2026 Genesis G70 Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

Motor Trend

05-06-2025

Don't count the Genesis G70 out just yet. As the compact luxury sedan that won our 2019 Car of the Year award nears the end of its first generation, Genesis makes minor updates to streamline the features on offer. Rivals to the 2026 Genesis G70 include the Tesla Model 3, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and BMW 3 Series. What's New
The 2026 G70 lineup sees some new content, but Genesis discontinues more features than it adds.
Basics Electronically controlled suspension discontinued
Power trunk no longer available on all trims
360-degree camera view standard on 3.3T models and available on 2.5T Prestige
Exterior Capri Blue replaces Tasman Blue and Burleigh Blue
Updated wheel design for 2.5T Prestige
Aluminum trim available on 2.5T Prestige
Interior Standard heated steering wheel on 2.5T AWD and above
Beige, Gray, and Sport interiors discontinued for 2.5T models
Nappa leather and microfiber suede headliner discontinued
Alloy pedals discontinued on 2.5T Prestige What We Think
Our 2019 Car of the Year returns for 2026, continuing its legacy of blending luxurious appointments with sporty driving dynamics. Although Genesis eliminates some features for the new model year, the 2026 G70 appears to remain a strong value proposition.
There are quicker offerings in the segment, but the 2026 Genesis G70's subjective pleasures rival longer-established automakers. Its powerful engines feel gutsy when pushed but exhibit a relaxed character while tootling around town or cruising on the highway. It excels as a luxury car, too, with excellent build quality and interior materials.
The 2026 Genesis G70 does have some weak aspects, though. Standard equipment goes well beyond the basics, but doesn't include the new tech features and larger displays offered on other models. The ride can get choppy, the second row isn't the roomiest, and trunk space is down compared to rivals. First introduced for 2019, the Genesis G70 is starting to show its age, as well.
Still, the G70 remains a compelling pick for those who love to drive but don't want to sacrifice comfort or convenience. We hope Genesis continues to offer enthusiast-friendly models when the G70's time is inevitably up. Top-Ranked Competitors: BMW 3 Series
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Mercedes-Benz C-Class MotorTrend Tested
Entry-level versions of the 2026 Genesis G70 carry over with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available.
A rear-wheel-drive G70 takes 5.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. All-wheel-drive models require 5.9 seconds. For perspective, the four-cylinder BMW 330i only takes 5.3–5.4 seconds with RWD or AWD.
An upgrade to the optional 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine producing 365 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque brings the G70's 0–60-mph time down to a mere 4.5 seconds. For comparison, the BMW M340i xDrive we tested needed just 3.8 seconds to hit 60 mph. MPGs and Range
We expect the 2026 Genesis G70 will log similar EPA ratings to the 2025 model. It's most efficient with the base 2.5-liter engine and rear-wheel drive, returning 21/29 mpg city/highway. With all-wheel drive, those figures fall slightly to 20/28 mpg. The competing 2025 BMW 330i is a paragon of efficiency at 28/35 mpg with RWD and 26/34 mpg with xDrive AWD.
With the larger 3.3-liter V-6, the G70's fuel economy takes a tumble. Rear-wheel-drive models return 17/25 mpg, and all-wheel-drive models are rated at 17/23 mpg. For comparison, the BMW M340i is only marginally less efficient than the 330i despite its much more powerful I-6 engine, rated at 27/33 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 26/33 mpg with all-wheel drive.
The G70 2.5T has the most range, at 379 miles. With all-wheel drive, that figure drops slightly to 363 miles. The BMW 3 Series has a lot more range—484 miles with RWD and 452 miles with AWD. With the 3.3-liter engine, the G70's numbers fall to 316 and 300 miles, respectively. Meanwhile, both of the M340i's drivetrain layouts are good for 452 miles of range. Safety Ratings and Features
For 2025, the Genesis G70 receives Good scores in all crashworthiness categories evaluated by IIHS. It also gets a top score in the headlights test. LATCH ease of use is rated Marginal, the second-lowest score.
Genesis equips the 2026 G70 with a robust suite of active safety features. We've found the driver assistance systems to be useful in our testing. Automatic high-beams
Front and rear automatic emergency braking
Side cross-traffic alert
Intersection collision avoidance
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane keeping assist
Adaptive cruise control Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2026 Genesis G70's front row is roomy, but the second row feels tight. Cargo space is down compared to rivals. Technology
Infotainment
Genesis outfits every 2026 G70 with a standard 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Unlike other Genesis models with a single panel for all digital functions, the G70 still uses a second 8.0-inch display and semi-analog instrument cluster. A head-up display is available.
The 2026 Genesis G70's cabin has a total of four USB-C ports. Only higher trims come equipped with a wireless charging pad.
Sound System
The G70's base sound system is a six-speaker arrangement. A 15-speaker setup from Lexicon is also available.
Available Upgrades Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Power-folding side mirrors with Genesis logo puddle lamps Value
Standard Features
Genesis equips the 2026 G70 with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The sport sedan rides on 19-inch wheels and a fully independent suspension. All models use Brembo brakes.
Inside the cabin, the G70 features standard leatherette upholstery with heated front seats. All models have a proximity key and pushbutton start. There's an 8.0-inch gauge cluster display alongside an analog gauge, a 10.3-inch infotainment display, and four USB-C ports.
Safety features include forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, a rearview camera, safe exit warning, and a rear occupant alert.
Recommended Trim
Genesis offers the 2026 G70 in eight trims: 2.5T RWD
2.5T AWD
2.5T Sport Prestige RWD
2.5T Sport Prestige AWD
3.3T Sport Advanced RWD
3.3T Sport Advanced AWD
3.3T Sport Prestige RWD
3.3T Sport Prestige AWD
Models with the 3.3-liter engine are compact rockets, but the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder still has plenty of grunt. For that reason, we'd go for rear-drive Sport Prestige trim to get the leather seats, sunroof, and ventilated front seats.
Pricing for the G70 should start around $44,000 and reach nearly $60,000 for the 3.3T Sport Prestige AWD model. The 2026 Genesis G70 2.5T Sport Prestige RWD is our goldilocks, stickering for less than $50,000. The Sportiest 2026 Genesis G70
All Genesis G70s are fun to drive, but the most enthusiast-oriented are the pair of 3.3T Sport Prestige models, which receive a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and a variable exhaust system. In prior years, Genesis equipped electronically controlled suspension, but that feature has been discontinued for 2026 in favor of a passive setup.