2026 Genesis GV70: Ready For the Next Step?
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Genesis reached a critical milestone back in 2023 when it sold its millionth vehicle. It’s an impressive number on paper, there's still a lot of work to be done before the up-and-coming brand can take a substantial bite out of the segments in which it is active. The GV70 compact luxury SUV - the most popular member of the catalogue - competes with German veterans who have not only forged their reputation over several decades, but have much more varied offerings, including hybrids and highly sought after (and profitable) high-performance models. For 2026, the GV70 receives a few discreet cosmetic tweaks, as well as technological enhancements designed to keep it relevant until Genesis grants it more variety.
The Car Guide put the 2026 iteration of the Genesis GV70 to the test. Here are our impressions.
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Slight Technical Adjustments
With a slightly modified front end, upgraded headlight technology, new body colours and new 21-inch wheels, the improvements to the 2026 GV70 go virtually unnoticed. Under the hood, the GV70 once again calls on the services of the 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine developing 300 horsepower, as well as on those of the 375-horsepower 3.5-litre turbocharged V6. The 8-speed automatic transmission also remains.
The changes are mainly on the calibration and chassis side. On the one hand, engineers have optimized the various driving modes to make them more responsive. The manufacturer has also changed the monobloc brake calipers, in addition to making modifications to the steering. Genesis also swapped numerous bushings on key components for hydraulic bushings, aimed at improving ride comfort. The suspension has also received software enhancements: navigation data and cameras now play a greater role in anticipating the damping required on rough roads.
As with the exterior, it was very difficult to measure the impact of these changes on the road. However, we found the GV70 to be as comfortable and quiet as ever, with feedback from the steering wheel gaining in weight, improving confidence behind the wheel. In terms of performance, our V6-powered tester once again impressed us with its power. However, we still find that the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine's flexibility, lightness and superior frugality offer better value. The GV70's overall character is increasingly quiet and comfortable, which is a good thing, but could put off thrill-seeking buyers.
Screen Takeover
The GV70 inevitably had to follow the latest digital trends for this mid-cycle redesign. With a new 27-inch OLED screen, the GV70 offers its owners a 30% larger touch surface. To make room for this display panel, Genesis has sacrificed the traditional dashboard shape that once housed a digital instrument cluster. Ventilation controls and cup holders have been modified, while the wireless charging pad has been relocated. In terms of comfort, the GV70 continues to stand out with plush seating up front. If passengers could benefit from a little more legroom, we must emphasize the cabin's superb assembly quality, as well as the improvements in insulation and noise-cancellation technology that contribute to the feeling of comfort on the road.
Room for a More Spice
Adopting an increasingly comfortable and docile character is no bad thing in itself in a high-end segment such as the GV70’s. But staying away from high-performance could cut the automaker off from a whole class of buyers, such as AMG and M drivers.
On the other hand, Genesis is clearly preparing the ground for such an announcement. Prototypes from the new Magma high-performance division were presented last year, and the Korean manufacturer has announced its participation in various endurance racing series, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Tariffs are a popular topic of discussion in the automotive industry. And while GV70s destined for the American market are assembled at the automaker's factory in Montgomery, Alabama, the Canadian market gets it supply from the manufacturer’s Ulsan plant in South Korea, which exempts them from the 25% tariff imposed on American imports. In terms of pricing, the GV70 is offered in the base Advanced AWD variant for a starting price of $60,000, through to the Sport AWD variant, which carries a price tag of $84,000.
