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2021 Genesis G70

Used 2021 Genesis G70

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4.8
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2025
2021
Fuel Economy
20 - 25 combined mpg
Horsepower
252 - 365 hp
Engine
2 engines available
Engine Options
  • 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter
  • V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter
Cargo Volume
10.5 cu ft
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2021 Genesis G70 Review

Colin Ryan

By Colin Ryan

Updated May 12, 2021

Colin Ryan specializes in writing about new cars. He has done this for the Los Angeles Times, Variety, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Popular Mechanics, Mazda and Lexus customer magazines, plus a bunch of enthusiast sites and publications. And he spent several years as a staff writer at BBC Top Gear magazine. During this zig-zag of a career trajectory, he has driven everything from budget Malaysian hatchbacks (yes, they exist) to scarily expensive Italian exotica.

Pros

  • Excellent value and warranty in the premium compact sedan class
  • Choice of drivetrains
  • Many active safety features are included
  • Great standard technology, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Cons

  • Genesis still has a way to go to establish itself in this luxury sphere
  • Only available as a sedan

What's New?

  • LED headlights become standard throughout the range
  • Basic 3.3T version gains the equipment from the previously optional Elite package

The 2021 Genesis G70 is a premium compact sedan with a mountain to climb. This region of the luxury-car world is dominated by firmly established makes and models, such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

As well as that board-stiff competition, the 2021 G70 also has to be a standard-bearer for the fledgling Genesis marque itself, since there isn’t that same degree of heritage compared with the big German players.

These are not problems for the G70, which brings convincing sports-sedan handling, a long list of standard features, the latest safety systems and technology, and the best warranty in its class, all at prices that undercut virtually every rival.

Winner of the North American Car of the Year (kind of the Oscars for cars), the Genesis G70 satisfies a variety of tastes. It offers rear-drive or all-wheel drive, turbocharged 4- or 6-cylinder engines, an adaptive suspension, and an ear-caressing Lexicon audio system. It even has a manual transmission as an option — something that’s missing from the latest BMW 3 Series (a traditional enthusiast favorite).

For those buyers who can see beyond the current lack of badge cachet (a temporary situation, if the G70 is anything to go by), this car comes with high luxury appointments without the usual stratospheric costs.

2021 Genesis G70 Pricing

2021 Genesis G70 pricing starts at $22,859 for the G70 2.0T Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $37,045 when new. The range-topping 2021 G70 3.3T Sedan 4D starts at $27,943 today, originally priced from $47,245.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average)
$37,045
$22,859
$39,645
$26,700
$47,245
$27,943

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2021 Genesis G70 models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

Which Model is Right for Me?

2021 Genesis G70 2.0T

Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
LED headlights
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
USB ports (two up front, one in the rear)
Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
Blind-spot monitoring
Automatic emergency braking

2021 Genesis G70 2.0T M/T Sport

Manual transmission
Limited-slip differential
Brembo performance brakes
Sport exhaust system
Lexicon audio system
Heated/ventilated front seats

2021 Genesis G70 3.3T

3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine
Sport-tuned suspension
Rain-sensing wipers
Variable ratio steering
Leather seating surfaces
Sunroof
Navigation system
Wireless charging

Driving the Genesis G70

Value is one thing, driving pleasure is another. To compete with benchmarks like the BMW 3 Series, the G70 can’t merely rely on its keen pricing. It starts with the enthusiast-approved front-engine/rear-drive layout; the Genesis G70 is the least expensive contender in its class to have it.

Many drivers should like the 2.0T engine, which can also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Clutch action is light and linear. Although the gearshift could be more precise, it’s still fun and lively. Most buyers, though, will probably select the 8-speed automatic transmission, and that’s absolutely fine.

The G70’s optional all-wheel-drive system is commendable and works remarkably well in slippery conditions or when pushed hard on dry asphalt. It’s available with either engine.

The second engine choice is the turbocharged V6 that deploys 365 horsepower to send the G70 from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Another crucial factor in this respect is ride and handling. The G70 achieves a superb balance between poise and plushness, with some information coming up through the steering wheel, but not too much for a luxury car.

At the other end of the involvement spectrum, the standard active cruise control (deleted in manual-transmission versions) is especially welcome during the grind of freeway traffic.

Interior Comfort

Despite keen pricing and a relatively new badge still trying to make its mark in the luxury world, we’ve seen cheaper-looking interiors from more established manufacturers. For example, the driver’s seat is a step above competitors’ entry models, with standard 12-way power operation including 4-way lumbar adjustment.

The front seats are exceptionally supportive and comfortable, especially those with side and front bolstering in the higher trims. The base G70 2.0T has perfectly workable simulated leather upholstery. Things like genuine leather and a power-adjustable steering column become available as options or in pricier versions.

A prominent 8-inch digital display sits above the dash, and its controls are easy to see and use. The overall ergonomics are well thought out. Like other premium compact sedans, though, rear passenger space takes a hit. Rear legroom is on the meager side, while trunk volume of 10.5 cubic feet is merely adequate, and the aperture is narrow.

Exterior Styling

At just over 15 feet long, the Genesis G70 has presence, but is still small enough to be nimble. And to fit into a residential garage. Its clean looks exhibit just enough interest to avoid being bland, with elements such as a large (but not Lexus-large) honeycombed grille and boomerang-like flourishes behind the front wheels.

Every 2021 G70 has LED exterior lighting. In the wheel wells, the base sedan comes with 18-inch alloys, but 19-inchers are also available in the Prestige package or with the 3.3 V6.

Those models with the bigger engine have their exhaust outlets placed wide apart, as opposed to the 4-cylinder variants that have a single pipe with twin tips.

Favorite Features

VALUE AND LUXURY
Two words rarely found in the same sentence. Especially in this context where desirable, almost necessary, features can turn a $40,000 car into a $55,000 one. Not the 2021 G70. Even a lower-end trim has comprehensive equipment levels, fresh technology, three years’ satellite radio subscription, and three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

LEXICON AUDIO SYSTEM
For an idea of how good Lexicon systems sound, Rolls-Royce has also installed them. The 15-speaker/660-watt setup that’s standard in all but the base models is truly superb. Although the compact disc is presumed dead (there’s no CD player), this system can play higher-resolution FLAC files of equal audio quality.

Standard Features

Even the least expensive 2021 G70 has a generous amount of standard equipment. Like hands-free trunk lid operation, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, plus an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

All G70 versions have an array of active safety and driver assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control with stop/go.

Three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, valet care, and Connected Services, plus lifetime traffic data, are also part of the deal. Then there’s the warranty. New Genesis models are covered by five years/60,000 miles, along with 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.

Factory Options

Yes, a new G70 comes with a lot of standard equipment, but it’s always possible to spend a bit more. As well as the manual transmission setup in rear-drive 2.0T models, this entry-level G70 is also eligible for an Elite package that adds front/rear parking sensors, power-adjustable steering column, Lexicon audio, leather seating surfaces, and a few more features.

A Prestige package goes further with a head-up display, wireless charging, 360-degree camera system, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, plus other extras.

The G70 3.3T comes with much of the above as standard, although its dedicated Prestige package has some overlap. This model may also come with a Sport package, which adds an adaptive suspension.

Engine & Transmission

The standard configuration for the 2021 G70 2.0T is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower, an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD).

All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. And, unusually for a luxury car, so is a 6-speed manual transmission, although only in rear-drive form. Fun fact: This is the only G70 with a mechanical parking brake, which could encourage further tail-out antics.

A twin-turbocharged V6 propels the 3.3T models with 365 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. An 8-speed automatic transmission is deployed here as well.

To save some fuel, an engine stop/restart function cuts in while idling. If this is not required, it can be disabled by pressing a button just to the left of the driving mode selector. Both engines prefer premium gasoline.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (2.0T)
252 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm (255 hp w/manual transmission)
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (manual), 22/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 20/27 mpg (automatic, AWD)

3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (3.3T)
365 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
376 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (RWD), 17/25 mpg (AWD)


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Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.

We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.

Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.

Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.

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2021 Genesis G70
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

4.8
Consumer Rating
Based on 33 Consumer Reviews
Write a Review
95%Recommend this vehicle
5
85%
5
85%
4
15%
4
15%
3
0%
3
0%
2
0%
2
0%
1
0%
1
0%
Value
4.8
Performance
4.9
Quality
4.9
Comfort
4.7
Reliability
4.9
Styling
4.9

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

2021 Genesis G70 Styles

Lowest-Priced

2.0T Sedan 4D

25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
5
Seating
252 @ 6200 RPM
Horsepower
4-cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter
Engine

2.0T Sport Sedan 4D

22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
5
Seating
255 @ 6200 RPM
Horsepower
4-cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter
Engine

3.3T Sedan 4D

20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
5
Seating
365 @ 6000 RPM
Horsepower
V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter
Engine
See Full Specs for All 2021 Genesis G70 Styles
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Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
3516 lbs.
EPA Passenger
93.8 cu.ft.
EPA Total Interior
104.3 cu.ft.
Fuel Capacity
15.8 gallons
Front Head Room
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room
42.6 inches
Max Seating Capacity
5
Minimum Ground Clearance
5.1 inches
Overall Length
184.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room
56.3 inches
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
10.5 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
36.1 feet
Wheel Base
111.6 inches

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Available
Moon Roof/Sun Roof
Available
Number of Doors
4 doors
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Available
LED Headlights
Available

Fuel Economy

City
22 mpg
Highway
30 mpg
Combined
25 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission Type
Automatic
8 speed
Available
Recommended Fuel
Premium
Hill Start Assist
Available

Performance

Horsepower
252 @ 6200 RPM
Torque
260 @ 1400 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter

Warranty

Basic
5 years / 60000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / Unlimited miles

Comfort & Convenience

  • Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Integrated Garage Door Opener

Entertainment

  • Premium Radio
  • Satellite Radio
  • Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Interior

  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • 12V Power Outlet
  • Power Outlet
  • Steering Wheel Controls
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Leather Seats
  • Folding Rear Seat
  • Heated Seats
  • Heated Rear Seats
  • Dual Power Front Seats
  • Power Driver's Seat

Security

  • Alarm System

Technology

  • Bluetooth Wireless Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Hands Free Phone
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Proximity Sensing Keyless Entry
  • Push-Button Engine Start
  • Smartphone Interface
  • USB Port

2021 Genesis G70 Safety

2021 Genesis G70 Safety Technology

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking

Standard in all G70 models, this system can warn of a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and, if the driver doesn’t act, apply the brakes to prevent or lessen the severity of a crash.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic monitoring

Also standard. Alerts the driver of other vehicles in the car’s blind spots, along with any vehicles approaching when the G70 is reversing.

Lane-keeping assistance

Also standard in every 2021 G70, it lets the driver know if the car is edging out of its lane and will intervene if necessary.

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BMW 3 Series
See Details
Price
$22,859
$25,264
$26,923
$28,530
KBB.com Rating
4.3
4.8
4.2
3.8
Consumer Rating
4.8
4.2
4.3
4.2
Fuel Economy
City 22/Hwy 30/Comb 25 MPG
City 25/Hwy 36/Comb 29 MPG
City 24/Hwy 34/Comb 28 MPG
City 25/Hwy 34/Comb 28 MPG
Fuel Type
Gas
N/A
N/A
N/A
Safety Rating
N/A
N/A
5.0
N/A
Seating Capacity5555
Basic Warranty
5 years or 60000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
Horsepower
252 @ 6200 RPM
188 @ 5500 RPM
201 @ 6800 RPM
255 @ 5000 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
FWD
AWD
Compare More

2021 Genesis G70 Rankings

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FAQs

What company makes the 2021 Genesis G70?

Just as Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division (like Acura/Honda and Infiniti/Nissan), Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai.

Is the 2021 Genesis G70 reliable?

We’d assume it would be. Although the G70 has only been around for a couple of years, it is backed up by Hyundai and comes with a superb warranty. This newness may have implications for availability of parts, however, should the G70 be involved in an incident.

What is included in Genesis Connected Services?

This is known as a telematics package. It has features like remote start, remote lock/unlock, cabin temperature settings (including the heated steering wheel, if fitted) using a user’s smartphone and/or smartwatch. Plus stolen vehicle location, automatic collision notification, and service appointments.

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