To say that this 2022 Genesis G70 is important for the carmaker is an understatement. Released in 2017, it was tasked with not only gaining a foothold in the highly competitive compact luxury sedan segment, but to help push a brand-new global luxury brand. Though it did not set the industry on fire with its sales, the well rounded G70 garnered the attention of the general public, while snatching several coveted Car of the Year awards including from our very own editorial team.
To keep up the car as well as the brand’s momentum, Genesis unveiled a refreshed 2022 G70. The biggest change comes right up at the front with a rounded and distinctive look when compared to the outgoing model. The brand’s signature crest grille is prominently displayed and the slim-design quad LED headlamps represent the company’s new design language. The bold styling drew mixed reception, but the 2022 G70 is certainly a conversation starter. The rest of the car looks sleek, with a set of matching quad taillights rounding out the attractive package.
The two engines are largely carried over from the 2021 G70 lineup. The base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pumps out 252-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, and the upgraded 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque arriving as early as 1,300RPM. For 2022, the 3.3T Sport gets a Variable Exhaust Valve system that squeezes out three extra horsepower and more importantly, gives the G70 a noticeably beefier grunt when driving in Sport or Sport+ modes.
We had the opportunity to sample the G70 with the twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive, and observed strong acceleration that is even faster than what the figures suggest. The turbochargers spool up quickly and the car continues surging until well up near the rev-limiter. The eight-speed automatic transmission is responsive and Genesis engineers have made extra effort in tuning the shift logic to suit the enthusiast driving, in making sure it holds its gears throughout the corners and does not automatically return to ‘D’ after tugging on the paddles. This gives a refreshing amount of control that is rare in many modern sports sedans.
The G70 has always been an above-average performer in the handling category, and the new 2022 model has retained its fun to drive characteristics. The steering is accurate with some real road feel, though we did not notice a big change between the drive modes. The chassis is stable throughout corners; we felt a high amount of control at corner exits thanks to sport-tuned adaptive suspension and we are able to put power down easily with the help of the mechanical Limited Slip Differential. The Brembo brakes offer confidence-inspiring performance with firm pedal feel.
The interior design of the G70 is mostly carried over from the outgoing model with minor tweaks to further modernize it. Those coming from previous year’s G70 will notice a new larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display atop the centre console with improved resolution. They will also notice the new eight-inch digital instrument cluster, though we wish Genesis had given us a full digital one instead of the half and half here and more customizability to keep up with its competition.
The materials and craftsmanship remain top notch and the G70 continues to be one of the best equipped in its class with features like Nappa leather seating surfaces, power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, double-paned windows, and 15-speaker Lexicon surround sound audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is supported with a wireless charging pad to keep our devices going on 2.0T Advanced trims and above.
There is good head and legroom for the front passengers, but rear passengers will feel a bit pinched especially when entering and exiting. Fortunately, the rear seats are quite supportive and comfortable, as are the two upfront, and the cabin feels airy with large windows and an oversized sunroof. The cabin is well isolated from most harshness and vibrations, and noise is kept to a minimum, except for when the Variable Exhaust Valves are opened. The G70 rides firmly, but is far from what we would consider to be uncomfortable. The dampening strength can be adjusted using various drive modes.
A key area that Genesis focused on when redesigning the G70 is in its extensive driver assistance and safety features. Genesis introduced or updated the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Lane-Following Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Auto Curve Slowdown, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Rear-Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist systems. The 2022 G70 also comes with a new Front Centre Airbag to further protect its front occupants in the event of a collision.
The 2022 Genesis G70 starts at $45,000 for the base 2.0T Select model and tops out at $53,500 for the 2.0T Prestige. For the 3.3T models, the 3.3T Advanced has a sticker price of $54,500 with our as-tested 3.3T Sport model at $59,000. For 2022, there are 30 units of a special Launch Edition that adds a Melbourne Gray Matte exterior, a Sevilla Red interior and a set of lightweight multi-spoke 19-inch wheels to the fully loaded 3.3T Sport for $61,000.
Genesis employs an all-inclusive approach with its trim lineup with no additional options, and each vehicle comes with five-years or 100,000 km complimentary scheduled maintenance and the Genesis at Home program.
Genesis has big plans to continue expanding its retail footprint with additional locations across Canada in the coming years, and now with a full portfolio of sedans and crossovers, we expect the 2022 Genesis G70 to generate even more awareness in its segment and ultimately a bigger impact on sales. The bold styling, comprehensive list of comfort and safety features, as well as engaging driving dynamics makes it a solid choice for most buyers looking for an upgrade to the luxury automotive world and is particularly suitable to those who enjoy true driving fun.
See Also:
2021 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport AWD
