2026 Genesis G70

Admittedly, the luxury company sedan class is not as well-populated as it once was. If this was a battle, then the strongest contenders would be the last ones standing. The Genesis G70 is just such a contender. We could talk about how Genesis packs a lot of standard equipment into the G70, making it an intriguing value proposition. But it’s not just that. The G70 has plenty more going for it, like build quality, technology, class-best warranties, and the way it drives. Check out virtually any of our owner reviews for a deeper understanding of how good the G70 really is.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Genesis G70.

We’re going to break this up into additions and subtractions. Capri Blue joins the list of paint finishes. The 2.5T models are now eligible for a beige interior color. Starting from the 2.5T with all-wheel drive (AWD), the G70 comes with a heated steering wheel. The 2.5T Prestige gains a 360-degree camera system (this system is standard in both 3.3T models), plus a new alloy wheel design, and the option of aluminum interior accents.

The power-operated trunk feature is no longer available in any 2026 G70, which we think is a mistake on the company’s part. Nor does any variant offer the nice Nappa leather upholstery/simulated-suede headliner combo. The 2.5T loses the Gray and Sport interior decor choices, while the 2.5T Prestige also bids farewell to alloy sport pedals, and the dark chrome grille treatment. The 3.3T no longer offers an adaptive suspension. Tasman Blue and Burleigh Blue fall off the list of paint finishes.

Last year’s 2.5T Sport Prestige trim is now just the 2.5T Prestige. And the previous 3.3T Sport Advanced trim has been discontinued.

Among the G70 trims, we recommend the entry-level 2.5T with rear-wheel drive (RWD). It’s the most popular choice and comes with a lot of standard equipment.

It’s also worth checking out the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the new-last-year Audi A5 (which isn’t a sedan, but a sleek hatchback). They do cost a bit more, however.

Before buying a new Genesis G70 compact luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are above the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The entry-level G70 employs a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower, making it the most muscular base engine of the class. It’s able to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds. For comparison, the BMW 330i can channel its 255 hp to hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds.

A twin-turbocharged 365-hp V6 propels the G70 3.3T. The closest BMW 3 Series in terms of muscle is the M340i with 382 hp — but that car is about $10,000 more.

The good thing about both G70 engines, we’ve found, is that they deliver their maximum thrust at low revs. Darting into a gap in traffic is satisfyingly swift. For the most part, they also operate with a quiet efficiency. It’s only when Sport or Sport+ modes are selected that they become more vocal.

We’ve driven the G70 with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine as well as the larger V6, and discovered that the 2.5T is easily powerful enough and an excellent choice. If anything, we prefer that the front end feels a bit lighter, for a finer overall balance.

Every new G70 has good outward vision, and the front seats hold their occupants reassuringly in place even through quick corners. The G70 feels stable, responsive, calm, and collected. The standard Brembo brakes are also confidence-inspiring.

Fuel Economy

The G70 isn’t renowned for its sparing use of gasoline. The 2.5T engine manages 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving (with rear-wheel drive) or 23 combined mpg (all-wheel drive). To compare, the rear-drive BMW 330i can achieve 31 mpg combined, although most of the class is closer to the G70.

The 3.3T is capable of only 20 mpg combined, subtract a mile per gallon if all-wheel drive is in the mix. Premium gasoline is required for each engine.

Although the G70 is a relative bargain, there’s no indication of that in the cabin. It’s furnished with high-quality materials and assembled to luxury-car levels. Standard equipment includes a dedicated touchscreen for the climate control system, USB-C ports, rear side airbags, and a frameless rearview mirror.

The G70’s 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen isn’t even the second biggest in the class, but it’s perfectly usable. Rear passengers will find that the 34.8 inches of legroom is probably adequate as long as they aren’t tall. They won’t find much more in any rival premium compact sedan. But the G70’s trunk area of 10.5 cubic feet is on the stingy side.

Like a BMW 3 Series (the benchmark for this class), the 2026 G70 has a relatively long hood, plus short overhangs at each end. We think the overall look is effective and definitely appropriate for the luxury sector.

Navigation-based smart cruise control
This standard adaptive cruise control feature uses information from the navigation system to determine when there are curves coming up, and can adjust speed automatically. When used with the lane-centering Highway Driving Assist feature (also standard), it lightens the driver’s workload. We’ve found that driver aids in all Genesis vehicles work exceptionally well.

Brembo brakes
These are standard on every new G70. Brembo is a highly respected Italian company that also supplies Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin.

All-wheel drive
A popular option, all-wheel drive brings greater surefootedness in wet and dry conditions. A heated steering wheel is also part of the deal.

Genesis Digital Key
Using the Genesis app, users can lock/unlock and start the 2026 G70. This works with Apple iPhones and Android phones, and we like its convenience.

Lexicon audio
Go into any world-class recording studio, and Lexicon equipment will be used for pretty much every session. The optional 15-speaker, 660-watt Lexicon system in the G70 can make occupants feel like they’re sitting inside one of those studios. We think it’s truly excellent. This is standard in the 3.3T models and the 2.5T Prestige.

Blind-Spot View Monitor
Better than regular blind-spot monitoring (which is standard across the 2026 G70 range), the Blind-Spot View Monitor shows images in the instrument cluster from side cameras. This provides greater reassurance when the driver is about to change lanes. Part of the 3.3T Sport Prestige package, this is one of those features we miss when we’re driving other cars.

A turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine goes into the entry-level G70, developing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The more muscular option is a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 creating 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. In both cases, rear-wheel drive is the default setup, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. And all transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty from Genesis lasts five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first, with roadside assistance for five years at unlimited mileage. The powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. These terms are among the best in the industry. Genesis also includes three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

The G70 was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — the institute’s highest accolade. It also took a top score of Good in an updated small overlap front impact test. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.