Tested: 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T Makes a Bold Entrance

UPDATE 9/20/21: This review has been updated with test results for a 3.5T Sport Prestige model.

A memorable entrance can forgive a multitude of sins, including lateness. Consider the Genesis GV70, which is the latest mid-size SUV to arrive in the crowded and competitive mid-size luxury SUV segment. With measurements, performance, and pricing that are within a decimal point or two of the competition, the GV70 stands out with a dazzling sense of style and a fastidious attention to the details that define luxury.

Mechanically, the GV70 borrows liberally from its G70 platform-mate. All four corners enjoy the same multilink setup, albeit with different tuning and the wheelbase it extended slightly to increase interior volume. Power is courtesy of either a 2.5-liter turbo-four or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, both connect to an eight-speed automatic. While no rear-wheel-drive version is offered, the all-wheel-drive system has a rear-axle bias and is capable of sending 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels should the need arise. An optional electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential can further help put the power to the pavement.

Our test drive was limited to the top-shelf 3.5T Sport Prestige trim, and we hammered it through the tight, twisting canyon roads just east of Malibu. The 375-hp six-cylinder proved quite willing, but the chassis and all-season tires are happier coddling ­passengers than cornering at the limit.

Our test drive was limited to the top-shelf 3.5T Sport Prestige trim. While we didn't make use of the optional differential to swing the tail wide, we did find ourselves hammering through the extremely tight and twisty canyon roads just east of Malibu. Sport Plus drive mode increases steering effort, amps up the powertrain, and stiffens the adaptive dampers, giving the GV70 the impression of a credible performer. The 375-hp V-6 proved quite willing, but the chassis and all-season tires are happier coddling passengers than they are cornering at the limit.

Granted, not many GV70 owners will use their two-row SUV to carve canyons. Perhaps even fewer will take advantage of the GV70's launch-control feature, which we find to be a curious addition to such a luxurious vehicle. It requires you to disable stability control and activate Sport or Sport Plus mode, but the GV70's automatic transmission has a torque convertor, so it can't engage in the high-rpm clutch dump shenanigans of a dual-clutch automatic. Perhaps frustrated shoppers will find it handy during the busy holiday season when there's only one spot remaining at the far end of a parking lot. Use it and we'd estimate that the 300-hp four-cylinder will hit 60 in just less than 6.0 seconds; the six will dispatch with that mark right around 5.0 seconds. Towing capacity comes in at a low 3500 pounds, and the ground clearance measures 7.3 inches. As with the tow rating, the ground clearance will be enough for most casual adventures.