2026 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige AWD: The Brand’s Best-Selling Vehicle Receives A Mild Refresh

Highlight: A GV70 Electrified is available as an all-electric vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $71,540 (Base Trim MSRP): $49,435

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a 360-degree camera; a blind spot collision; rear cross traffic collision avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Sport Prestige AWD): 21-inch wheels; 8-speed automatic transmission; electronic parking with automatic brake hold; driver mode select; terrain mode; a panoramic sunroof; power handsfree smart gate; power folding mirrors with Genesis logo; power front seats with driver extension; a heads up display (HUD); a three-zone climate control system; a remote start parking assist; carbon fiber trim; heated/ventilated front seats; heated second row seats; manual operated rear door shades; Nappa leather; micro suede headliner; acoustic rear door glass; electronic limited slip differential; parking collision avoidance assist; a heated steering wheel; a co-pilot steering highway assist system; fold down second row split seats; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a 27-inch driver cluster and infotainment system; and wireless phone charging

Options: none

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 3.5-liter turbocharged, 6-cylinder /375-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/25-hwy (test model- based on 2025 fueleconomy.gov data)

Towing: 3,500 lbs (test model)

What’s New: The 2026 model year GV70 receives a major mid-cycle update. The vehicle receives a large and seamless 27-inch driver cluster and infotainment screen. The brand’s best-selling vehicle receives facias and exterior tweaks, too. 

Why:

Stylish design

Newly updated combined 27-inch driver’s cluster and infotainment screen

A variety of trims

Two powertrains

A comfortable ride

A variety of driving modes

A panoramic power sunroof

A high level of safety driving aids

A co-pilot assist highway driving system

A high-quality concert sounding steering steering

Genesis interior designers utilized high-quality materials to exude luxury

A power pull down trunk

A remote parking feature (for tight parking spaces)

Ventilated Front seats available

Heated front and rear seats available (depending upon trim)

Nappa leather interior available

Limousine-like capabilities to control the front seats from the rear to add additional legroom

Rear manual sunshades

Massaging front seats available

But:

No hybrid powertrain available

A rear-wheel-drive configuration is not available

Leather-like seats is only available with 2.5-liter engine

No hands-free driving system

Limited rear legroom

Can become pricey depending upon some trims overlapping with the larger GV80, the brand’s flagship

Verdict: After joining the Genesis portfolio during the 2022 model year, the brand’s bestselling model receives a mild mid-cycle update to keep the luxurious crossover competitive in the premium compact segment.

At a starting price under $50,000, the GV70 is available with two gasoline powertrains and a fully electrified option. However, unlike some of its competitors, Genesis is behind the curve in terms of offering a fuel-efficient hybrid and/or plug-in option.

While those powertrain options are in the pipeline, the Genesis team have made strides in terms of styling, craftsmanship, ride qality and execution.

For the 2026 model year, the stylish GV70 with its revised fascia and bling-like grille wheel options and Nappa leather would be, if the fashion icons from Louis Vuitton or Gucci had a hand in car designs.

Moreover, the all-new 27-inch combined driver’s cluster and infotainment system, with it array of high-tech features, compliments the interior.

And the compact premium vehicle is available with a host of features ranging from a power panoramic sunroof to a remote parking assist feature to heated rear seats to massaging front seats for short drives or cross-country trips.

Lastly, the brand, which is a spinoff from Hyundai, offers a best in-class warranty, too. Genesis has definitely established itself a competitor in a field that has been dominated by BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

Competition: Acura RDX; BMW X3; Cadillac XT5; Lexus NX; Lexus RX; Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60