergonomic issue, though. “Am I the only one who reached for the PRND dial instead of the infotainment dial?” asked creative director Darin Johnson. “No” is the answer, as those controls are too similar in size and function and are located too close together.

Please Be Seated

The key components of any interior, of course, are the seats. The thrones in our car are specific to the Sport Prestige model, and their padding is quite firm—more so than in the lesser trims. As one driver noted, “Numbness sets in around mile 100.” However, the GV70 seems to be conscious of that issue: After an hour of driving, the seat-massage function kicks on automatically for relief. It’s part of the Ergo Motion driver’s seat’s Smart Posture Assist, which will also position the seat for you, once you input your height, inseam, and (ahem) weight.

The GV70’s driver’s seat includes 16-way power adjustment including seat cushion extension and lateral bolsters. In Sport or Sport+ mode, those bolsters will tighten automatically to better hold you in place for a presumed run down the Tail of the Dragon. (The auto-tightening feature can be switched off.)

Ride Comfort

The GV70 3.5T has its own specific chassis tuning, and adaptive dampers are exclusive to this model. We judged the ride to be firm, but it stays just shy of harsh. However, one commenter noted that “big pavement imperfections send shudders through the structure.” Lesser GV70s without the adaptive dampers are more compliant, but this is, after all, the most sporting variant, designed to take on the likes of the BMW X3 M40i. It’s also riding on 21-inch wheels, whereas 19-inchers are standard with the V-6 (and 18s with the four-cylinder).

Speaking of those 21-inch wheels, we’ve already curbed one (ugh!), which we still have to get fixed. Happily, that’s the extent of our mishaps so far. We’ve completed our first service, which is called for at 8000 miles, and it was purely routine; an oil change, tire rotation, and inspections were done, and covered by Genesis’ three-year/36,000 mile complimentary maintenance plan.

Summer road-trip season is now in full swing, and those long journeys should further test the GV70’s cosseting character.

Months in Fleet: 4 months Current Mileage: 13,767 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 17.4 gal Observed Fuel Range: 360 miles
Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0
Damage and Destruction: $0

Introduction

Genesis is on a hot streak lately. Both the G70 sports sedan and the brand’s first SUV, the GV80, have collected Car and Driver 10Best trophies. Now comes the GV70—smaller than the GV80, this new crossover is based on the G70 sedan—and while it was not able to nab a 10Best award in its debut year, it is fresh off a comparison test win against two longtime segment staples: the BMW X3 and Lexus RX350.

That great initial impression is now going to be followed by a 40,000-mile stress test. Will our strong feelings for this new Genesis last? We’re about to find out.

Our journey with the GV70 began at the grand opening of the Genesis brand’s first standalone North American dealership, which is in Lafayette, Louisiana. A storm advancing from the Gulf prompted us to take quick delivery and hit the road. The dealer put the plates on, handed us the keys, and we headed north toward Michigan.

With our long-term G70 sedan, our biggest regret was not getting the more powerful engine. So, we made sure to not make the same mistake this time. We skipped over the GV70’s standard 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four in favor of the optional 375-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6.

After a roughly 1700-mile road trip bisecting the eastern part of the country, the GV70 hit the track for its initial test. The sprint to 60 mph took 4.6 seconds, and the Genesis reached the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 104 mph. So far, we’re averaging 21 mpg, and that figure matches the EPA’s combined rating. On our 75-mph highway test loop, we achieved 23 mpg, slightly lower than the EPA’s 25-mpg estimate.

Upgrading to the 3.5T brings a plethora of sporty and luxurious features, too, including an adaptive suspension with road preview, a panoramic sunroof, and leather. On top of that, we got the $9900 Sport Prestige package. It adds 21-inch wheels and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, among other features. Wearing a set of Michelin Primacy all-season tires, our car pulled 0.82 g around the skidpad and required 180 feet to come to a halt from 70 mph. That’s a bit off compared to the GV70’s more performance-focused German rivals, but we’re not complaining as the ride is tuned well for daily driving.

If you do get after it on a back road, the 16-way power driver’s seat bolsters hug you and keep you snug when cornering. As part of the Sport Prestige package, our car is equipped with suede seat inserts and headliner and has carbon-fiber trim. These materials help create a posh interior environment that reminds us of far more expensive SUVs, and we’re sure to enjoy 40,000 miles in an interior this sublime. The GV70 3.5T comes standard with Highway Driving Assist II—we’ll let you know how this Level 2 driver-assist system operates as we embark on numerous summer road trips.

Genesis offers an extensive color palette on the GV70, including hues such as Barossa Burgundy and Cardiff Green, but due to supply shortages we settled for a pre-built car that’s finished in Uyuni White, a $500 option. We’re not complaining about the dull white-on-black livery, but there surely are more interesting options. The 3.5T features oversized dual tailpipes that poke through the black mesh surround on the rear bumper for a more extroverted look than the upright pentagonal exhaust tips on the 2.5T. The V-6 model also gets black trim on the bumpers and side skirts.

In its comparison-test win, we said that “the GV70 puts an exclamation point on Genesis’s ability to compete in the heart of the luxury market.” Over the next 40,000 miles, we’ll let you know if that punctuation still stands.

Months in Fleet: 1 months Current Mileage: 4032 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 17.4 gal Fuel Range: 360 miles
Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0

Source: Reviews - aranddriver.com