Overview

What's New for 2026

The 2026 Genesis GV70 is available in two trim levels: 2.5T and 3.5T Sport. Both trims come standard with all-wheel drive and are offered with multiple option packages. The lesser-powered 2.5T is the popular trim, and it's the one we recommend. We’ll explain why below.

2.5T

The entry point into the GV70 lineup comes with an extensive list of standard features, including leatherette seat trim, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a 27-inch widescreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a hands-free power liftgate, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2.5T also gets a long list of advanced driver-assist systems such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and highway drive assist.

Three option packages are available for the 2.5T: Select, Advanced, and Sport Prestige. The Select package adds a panoramic sunroof, aluminum interior trim, and a heated steering wheel, while the Advanced package builds on the Select package with full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger's seat, and several exterior sensing and parking-assist systems.

On top of the first two packages, the Sport Prestige package adds exterior sport trim, 21-inch wheels, special leather seating with mesh inserts, ventilated front seats, alloy pedals, rear side-window sunshades, a digital key, an upgraded Lexicon audio system, tri-zone climate control, an upgraded cruise control and accident avoidance system, and remote parking.

We recommend the 2.5T as it offers excellent performance with a premium interior as well as a wide range of features at a very competitive price.

3.5T Sport

The more powerful 3.5T Sport adds an upgraded suspension, onboard Wi-Fi, and a panoramic sunroof. It also gets most of the features found in the 2.5T's Advance package, plus ventilated front seats with memory settings and power-folding exterior side mirrors that project the Genesis logo.

The Sport Advanced package upgrades the standard 3.5T with 21-inch wheels, Nappa leather upholstery, a suede headliner, a heated steering wheel, a digital key, a surround-view monitor, blind-spot warning, parking sensors, and the Lexicon audio system.

The Sport Prestige package adds a limited-slip differential for added traction, upgraded leather seats with suede inserts, carbon-fiber interior trim, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The 2025 Genesis GV70 2.5T trim is powered by a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With the standard eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the 2.5T feels athletic and responsive, with more than enough power to pass and merge quickly in traffic. For higher performance, the 3.5T Sport trim comes with a twin-turbo V6, putting out 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This more powerful engine gets the GV70 moving very quickly, delivering more immediate power off the line than the 2.5T, with plenty of smooth muscle at nearly any speed.

Both models get a well-tuned suspension that favors sportiness over comfort. It's not a compromise, however, as not even rough pavement upsets the GV70. The available electronically controlled suspension ensures a smooth ride by scanning the road ahead and adjusting the ride accordingly. The GV70 provides more horsepower than base models of the Volvo XC60 or BMW X3.

Inside and out, the Genesis GV70 looks sleek and modern. The cabin is highlighted by the SUV's new 27-inch OLED display screen, which adds a high-tech vibe. The interior is well-built and boasts high-end materials, such as leather upholstery and spin-brushed aluminum trim. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and manual reclining rear seats are available on upper trim levels.

The GV70 has more cargo space behind the second row (28.92 cubic feet) than most rival luxury SUVs. The Infiniti QX50 has more cargo room available behind its second row (31.3 cubic feet) than the GV70, but the Audi Q5 has significantly less (25.9 cubic feet). However, passengers have less rear legroom in the GV70 (37.2 inches) than they would in the Q5 (38 inches) or the QX50 (38.7 inches).

The 2026 Genesis GV70 has not yet been officially rated for safety, but the 2025 GV70 was named a Top Safety Pick+ (the highest rating) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2025 GV70 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The GV70 comes well-equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and highway drive assist.

BMW and Mercedes may have name recognition, but the 2026 Genesis GV70 is a force all its own. Its rich look and feel, at an attainable price, sets a new standard in the luxury SUV class. The GV70 feels a step above the Lexus NX, and the current Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 are not as well-rounded as in years past. If you're looking for brand cachet, the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan are excellent options. You may also want to try the affordably priced Acura RDX. Otherwise, the GV70 is the best value in the class.

Genesis GV70 vs. Acura RDX

Genesis GV70 vs. Audi Q5

Genesis GV70 vs. BMW X3

Genesis GV70 vs. Lexus NX

Genesis GV70 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC

Genesis GV70 vs. Porsche Macan