2022 Genesis G70 Overview
Although it shares its underpinnings with the Kia Stinger, the 2022 G70 kicks the luxury quotient up a notch and proves that the Genesis brand is a credible competitor in the entry-luxury segment. Going head-to-head with sports sedan leaders such as the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-class requires both an athletic chassis and a posh cabin—two things that happen to be the G70‘s strengths. Not only does it deliver driving enjoyment and a nicely-trimmed interior, the smallest Genesis sedan is an exemplar for the brand’s bargain pricing, coming in several thousand dollars cheaper than its keys rivals from Germany. Not to mention its standard 10-year warranty package, which is more than double what most entry-luxury cars offer.
What’s New for 2022?
Genesis has given its entry-luxury G70 sedan a makeover for 2022, which includes updated front and rear styling as well as interior tweaks that bring the car visually into line with the new G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. Genesis has also addressed one of our complaints inside the G70 for 2022 with a new, larger, and more premium-looking infotainment display. Under the hood, buyers will find a new 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the standard engine. Rumor has it that the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 may be replaced by a larger 3.5-liter unit and the G70’s optional six-speed manual transmission may be discontinued. We’ll update this story with more details as they become available. Look for the 2022 G70 to land at North American Genesis dealerships in late 2020 or early 2021.
The 2022 Genesis G70 will also include the all-new Drift Mode which will be really fun for us sport enthused South Florida drivers, who like to have fun while driving!
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Genesis hasn’t release pricing for the 2022 G70 yet, nor has it released information about its standard or optional features. We expect the 2022 model to stick close to the 2021’s pricing, and if the trim options remain similar, we’d recommend the Prestige package, which adds plenty of high-end features such as nappa leather upholstery, heated-and-ventilated seats, and adaptive headlamps.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base G70 2.5T features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that sends 290 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels; all-wheel drive is optional. The G70’s upgrade engine—a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6—is rumored to be getting replaced by a larger 3.5-liter mill. We haven’t had the chance to spend time with either engine. We were smitten with the previous rear-drive 3.3T model, which made it to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds in our testing; the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 will likely make more power and should improve on the 3.3T’s time. Regardless of the powertrain configuration, the G70 has expertly balanced ride-and-handling characteristics. Its suspension smooths out uneven surfaces, and the sedan remains composed during spirited cornering. Optional adaptive dampers allow the driver to firm-up the ride if necessary, but every G70 we’ve driven did an excellent job of sending information to the driver’s hands. Its steering feedback is precise and pleasant, with adjustable effort available by switching among the drive modes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With multiple powertrain combinations and rear- or all-wheel-drive options, the 2022 G70 lineup will have different EPA-rated city and highway estimates, but those numbers have not yet been released. On our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, the rear-wheel-drive 3.3T we tested earned 29 mpg. When we get a chance to try the new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder on our test route, we’ll update this story with its results.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the G70 delivers a luxury experience, thanks to attractive materials and excellent build quality. Its driver-centric layout and straightforward controls cater to driving enthusiasts. Likewise, the upscale brightwork and decoratively stitched surfaces on our test car appeased our affluent side. Genesis also keeps things classy by avoiding the urge to plaster faux carbon-fiber bits and a flat-bottom steering wheel into the cabin, and the result is an interior that seems more luxurious than the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Jaguar XE. While the front seat strikes a nice balance between comfort and sport, the rear seat is compromised by limited legroom. We managed to fit five carry-on bags in the G70’s trunk, and 14 total with the rear seat folded. Interior cubby storage includes a useful tray at the front of the center console that is perfect for smartphones and other small items. Unfortunately, the door pockets are small, and the center-console bin lacks organization.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every G70 is fitted with a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that protrudes from the otherwise clean dashboard. The setup includes desirable features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. We’ll know more about the 2022 G70’s infotainment offerings closer to the car’s on-sale date.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The G70 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is the highest honor the independent crash-test agency bestows. However, the Genesis hasn’t been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The sports sedan boasts several standard driver-assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Genesis covers every G70 with an exceptional warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance. The luxury brand also offers a valet service—by appointment—where it will pick up and drop off the vehicle for maintenance visits and provide a loaner Genesis model for use in the meantime.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
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