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CHATHAM, Mass. – An exhilarating week behind the wheel of the updated 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T RWD reinforced – and strengthened – the opinion I formed when I drove the 2020 G70 last June: a car does not need a German pedigree to be one of today’s best sport sedans. It can come from anywhere, including Korea, if the manufacturer cares about producing a car which is responsive, fun to drive and livable on a daily basis.
The G70 does it all, providing a luxurious, comfortable ride; a very comprehensive collection of technological features and appointments and real-world performance on a par with anything in its segment.
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Genesis G70 Takes on the Luxury Sport Sedans
For its third model year, the 2022 G70 receives a styling freshening (quad horizontal LED headlamps for an even more aggressive appearance in a rear-view mirror), upgraded technology (10.25-inch navigation screen; interactive connected routing; digital key; over-the-air software updates), performance (variable exhaust system, Sport+Drive mode) and a special Launch Edition (unique 19-inch wheels, Sevilla Red interior and matte paint finish).
Upgraded advanced driver-assist systems
From its 2019 introduction (as a 2020 model), the Genesis G70 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems and safety features; the 2022 updated version adds several additional ones like:
- Center Airbag
- Forward Collision Alert with Junction Turning
- Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist
- Blind-Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Safe Exit Warning
This list joins the ADAS and safety gear already present:
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Rear-seat Occupant Alert
- Eight airbags
- Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers
The 2022 G70 RWD (rear-wheel drive) 3.3T Sport Prestige model I drove added several more as part of the $4,300 Sport Advanced Package and $4,000 Sport Prestige Package (which also included several other options which will be discussed later):
- Parking Distance Warning – Forward and Reverse
- Surround View Monitor with Blind-Spot View Monitor
Not considered an ADAS per se, but definitely enhancing safe driving by allowing the driver to keep his/her eyes on the road is the Heads Up Display (part of the Sport Prestige Package). Easily viewed speedometer information, ADAS warnings and even audio information mean less reason to look away from the windshield to check on these settings.
The all-around performance securing the sport-sedan title
These systems not only enhanced the safety aspects of the 2022 G70, they made driving it much more reassuring. This car wants to GO – regardless of whether the road ahead is straight or winding; flat or undulating and the ADAS provides additional functionality to keep you safe.
The 3.3-liter turbocharged engine puts 365 horsepower and 376 pounds-feet of torque through the eight-speed automatic transmission and onto the road via the rear wheels (an all-wheel-drive version is also available). Several drive modes, including a custom one, allows the driver to dial in how much sport versus economy they want to achieve, but regardless of the setting, the fun quotient is high.
The chassis does its job marvelously, providing sure-footed handling regardless of road type. Slicing through the coastal hills of Cape Cod was pure joy and exhilarating!
Brembo braking power – with its distinctive red calipers – comes with the Sport Prestige Package as does a limited-slip differential, electronically controlled suspension system (MacPherson-type struts up front; multi-link in the rear).
Everything about this package equates to providing a rewarding driving experience, including the very reasonable (for this much power and performance) use of gasoline. The federal Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2022 G70 RWD 3.3T at 21 miles per gallon overall (18 city/27 highway), but my spirited time in the car resulted in fuel economy figures closer to 25 mpg overall!
Inside luxurious comfort and amenities
The 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Prestige model equipped with the Sport Advanced Package and Sport Prestige Package provides its passenger not only with scintillating, controlled and usable performance, but all the modern technological comfort and convenience features along with a truly luxurious interior.
Handsome, red-stitched leather surfaces, including the seats (heated, ventilated, 12-way power adjustable with four-way lumbar and thigh-support also receiving power adjustment, for both front-seat passengers), steering wheel (power adjustable for tilt and telescoping, heated), door panels and dash greet you upon entering the cozy cabin.
Push the start button and the digital instrument cluster comes to life as does the 10.25-inch multi-function navigation and infotainment display. The latter can be split 1/3 – 2/3 to show two different systems (navigation, audio, weather, climate-control, time, compass) information or 100 percent for any one item.
The infotainment sources encompass AM/FM/SiriusXM satellite radio/streaming audio/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, all of which, thanks to the Sport Advanced Package, play through a Lexicon® 15-speaker premium audio system.
The controls for the features and amenities consist of very logical dash and steering-wheel buttons, switches and rotating knobs. They all look right at home and operate easily and intuitively.
USB ports provide front and rear device charging as does a wireless pad in the front, center of the console.
The whole is better than the sum of its parts
There are other sport sedans on the market sharing the majority of the features provided in the 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige model, but few can match the overall experience and value package offered by this Korean masterpiece.
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The as tested price of $51,945 ($42,100 base) is not inexpensive, but within its segment, terrific value, specially when factoring in the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle warranty.
The Germans might have invented the sport sedan during the last century, but the Koreans have studied their offerings and found ways to improve the genre. Normally, I enjoy my week with a review vehicle, then look forward to the next one on the schedule. This was one of the few times I would rather have kept the test car and spent the summer getting even more enjoyment out of a great sport sedan.
