I Drove the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige, Here’s My Brutally Honest Review

I Drove the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige, Here’s My Brutally Honest Review originally appeared on Autoblog.

A masterclass in everything

The Genesis GV70 has been one of my favorite compact luxury SUVs since it debuted in 2022. It didn't look or feel like any of its competitors, balancing original styling, impressive performance, high-end materials, and great tech in a competitively priced package. Rather than being an also-ran like the Genesis brand was several years ago, the GV70 presented a compelling case to steer away from the Germans, and it's even better for 2026. I drove the 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD ($70,095 MSRP) for a full week, and here's my in-depth review, along with the upsides and downsides.

Small but important exterior changes

Onlookers will surely fail to notice most of the changes to the exterior. Like its GV80 sibling, the GV70's grille now has a dual lattice weave that adds visual depth, ratcheting up the sophistication quotient. The headlights now have smaller Micro Lens Array lighting elements that exhibit a tighter pattern and a crisper look. Both front and rear bumpers have been revised, and there are new wheel designs.

The body is largely unchanged from 2025, and that's a good thing. The prominent creases, sloping C- and D-pillars, as well as the short front and rear overhangs, contribute to good proportions and a sporty side view. The GV70 does get new wheel designs across the lineup, though, sized at 19 inches for 2.5T trims and for the 3.5T Sport Advanced, while the 3.5T Sport Prestige gets 21-inch versions.

While we don't dislike the new exhaust outlet shape that aligns with the inner edge of the taillights and the bumper creases, we lament the disappearance of the large round versions that came with the more powerful engine. In worse news, the 2.5T's vertically-oriented exhaust outlets are now completely gone, replaced by versions that exit out the bottom of the vehicle, sight unseen. These are just nitpicks on an otherwise very handsome exterior that looks good coming and going, though.

The tech-forward and plush interior

The 2025 GV70 utilized a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a separate analog gauge cluster, a great setup that exhibited attractive tech and driver-centric instrumentation. For 2026, the GV70 gets a 27-inch widescreen display that stretches across much of the dashboard and incorporates a digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen. It responds quickly, and it's very intuitive. The on-screen gauges look great, but we much prefer the analog gauge display that's sportier-looking than the new one.

Some layout and switchgear changes improve user friendliness. The 3.5T's partially flat-bottom steering wheel is different from the fully round version found in 2.5T trims, and it's a welcome change to the performance variant. There's a new waterfall-style center console that houses the udpated climate control touchpad with temp knobs at the outer edges and the row of metallic media buttons has been replaced by a touch control panel between the two audio knobs. We like the hybridization of touch controls and switchgear in the GV70 that both look great and function well while driving. The larger HVAC vents also provide improved airflow compared to the thinner versions that blended into the dash's line of separation. On the downside, piano black trim is still prevalent on the steering wheel buttons and media control panel, and attracts dust and fingerprints like a magnet.

Additional improvements include better differentiation between the rotary shift knob and the infotainment knob control, along with relcoation of the auto start/stop button from the left dash to the center console adjacent to the drive mode selector. Although we like the new charging pad (the old one was beneath a retractable door and angled down), its location in front of the center armrest means you'll often forget to take your phone out when you exit the vehicle, which we did several times. It is, however, more powerful than before and juices up your smartphone noticeably quicker.

The Sport Prestige trim highlights the best of the model, including rich Nappa leather, attractive stitching, and copious amounts of aluminum and carbon fiber throughout the cabin. The seats provide excellent support and cushioning, and the extendable thigh bolster provides additional support for longer drives. When you dial the driving mode into Sport or Sport+, the front seats' power side bolsters automatically tighten up. Rear seats are comfy, but the legroom is on the edge of being tight for taller adults. That said, the GV70's 37.2 inches of legroom eclipses both the BMW X3's (36.3) and the Porsche Macan's (35.6).

Every GV70 finally comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, coupled with an improved voice recognition system. It also benefits from USB-C ports for the latest device connections. The available 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers superb sound quality with ample bass and great clarity. The GV70's standard safety suite includes forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency steering, lane-centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

The driving experience toes the line between sport and luxury

The GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige is a tremendously good all-arounder, properly toeing the line between comfort and performance. The powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 carries over from last year, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 3.5T accelerates from 0-60 in hair over five seconds, and the throttle response and shifting are both quick. Getting up to speed and passing feel effortless, and the small changes to the steering and suspension aid both ride and handling. Dial it into Sport+, and the steering weight, throttle, and transmission response palpably increase, while the electronically controlled limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers (on 3.5T trims) provide excellent on-road composure.

It doesn't feel as tossable or as connected as the Porsche Macan, but it remains a thrill to drive while outdoing the Macan's ride quality thanks to its revised suspension tuning. The GV70 is also quiet at high speeds without feeling isolated since Genesis gave the model improved sound insulation and thicker glass. The difference is noticeable, and the GV70 is a peaceful and comfortable place to be.

We were once again disappointed by the 3.5T's fuel economy, however. EPA estimates are 18 city and 25 highway, but we were only able to manage 16.3 mpg in combined driving by the end of our 7-day test. That said, we drove it in Sport mode for about 50 percent of the time. Pressing the cross-hatched sport pedals is tempting, if only to hear the wonderful engine note.

Pricing for the 2026 GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige starts at $70,095. Our optioned out tester came to $72,225, including Mauna Red paint ($650), digital NFC key card ($30), and Inland Freight & Handling ($1,450). Although it's by no means cheap, it's less than its German competitors. The GV70 is a very compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV category, and it's what I would choose to park in my own garage.

Final thoughts

I was already impressed by the power and refinement of the GV70 3.5T, but the 2026 model offers subtle yet significant enhancements in technology, comfort, and refinement. It provides excellent value, robust performance, and a level of style and quality that rival offerings from Deutschland. The GV70 3.5T Sport is further evidence that Genesis should be taken as a serious player against the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche because it does so much, so well.

I Drove the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige, Here’s My Brutally Honest Review first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 7, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.