Driven: 2026 Genesis GV70 Shines a Little Brighter

“If it’s not broke, make it better anyway.” That was the gist of the product presentation for the revised 2026 Genesis GV70. It’s a familiar pitch in the auto business and a largely expected one for a vehicle receiving only a modest mid-cycle update. Yet for the GV70 compact SUV, which as Genesis’s bestselling model has arguably helped strengthen the still-nascent luxury brand’s image more than anything else, it’s a refreshing sentiment to hear. Since the GV70’s introduction for 2022, we’ve tested multiple examples, awarded it three 10Best trophies and a comparison-test victory (against the BMW X3 and Lexus RX), and put one through our 40,000-mile wringer in a long-term evaluation. In short, we know the GV70 well and can attest that it didn’t need much more than a simple shine job. To that end, the 2026 GV70, which is on sale now, retains what is a dashing, muscular shape for a compact SUV. So much so that you could mistake it for the outgoing model even if the two are parked side by side. To tell them apart, focus your gaze on the new GV70’s gently revised grille texture, restyled bumpers, and new 19- and 21-inch wheel designs. The headlights and hood emblem also have been lightly tweaked, and there are new trapezoidal exhaust finishers out back. As before, Sport models wear slightly more aggressive facias and darkened accents, versus the bright chrome bits on lesser trims. A Deeper Well of TechIt’s not until you slip behind the steering wheel that the latest updates are obvious, or at least less subtle. The chunkier, flat-bottomed wheel in Sport models is now more of a handful, and its revised controls have a more premium feel. And ambient lighting elements have crept higher up the door panels. But the big change is the addition of a standard configurable 27.0-inch OLED display on the dash for instrumentation and infotainment; this replaces the previous 14.5-inch center monitor, which stood separate from either a 12.3-inch cluster display or an 8.0-inch readout with analog gauges. With excellent visibility, crisp graphics, and an intuitive layout, the big screen is a welcome addition that reinforces Genesis’s (and the Hyundai Motor Group’s in general) prowess at presenting digital information. Additional tech highlights include improved voice recognition and over-the-air software updates, a new 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio option in place of the previous Lexicon stereo, an updated smartphone-based digital key interface, and an enhanced remote-parking assistant that can now slot the vehicle into diagonal and perpendicular spaces. The GV70’s ergonomics are bolstered by the retention of a few physical buttons and knobs, plus straightforward HVAC and shortcut controls in new capacitive-touch panels that are better integrated into the dash and center console. The console itself also has been reworked—on the recommendations of U.S. customers, we’re told—with redesigned cupholders and a smartphone charging pad relocated under the center armrest. You can still confuse the gear selector rotary knob and the one that operates the infotainment screen (the main section of the center monitor also is touch-sensitive), but they’ve been slightly rejiggered for easier identification. Our drive time was an indulgent experience in a fully loaded 3.5T Sport Prestige model, which has beautifully crafted materials, the aroma of rich leather, and generous comfort in the updated front seats with quilted stitching (and massage functions for the driver). A new electronic noise-canceling program helped temper the roar of the road on all but the coarsest surfaces, while enhanced active-safety features—namely improved lane-following and collision-avoidance assists—kept an extra eye out for trouble. Unfortunately, Genesis’s hands-free adaptive-cruise system is not as adept on the highway as the leading systems from General Motors and Ford, with the GV70 wandering in its lane more than we’d like and regularly prompting us to retake control even around gentle bends. New capacitive sensors meant we could reassure the nannies by only briefly touching the steering wheel, rather than giving it a light tug as before, but we soon shut the system off. Sophisticated Road MannersThe GV70 is more enjoyable to drive anyway, thanks in part to new suspension bushings, plus the 3.5T’s ability to scan the road ahead for bumps and adjust its retuned adaptive dampers (2.5T models retain passive units). Combined with an available electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and a new steering-wheel damper designed to limit kickback from the road, the result is an altogether more connected driving experience. This SUV still adroitly treads the line between luxury and sport. But its steering now feels a tad sharper, its wheel control (and thus ride quality) is better managed over pockmarked pavement, and its composure around corners is a smidge more refined. You can still fine-tune the GV70’s temperament via Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and customizable My Mode drive settings, but several Terrain modes (Snow, Mud, and Sand) have been added for when things get messy. More on Genesis GV70Though we’ve yet to drive a new version with the carryover 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo four, the step-up twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 is as familiar as it is potent, serving up 375 horses and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines remain backed by an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Mass that’s increased by a claimed couple hundred pounds will likely add a tenth of a second or two to each model’s previous 60-mph times (4.6 seconds for the 3.5T, 5.6 seconds for the 2.5T). Fortunately, the weight gain has little if any negative effect on fuel economy, with the EPA combined rating ranging from 21 to 23 mpg.The similarly revised 2026 Electrified GV70, which we’ve yet to experience, should be quicker still. But we have few qualms with the smooth and satisfyingly mechanical nature of the internal-combustion models. Steering that feels a little heavier than it needs to be at parking-lot speeds is our main gripe thus far. While the 3.5T’s $64,865 base price may give some buyers pause, many of the 2026 changes also apply to the $49,345 starter model, which should only help the GV70 remain one of our favorite small luxury SUVs. Genesis was wise to update it with a light touch.SpecificationsSpecifications
2026 Genesis GV70
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE

Base: 2.5T, $49,345; 2.5T Select, $52,335; 2.5T Advanced, $56,885; 2.5T Sport Prestige, $60,245; 3.5T Sport Advanced, $64,865; 3.5T Sport Prestige, $71,545
ENGINES

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 300 hp, 311 lb-ft; twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6, 375 hp, 391 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 113.2 in
Length: 185.6 in
Width: 75.2 in
Height: 64.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55–56/47–48 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 57/29 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4300–4800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

60 mph: 4.8–5.8 sec
100 mph: 12.8–14.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.7–14.3 sec
Top Speed: 150 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 21–23/18–20/25–28 mpgMike Sutton is an editor, writer, test driver, and general car nerd who has contributed to Car and Driver‘s reverent and irreverent passion for the automobile since 2008. A native Michigander from suburban Detroit, he enjoys the outdoors and complaining about the weather, has an affection for off-road vehicles, and believes in federal protection for naturally aspirated engines.
Source: caranddriver.com