2025 Genesis GV70 review

Since its launch in 2021, the Genesis GV70 has been a standout choice in the super-competitive mid-sized luxury SUV segment.

Now, with the midlife update, it has been further refined and given a new lease on life to take on the all-new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Having spent almost two years with an original GV70, this reviewer is somewhat familiar with the ins and outs of Genesis’ best-selling model in Australia. The GV70 is popular because it offers buyers a level of luxury, fit and finish, and cabin ambience that is hard to match in this segment.

At first glance it might be a little hard to distinguish the facelifted 2025 Genesis GV70 from the original, but everything from the grille, front and rear bumpers and lights, the new spoiler and wheels have been changed on the outside.

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD

However, the most significant change is the comprehensively revised interior, which now boasts a more GV80-like infotainment system and a faster processor that now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air software update capability.

But while the Hyundai-owned South Korean premium brand continues to build up its credentials and persuade customers by simply offering better products for a similar price to the traditional European options, the luxury SUV segment has become even more competitive and the GV70 is now more expensive.

How does the Genesis GV70 compare?

View a detailed breakdown of the Genesis GV70 against similarly sized vehicles.

Genesis

GV70

How much does the Genesis GV70 cost?

Pricing for the new 2025 Genesis GV70 is up considerably over the pre-facelift model, with the previous range of 10 variants starting at $70,500 and topping out at $91,114 before on-road costs.

The updated and reduced range of just five grades has more equipment and new variant names.

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Genesis GV70 like on the inside?

The GV70 looks luxurious and expensive from the outside, but it’s the interior that has always drawn buyers in. With a Bentley-like attention to detail and quality, the South Koreans have been able to elevate the level of expectations buyers should have when it comes to mid-sized luxury SUVs.

The updated model’s main change is the inclusion of a massive 27-inch OLED infotainment screen, which you may mistake for two screens connected up. It is, in fact, one giant LG screen with the latest software that finally supports wireless Apple CarPlay.

Genesis now offers its connected car services, which means buyers will have access to everything from automatic collision notification to parked vehicle location, plus a heap of other diagnostic tools for five years.

Other new features include a head-up display and a more intuitive centre control panel with fewer buttons to press and more touch controls. Our main gripe with the original GV70 was the dual rotary dial system, which included one to control the infotainment and another to manage the drivetrain; this has remained.

Genesis has added some rather unique features as well, such as the UV-C sanitising compartment, which uses ultraviolet light to remove 99.9 per cent of surface bacteria from phones, wallets and glasses. It feels like a feature built for the COVID era, but it’s still useful for germophobes.

You can now finally also grab the rear doors to open them without a unlocking the car using the key, which was one of the things that really annoyed us about the previous model which unlocked the front doors only.

The front seats are supportive both in terms of comfort for long drives and also their capability to hold you in around corners. The rear can accommodate two large adults in full comfort while giving that fifth seat option when needed.

As you move up through the range, the inclusion of features like a flat-bottom steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery and a (delightful) Bang & Olufsen sound system with 16 speakers give the GV70 an edge over its competitors.

In fact, we would challenge any buyer in this segment to jump out of a European competitor into this Genesis and not see a big step up in quality – there is not a surface that feels cheap or plasticky.

The craftsmanship inside is definitely ahead of what you would get from a BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It kind of has to be, though, because Genesis as a brand needs to make a massive statement to justify its existence.

You really need to sit in one to understand why Genesis is not another wannabe luxury brand and why it will succeed in the long run, if it continues to make better cars.

Whether it’s the cooled and heated front seats with beautiful quilting, or the beautifully knurled switchgear, there is nothing inside the GV70 that lacks luxury.

Although the coupe-like shape may suggest it’s compromised, never once did we managed to fill it to the point where we needed more room – there’s 542 litres of space behind the second row, which expands to 1678 litres with those seats folded (almost) flat.

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Powertrain options for the GV70 are unchanged with the 2.5T four-cylinder option being more than enough for the majority of buyers, while the 3.5T twin-turbo V6 unit takes the driving experience to a far sportier level.

GV70 3.5T adds over GV70 2.5T:

• Preview Electronic Control Suspension
• Electronically controlled limited-slip differential

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Genesis GV70 drive?

The GV70 has always been a great car to drive, regardless of the powertrain – the 2.5T is the one we would recommend because it offers more than enough performance for any application we can think of.

But of course, some want the best, and the larger six-cylinder 3.5T unit delivers performance to match the mid-tier performance variants of European rivals – think BMW X3 M40i or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

For the updated model, the improvements include increased chassis rigidity; modified springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Genesis engineers have also spent a fair bit of time improving the vehicle’s noise vibration and harshness levels, with new sound deadening strategies, materials and application techniques.

Some of these NVH improvements include double-laminated acoustic glass, triple-layered door weatherstrips, hydraulic suspension bushings, sound-absorbing wheels and an even heavier steering wheel.

From a driving perspective, the GV70 has always been a rather surprising package. It may lack the more sophisticated suspension setups available on more expensive alternatives, but it rides beautifully if you prioritise comfort over unnecessary rigidity.

We found the ride to be comfortable despite the 21-inch wheels of the 3.5T, and regardless of driving mode, the GV70 adapted well to what we asked it to do – whether that was while going fast or being stuck in traffic.

The steering is precise and responsive, though it doesn’t reach the level of sharpness offered by the BMW X3.

However, it’s far from feeling heavy and a little cumbersome like the GV80, instead offering an enjoyable driving experience for those seeking a touch of excitement. That said, this vehicle leans more toward luxury than sportiness, which aligns well with the target buyer.

The engine and transmission work harmoniously for both powertrain options. We favour the smaller motor, which presents little to no turbo lag, making it suitably quick for sudden highway overtakes or merging into traffic.

If there’s one area for refinement, it would be the exhaust sound. The engine note, especially in the four-cylinder, is somewhat muted. It’s lacking the sporty resonance one might expect.

While the six-cylinder option improves this slightly, there remains room for a more engaging exhaust profile.

What we have loved and continue to love about the GV70 is its remote parking capability. The Genesis can be remotely started and moved back and forth using nothing but the key – or now via connected services with your phone, too.

This is super handy when you’re stuck in tight places or want to grab the smaller car park, because you don’t need to worry about the doors opening or closing onto an adjacent car or wall.

With version two of Remote Smart Parking Assist, the GV70 system now features parking assistance mode for perpendicular, parallel and diagonal parking as well, adding a further useful layer to its capabilities.

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The GV70 lineup consists of three trim levels.

GV70 Advanced highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Adjustable ambient lighting
• Leather upholstery
• Touchscreen climate control panel (NEW)
• 27-inch integrated instrument and infotainment display (NEW)
• Head-up display (NEW)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (NEW)
• Over-the-air updates (NEW)
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• 12-way power front seats with 4-way lumbar
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Keyless entry and start
• Power tailgate with hands-free opening function
• Rear sunshades
• Satellite navigation with augmented reality (NEW)
• Genesis Connected Services (NEW)
• Wireless phone charger
• Rear privacy glass
• Space saver spare wheel
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Remote start
• Paddle shifters
• Fingerprint authentication system
• 9-speaker sound system
• 4 x USB-C outlets
• 2 x 12V outlets
• LED head- and tail lights

GV70 Signature adds:

• 21-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
• 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system (NEW)
• Nappa leather upholstery
• 18-way power adjustable ergo-motion front seats
• Second-row climate control (NEW)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear seats
• Memory front seats (NEW)
• Air aroma diffuser
• Suede headliner

GV70 Signature Sport adds:

• Dark metallic 21-inch alloy wheels
• Double-mesh grille with dark chrome garnish
• Exclusive front bumper with larger air intakes
• Sport exclusive seats
• Flat-bottomed steering wheel
• Sport+ mode
• Monoblock black brake calipers
• Alloy pedals

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Genesis GV70 safe?

The Genesis GV70 has a five-star safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in North America and Euro NCAP – two far more credible organisations than Australia’s ANCAP, which also gave it a five-star rating.

The upgraded forward collision system is the most noteworthy change in the new GV70, and now features:

• Junction Crossing & Junction Turning: Assists to a prevent a collision when driving straight or turning at an intersection
• Lane Change Oncoming: Assists to prevent a collision with an oncoming vehicle while changing lanes
• Lane Change Side: Assists to prevent a collision with a vehicle ahead in the next lane, or at the front, rear or side while changing lanes
• Evasive Steering Assist: Applies evasive steering input where there is space to avoid the collision

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
  • Junction turning, crossing support
  • Evasive steering assist
  • Lane-change oncoming, side support
• Blind-spot assist
• Forward Collision Avoidance-assist 2 (FCA2)
• Hands On Detection (HOD)
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2)
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane Following Assist 2 (lane centring)
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist 2
• Safe Exit Assist
• Driver attention warning
• Leading vehicle departure alert
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view camera with 3D view
• Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Forward/Side/Reverse (PCA-F/S/R)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA2)

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Genesis GV70 cost to run?

Genesis provides free scheduled servicing for the first five years or 50,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

The brand’s concierge service will also pick up your car, leave you a loan car and event return it to another convenient location while services are performed – so long as you live within 70 kilometres of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.

To see how the Genesis GV70 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Genesis GV70

The 2025 Genesis GV70 is a true luxury SUV – it looks, feels and drives like a proper premium product.

The South Koreans know what it takes to succeed in this market segment, and the GV70 is an excellent example of that. In many ways, the Genesis product resembles a budget Bentley more than anything else.

Although Genesis remains a relatively unknown brand in Australia, we have not met a single owner who hasn’t had a great purchasing and ownership experience with a Genesis vehicle, regardless of the model.

If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, it would be unwise not to at least test drive one, as it may reset your expectations of what your money can buy in this category.

While it doesn’t bear a German badge and may turn a few heads for the unfamiliar, if you value actual luxury features and superior fit and finish more than simply brand prestige, the GV70 certainly ticks many boxes.

Interested in buying a Genesis GV70? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

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