By: Uday Mohan
August 25, 2025
The 2026 Genesis GV70 doesn’t just enter the premium SUV conversation—it storms in with purpose, flair, and a confident sense of identity. Genesis has taken everything enthusiasts loved about its predecessor and tuned, stretched, and polished the formula into something that feels equal parts aggressive and serene. This latest iteration is more than an update; it’s a bold declaration that Korean luxury continues to redefine the global automotive hierarchy.
Walk up to the GV70 and there’s no mistaking its presence. The exterior styling is unapologetically muscular, especially when outfitted with the massive 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tires. Sculpted power lines and parabolic contours ripple across the bodywork, creating an impression of constant motion even when parked. It’s athletic without being brutish. At the front, the new wide-format black grille dominates the fascia, seamlessly integrating into the redesigned bumper and extended air intake treatment—features that project performance while exuding premium craftsmanship. Dual exhaust tips finished in dark chrome, paired with a reworked rear spoiler and newly designed quad tail lamps, add further menace and refinement. The new GV70 doesn’t just participate in the segment; it challenges it to keep up.
Slip inside and the narrative shifts. If the exterior flexes, the cabin breathes. The GV70 welcomes you like a luxury lounge retreat after a high-octane sprint. Genesis has gone to extraordinary lengths to cultivate an environment of serenity and tactile pleasure. There’s a pervasive softness—from the supple seating to the materials embracing the dashboard and doors. Touchpoints are deliberate: brushed metal accents line the center console, elevating the aesthetic without excess. Clear acrylic buttons add an unexpected layer of elegance, like finely cut crystal affirming each selection. Comfort here isn’t just physical; it’s psychological.
Taking center stage is a sprawling 27-inch OLED integrated display that merges navigation and cluster functions into one sweeping, high-resolution interface. Everything feels purposeful, responsive, and intuitive. The UI is sleek and uncluttered, yet capable of showing as much or as little as you want. Need a detailed breakdown of drive metrics? Done. Prefer a minimalist layout for nighttime cruising? Just a swipe away. Voice recognition is sharper than ever, and Genesis’s Smart Posture Care integration continuously monitors your body metrics to help reduce fatigue by maintaining alignment and lumbar support. Every interaction feels modern, as though the car isn’t just listening but anticipating.
Customization is another GV70 strength, and it goes beyond the superficial. Gauge design, ambient lighting, sound system presets, and steering wheel quick-access buttons can all be tailored to match your mood and driving style. You can even tweak brake feel to fine-tune deceleration feedback—an attention to detail few automakers offer.
Under the hood, performance lives up to the looks. Our press unit came fitted with a 2.5-litre inline-four turbo delivering 300 horsepower. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it responds quickly and runs buttery smooth through the gears. In Sport mode, throttle response sharpens, the suspension stiffens, and the seats automatically bolster for added support. The only curious omission is brake pressure settings not automatically adjusting in Sport mode—surprising for an otherwise finely tuned system.
Beyond the standard drive modes, Genesis adds Snow, Mud, and Sand settings that dramatically improve drivability across varied conditions. They operate independently from the main modes, giving the GV70 an extra layer of adaptability not often seen in this class.
Audio remains a standout. The GV70’s 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system transforms the cabin into a personal concert hall. Rich, immersive soundscapes adapt beautifully across genres. Combined with one of the quietest cabins we’ve tested this year, listening becomes less about entertainment and more about experience.
Passengers are equally considered. The three-zone fully automatic HVAC system allows independent rear operation, and upgraded ambient lighting weaves subtly across the door panels and fascia. It’s sophisticated, endlessly customizable, and elevates every journey—morning commute or twilight escape.
Safety and convenience remain Genesis strengths. The 2026 GV70 carries forward one of the most comprehensive ADAS suites in the segment with key upgrades. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist now includes junction crossing and evasive steering assist. Lane Following Assist is smarter with improved lane coverage and speed thresholds. Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 can now maneuver diagonally or perpendicularly, while Digital Key 2 supports Apple, Samsung, and Google Wallet.
Genesis also embraces over-the-air updates, now a necessity in the industry. Infotainment, safety, and personalization features can be updated wirelessly, keeping the GV70 current without dealership visits. Details like capacitive hands-on detection in the steering wheel and smart trunk activation based on proximity show how thoroughly Genesis sweats the small things—features you didn’t think to ask for, but appreciate once they’re there.
Ultimately, the 2026 GV70 is a triumph of both engineering and vision. It doesn’t mimic European luxury; it redefines it with fresh eyes, sharp execution, and a price that makes it hard to overlook. This SUV isn’t a compromise between performance and comfort—it’s a masterclass in achieving both. From its bold silhouette and spirited powertrain to its tranquil interior and next-gen tech, the GV70 commands attention and earns admiration. It makes you wonder: if Genesis can deliver this now, what’s next? Whatever it is, I can’t wait to find out.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: SUV
Powertrain: 2.5LTubro in-line four cylinder engine
Horsepower: 300 Horsepower at 5,800rpm
Torque: 311 lb-ft at 1,650 – 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 12.0L/100KM / 8.9L/100KM / 10.6L/100KM
Observed Fuel Economy: 11.3L/100km (mixed driving, regular fuel)
As Tested Price: $73,500+fees+taxes