Sign up for our weekly email to stay on top of the latest news and insights!
YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. — Genesis has redesigned its most popular model, the GV70, for 2026, thus maintaining its place as a solid member of the premium/luxury mid-size sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) segment.
The Korean luxury brand (from the Hyundai family of vehicles) produces three premium mid-size SUVs with the GV70, at 185.6 long the shortest (at the edge of the compact-SUV segment) while the two-row GV80 and GV80 Coupe are about 10 inches longer (with subsequently more interior space at a higher price).
I recently spent an enjoyable week in a 2026 GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD (all-whee drive) which combines excellent performance with comfort and convenience befitting a vehicle in this group. And its size provides a nice compromise between passenger room/cargo space and operating ease.
Tried and true powertrain
The heart of the GV70 is the brand’s internal-combustion (ICE) performance engine (also fitted to the G70 sport sedan). This twin turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 configuration features dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder, and aluminum construction of its block and heads.
The motor puts 375 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque through the eight-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission and to the road via the standard all-wheel-drive system.
The feel from the driver’s seat was abundant power, always there when I wanted or needed it. By the numbers, according to testing by Car and Driver, the GV70 achieved 60 miles per hour from rest in 5 seconds, quick for an ICE SUV.
Despite my generally heavy foot and appreciation for the always-available power, the GV70 returned 22.4 miles per gallon of fuel economy for me, bettering the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 21 overall (18 urban, 25 highway).
Handling from a sporting perspective
The 2026 GV70 is not a sports car; it is a 185.6-inch long, 75.2-inch wide, 64.2-inch high, 4,528-pound SUV. But the Genesis engineers have done an excellent job in providing a sure-footed platform which both provides excellent real-world handling with a smooth, comfortable ride.
I drove the GV70 like it was a smaller vehicle, never feeling like I was in over my head or moving beyond the capabilities of the vehicle. I continue to be impressed by the brand’s ability to produce such excellent mixtures of performance and comfort.
The electronically controlled suspension includes MacPherson-type struts with multi-link setup in the front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear and gas shock absorbers all around.
The integrated-electronic-booster brake system features anti-lock (ABS), four-piston front calipers, single-piston rear calipers, and vented rotors at all four corners (14.2-inches front, 13.6 rear).
Aluminum wheels measuring 21 inches are standard on the model I drove which were fitted with 255/40R21 all-season tires.
Inclusive ADAS suite
The 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD brings a very comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), as should be expected in a vehicle at this level.
The ADAS group includes: forward collision-avoidance assist; lane keeping assist; lane following assist; driver attention warning; blind-spot collision avoidance-assist; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance-assist; surround view monitor / blind-spot view monitor; parking distance warning – front / rear / side; forward collision-avoidance assist; lane keeping assist; lane following assist; driver attention warning; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and head-up display.
Luxury abounds inside the GV70
Enter the cabin of the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD and there is no question you have entered a luxury/premium vehicle.
Tufted rich Nappa leather covers the seating surfaces while carbon fiber adorns much of the interior trim. The front seats are electrically adjusted (including lumbar support), heated, ventilated and comfortable. Heating also graces the outer two second-row seats and the leather-covered steering wheel (which also has electric adjustment).
Along the upper reaches of the dash is the familiar Genesis (as well Hyundai and Kia) panoramic display but new for 2026 is a the single, 27-inch OELD screen within it. The left portion is for the customizable cluster while the two thirds of it to the right provide control for the infotainment and other vehicle systems.
The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming audio and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen® Sound System.
The climate-control system is automatic for all three zones, but should you want more fresh air, the standard panoramic moonroof can open the GV70 to the skies above.
This is a very comfortable and luxurious place in which to take a ride – either a short one to the corner store or a much longer sojourn to explore the wonders of nearby states.
Broad choices for this luxury SUV
The premium SUV market offers a large, diverse variety of choices overall and Genesis helps make a decision on what to buy even more difficult. The 2026 GV70 lineup consists of six models, four with a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine, the remainder with the 3.5-liter one. The 2.5T leads the range at $47,985 while the 3.5T Sport Prestige like I drove tops the range at $70,095.
Genesis offers a lot of choices within this range, all of which would make a sound SUV investment for the buyer who wants luxury and comfort along with performance.
Next week TBR Drives the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV
Subscribe Today!
Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter and get a free copy of our quarterly digital magazine.
