2026 Genesis GV70 Review and Test Drive

Subtle but significant upgrades elevate the 2026 Genesis GV70 to one of the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

Perry Stern | 

May 7, 2025 | 6 min read

Perry Stern

The Genesis GV70 is the Korean luxury brand's bestselling model, and by a wide margin. In addition, this compact crossover SUV has proven instrumental in helping Genesis battle big luxury brands like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. Boasting impressive luxury and performance, the refreshed 2026 Genesis GV70 promises continued success through distinctive design, enhanced technology, and premium features.

Genesis offers the 2026 GV70 in six trim levels: 2.5T, 2.5T Select, 2.5T Advanced, 2.5T Sport Prestige, 3.5T Sport Advanced, and 3.5T Sport Prestige. An electric version is also available, but this review does not include the Electrified GV70. Prices of the gas-fueled models range from the low $50,000s to the low $70,000s, including the destination charge to ship the SUV to your local dealership from the assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

For this GV70 review, Genesis invited me to Houston and provided a 3.5T Sport Prestige. All-wheel drive is standard on every GV70 model, so the only notable option on my test vehicle was the new-for-2026 Ceres Blue paint. That brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $72,225, including the $1,450 destination charge. Genesis paid for airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.

Perry Stern

Is the 2026 Genesis GV70 a Good SUV?

When it comes to luxury SUVs, I don't think the Genesis GV70 gets the attention it richly deserves. Sure, rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, or Mercedes-Benz GLC have name recognition. But the stylish GV70 delivers performance and luxury on par with its German competitors, and the 2026 model year updates make the GV70 an even more compelling choice.

Perry Stern

What's New for the 2026 Genesis GV70?

The 2026 Genesis GV70 gets its most significant update since it arrived for the 2022 model year. The trademark Genesis grille receives a new dual-weave mesh pattern, while the reshaped lower air intakes create a sportier look. The signature two-line headlights feature new Micro Lens Array technology, which provides improved illumination and an eye-catching design element.

New wheels are available for the 2026 GV70, including the exclusive 21-inchers on the top-level Sport Prestige models. They look good and feature a hollow resonator inside the rim, reducing the transfer of wheel and tire vibration to the cabin to provide a quieter and smoother ride.

Inside, the redesigned dashboard features a clean look dominated by the new 27.0-inch OLED display. It incorporates the digital gauges and infotainment system, while soft-touch controls below the screen provide quick access to audio and navigation features. The volume and tuning knobs are most welcome.

Climate functions are in a separate touch panel with physical knobs for adjusting cabin temperature. The center console is revised, and the wireless phone charger is more accessible to the driver. The top-level 3.5T Sport Prestige I drove featured nappa leather seat trim with a stylish quilting pattern and orange stitching, piping, and seat belts for a welcome splash of color.

Perry Stern

Updated Technology Improves the GV70 Experience

For the 2026 model year, Genesis introduces new advanced technologies that make life easier and improve the luxury SUV's ride and handling. But let's start with that all-new 27.0-inch OLED display. The large screen is legible, graphically pleasing, and easy to navigate, with large icons and swipeable pages. As expected, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

The voice recognition system also improves for 2026. It can perform various tasks, from finding a barbecue joint or adjusting the cabin temperature to calling home or powering the windows up or down.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 gets active noise cancellation. It uses multiple microphones throughout the cabin to detect road noise and deliver an anti-phase sound wave through the speakers to cancel out the unwanted sound. The system works whether or not the audio system is on, and while it's not a feature I could detect directly, the GV70 was certainly quiet on the road.

Perry Stern

To ensure the GV70 delivers a smooth ride, Genesis gives it a Preview Electronic Control Suspension (ECS), which can detect road conditions or driving actions and make appropriate preparations. The system uses a forward-facing camera and navigation information to determine if a rough road surface or a speed bump is ahead and adjusts the damping force and suspension in advance to counter it.

In addition, the ECS system can take information from the Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system and adjust the suspension to keep the GV70 stable when slowing rapidly or under strong acceleration.

Perry Stern

The 2026 Genesis GV70 Is a Joy to Drive

Genesis continues to offer the GV70 with two engine options. The 2.5T models have a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is standard in the GV70 3.5T. My test vehicle featured the twin-turbo V6, which generates 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivers that power to all four wheels.

The V6 engine's smoothness was immediately noticeable as the SUV effortlessly accelerated onto a Houston freeway and easily maneuvered around slower traffic as I worked my way out of the city. No matter the driving situation, there was always plenty of power on tap.

The HDA system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. It is a hands-on technology that warns you if you remove your hands from the new capacitive-touch steering wheel. However, I learned it stays engaged if you have even one finger on the wheel rim.

I thought the HDA system was impressive, as it reacted smoothly when other vehicles cut into the gap ahead of the GV70. Though the GV70 slowed quickly to reestablish a proper following distance, the ECS worked as advertised, keeping the Genesis level and preventing nose dive.

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Assisted lane changes are also a part of the HDA system. Activating the turn signal to signal a lane change instructs the GV70 to execute one in that direction. It moves over quicker than I probably would, but it didn't feel unsafe.

My driving route took me off the freeway and along the winding two-lane roads through Texas' Huntsville State Park. Putting the GV70 in Sport mode brought much quicker gear changes and pleasing, snappy downshifts when slowing down, adding a sporty feel to the drive.

The throaty exhaust note sounded good, but it wasn't coming from the pipes — it came from the audio system. The artificially generated sound perfectly matched the engine revs and still sounded good, even if it was fake.

It may be geared more toward luxury than performance, but the GV70 handles surprisingly well. The steering provides good feedback and the brakes are strong and predictable. The GV70's mass makes itself apparent when you're pushing too hard in a corner, but this Genesis is enjoyable to drive in most situations.

Perry Stern

The Genesis GV70 is the brand's bestseller for good reason. It's an excellent luxury crossover SUV, and the changes for the 2026 model year elevate the driving experience. If you're considering a compact luxury crossover SUV from one of the better-known brands, don't forget to check out the 2026 Genesis GV70. You won't be disappointed.

Perry Stern

As a small child, Perry was constantly playing with toy cars and trucks, and that enthusiasm for anything motorized with wheels never faded. After college, he moved to Seattle and began his long automotive career working in an automotive consulting firm, helping customers choose the right vehicle for their needs. In the late 1990s, Perry joined Microsoft to work on CarPoint, part of the new Microsoft Network (MSN). He went on to become editor of the site, remaining on staff for 20 years before venturing out on his own. Today, in addition to his work on Capital One Auto Navigator, he still contributes to MSN, as well as J.D. Power, TrueCar.com, and U.S. News & World Report. Perry lives in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, with his wife and dog, and he still smiles when he sees his 2006 Mazda Miata in the garage.