2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige

The luxury SUV segment has been growing over the past five years and it always seems like there are new nameplates from Europe and Japan. However, the 2026 Genesis GV70 looks to shake things up by outshining the competition with its unique looks and incredible value. The Genesis brand has been making waves as of late and the latest GV70 is proof that it’s not messing around. I spent a week in the GV70 and came away impressed with its style and tech, which is all rolled into one seriously attractive package.

Genesis updated the GV70 for the 2026 model year, but most of the changes are slight tweaks as opposed to anything major. Inside, there is a 27-inch widescreen display that stretches across the dashboard and the climate controls have a new touchpad on the lower center console. Outside, the GV70 now sports a new grille pattern, new wheel designs, and a few visual changes to the Sport trim level. Genesis also improved the GV70’s ride and handling with some suspension changes, but it’s hard to notice too much of a difference compared to the last GV70 I drove.

Exterior

Let’s start with the looks, because the 2026 GV70 is a real head-turner. Genesis sticks with its signature crest grille and those quad LED headlamps, which just look sharp in any light. The side profile shows off a sleek, sloping roofline and bold wheel arches, making the SUV look athletic without trying too hard.

For this model year, you get fresh wheel designs, some bold new color options, and crisp details on the bumpers and lighting. Trust me, if you want a vehicle that stands out in a parking lot, the GV70 has you covered.

Interior

Sit inside the 2026 GV70 and you’ll be surely impressed with its wow factor. Genesis put a lot of effort into the materials, which include buttery Nappa leather, real wood, and brushed aluminum throughout the cabin. It even has orange seatbelts, which I really like. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and there’s even a massage function for the driver side. Truthfully, it won’t replace your typical massage from the parlor down the street, but it helps with circulation as Genesis intended.

Rear-seat passengers have a plenty of head legroom, in addition to a recline function to keep them comfortable. There is also a panoramic sunroof that is standard on higher trim levels, which floods the cabin with light. Additionally, the GV70’s storage is generous for a compact SUV, measuring 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. But when the seats are folded down, the space grows to 56.9 cubic feet.

Powertrain and Driving Impressions

The 2026 GV70 comes equipped with two different turbocharged engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. My top-trim tester came with the latter, which produces 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get the car up to highway speeds in about five seconds. The entry-level engine pumps out 300 horsepower, so it’s no slouch, but the larger engine is the way to go for the most driving fun. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive is standard.

On the road, the GV70 feels planted and well-composed even over bumpy roads and imperfections. The suspension feels a little stiff, but it’s not jarring, allowing the SUV to handle twisty roads with ease. It’s no Porsche Macan, but for the money and the class, the GV70 will give you the sportiness your inner racecar driver craves. Its steering feels tight and the throttle is responsive. The brakes give you a good amount of feedback and grip, but again, this isn’t an actual racecar, so most drivers may not pay much mind. Just know that the GV70 can handle and accelerate with the best in the pack. And when you need to commute in comfort, the GV70 does so with luxurious ease.

Fuel economy is solid. The 2.5-liter gives you around 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the V6 gets about 19 city and 25 highway. During my time with the car, I averaged 19.8 mpg, which is a little lower than the EPA’s estimate of 21 mpg combined.

Technology

The Genesis GV70 has all the technology you need, including the aforementioned wide screen infotainment system, a Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a wireless phone charger, and a fingerprint scanner, which I didn’t use.

It also comes with the Genesis digital key feature that allows you to open the doors with your phone via the app, but I didn’t use that either.

Safety

Safety is a big deal, and the 2026 GV70 hits all the marks. It’s earned top scores in crash tests and comes loaded with driver aids. Here’s just a taste:

• Forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot collision-avoidance
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit assist
• Driver attention warning

There are also handy extras, like a rear occupant alert and junction-turning collision mitigation, so peace of mind comes standard. I also liked the blind-spot monitors in the instrument panel, which keeps you from having to turn you head, although, it’s still a good idea to do so.

The GV70 also comes with the brand’s Smart Park feature, which allows you to move the car forward and back out of tight parking spaces. Since I live in the suburbs, I don’t really need it, but it mildly impressed a couple of my friends when I demonstrated it to them.

Summary

If you’re searching for a luxury compact SUV that blends style, comfort, and advanced tech—without breaking the bank—the 2026 Genesis GV70 should be on your test drive list. It looks fantastic, drives beautifully, and comes loaded with features, all at a price that’s hard to beat. As an added plus, there’s complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, and the valet service, in which they will pick up and drop off your vehicle for service, just makes life simpler.

So, while there are other luxury compact SUVs in the market that may be a little sportier or luxurious than the GV70, it’s hard to beat the value for the money.