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By Colin Ryan
Updated May 12, 2021
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 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?
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
Manual transmission
Limited-slip differential
Brembo performance brakes
Sport exhaust system
Lexicon audio system
Heated/ventilated front seats
3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine
Sport-tuned suspension
Rain-sensing wipers
Variable ratio steering
Leather seating surfaces
Sunroof
Navigation system
Wireless charging
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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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.)
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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 |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | Available | ||
LED Headlights | Available |
City | 22 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 30 mpg | ||
Combined | 25 mpg |
Drivetrain | RWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
8 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Premium | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 252 @ 6200 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 260 @ 1400 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter |
Basic | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Corrosion | 7 years / Unlimited miles |
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.
Used 2021 Genesis G70 | Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Used 2021 Acura ILX | Used 2021 BMW 3 Series | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
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 |
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The 2024 Genesis G70 offers a choice of two strong engines. You might be surprised to learn which one we’d choose.
Just as Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division (like Acura/Honda and Infiniti/Nissan), Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai.
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.
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.