Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Genesis GV70

Would you believe we’re seeing model year 2026 vehicles already?

I know…it’s weird. 

Some manufacturers have been slow on delivering their 2025 model year offerings, while a few have trotted out 2026 ones. Perhaps for the past couple of decades, the traditional model year calendar has been thrown out the window.

What does this have to do with the Genesis GV70? It was probably a month or so ago, several of our colleagues attended the media drive for the revised 2026 version in Houston. The vehicle we just worked with came from that event. It was certainly a surprise that it was put on our workflow schedule. 

Frankly, we should not be complaining at all about it. 

Based on the previous write-up and video on the gasoline-fueled version of this compact SUV from the Korean luxury vehicle brand, the GV70 is still worth talking about. 

The mid-cycle refresh is distinguished by a new grille texture. This is similar to ones seen on the G80 and GV80 Coupe SUV. Since the GV70 is seen as a sportier model, the finish is darker overall. Still the three-dimensional design makes the GV70 pop more. 

There are some nips and tucks up front and in the back. The rear diffuser area has new exhaust tips and panel. We noticed a minor tweak on the lower front fascia area. 

Genesis kept the rest of the GV70 intact. That rear roofline and C-pillar glass and trim treatment gives it an identity that is truly unmistakable. Our Ceres Blue painted 3.5T Sport Prestige tester came with dark-finished five-spoke 21-inch alloy wheels riding on Michelin tires. 

The GV70 received the corporate flat instrument panel treatment for 2026. The 27-inch OLED screen is now a familiar sight across a chunk of the lineup. The screen now has a digital display with an analog clock in-between the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The customization of these screens is what makes these displays work well. An information-packed head-up display is extra helpful when you need to concentrate on driving. 

It also received the brand’s three-spoke steering wheel. The rim itself is chunky and fit perfectly for our hands. For the top audio offering, Genesis switched to Bang & Olufsen and its Premium Audio System for luxurious sound. The rest of the dashboard has not changed, as have most of the tactile and digital controls. 

To go with its Ceres Blue exterior, Genesis provided us with a luxurious Ultramarine leather interior. Unique to the Sport Prestige is orange stitching and seat belts. That, along with the carbon fiber-esque trim on the console and other areas throughout the cabin. Perhaps a “soft launch” of the forthcoming Magma performance sub-brand? If so, it is absolutely lovely and definitely a conversation starter. 

The front seats were supportive and did not serve any fatigue. Rear seat room was fine. Cargo space was also pretty good, starting with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That space is expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. 

A lot has not changed with the mid-cycle refresh when it comes to the mechanicals. The 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 also puts down 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine channels power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

This driveline gives a lot of life to the smaller and lighter GV70. Acceleration is no problem, as does passing and cruising on the highway. It does so with minimal drama. As for fuel economy, we observed an average of 22.2 MPG. 

There is a new-to-us drive mode that piqued our interest on this GV70. Terrain Mode was developed to handle snow, mud, and sand. Once enabled, the all-wheel drive system puts traction down where it is absolutely needed. I doubt you will go onto a technical off-road course in a GV70, but it will handle snow a bit better. 

There are other drive modes available through the switch on the center console. Of course, Sport+ adds more driver engagement adjustments on top of a higher gear threshold. Suspension and steering are tightened up. However, Sport+ also turns off the traction control. Take a little caution if you happen to lose traction. 

Overall, the ride quality is very good. We just love how it mixes a sporty driving experience with a luxury one. It felt like a perfect mix of both. That is also noticeable when you throw it into the curves and avoid obstacles on the road. The GV70 is a confident driver that manages everything from the chassis down to the surface without any balking. 

That is also evidenced with its steering system. The on-center feel is fine, as was its turning radius. When the GV70 has the Highway Driving Assist enabled, one must trust the system as it centers in the lane. We do not recommend letting your hands off the wheel, in case “conditions are not met” per a warning on the head-up display. 

The brakes work well, especially in various situations. It stops well in both normal and panic braking. The pedal felt a bit soft, as was its response down to the wheels. 

There are six gasoline-fueled and three Electrified – the battery-electric version – 2026 GV70s to choose from. Two of the gasoline-fueled models offer the twin-turbo V6. Pricing for the entire lineup starts from $41,000. Our 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige tester came with a sticker price of $72,225. 

Genesis never fails to entice us with vehicles sporting beautiful design and solid performance. They are doing everything it takes to be a serious player in the luxury car field. The 2026 GV70 reminds us of this trajectory that has entered chats and yielded heaps of praise. 

However, we also have to remind ourselves that the luxury car market demands loyalty. There were times when people gave up their precious vehicle for a new brand that has a lot to offer with immediate effect. For Genesis, they now have a dealer network that matches the products its sells, along with a service philosophy that luxury customers demand. 

Perhaps the biggest question that must be asked is “why are you not considering a 2026 GV70?” Your answer should be: “We will now.” It is a vehicle worth checking out in a hotly contested segment. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Hyundai Motor America – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern