AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING8.0/10
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Safety9.0/10
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PRACTICALITY8.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS8.0/10
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FEATURES9.0/10
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POWER8.0/10
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COMFORT8.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL9.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8.0/10
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VALUE8.0/10
While it’s also available with a smaller engine and as an electric vehicle (EV), this time out we’re driving the top-of-the-line 2025 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Plus w/eLSD AWD.
That mouthful of a name indicates this premium brand’s five-seat compact SUV is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 and uses an electronic limited-slip differential in the back. The GV70 lineup starts at $61,000 with a turbo four-cylinder, while my tester, the top trim among gas models, is $80,000. Only white paint is included, and the Capri Blue on this tester adds $500 to the asking price, but that’s all — Genesis includes freight in its pricing.
Styling: 8/10
While I find the big grille makes it a bit too nose-heavy, the GV70 is handsome overall, especially in profile where the brightwork over the doors flows down to underscore the windows in behind. Inside it’s luxurious without going over the top, with soft-touch materials and a quality heft to the metallic buttons and dials.
Safety: 9/10
The GV70 gets the top five-star crash-test rating from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2024 model was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving the top “Good” in the updated side test that better simulates being struck by a large SUV; and in the updated moderate front overlap crash, which now assesses potential injury to rear-seat passengers as well as to those in the front.
Standard driver-assist features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, emergency front and rear braking, parking sensors, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic, highway driving assist, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. Upper trims add a head-up display and upgraded driving assist, although there is an odd feature to that. When the assist is activated, the GV70 can change lanes by itself if you tap the turn signal stalk; however, you must keep your hands on the wheel but also not so firmly that it thinks you’re trying to steer. If it does, the system shuts off. It’s all part of Genesis working towards hands-free driving, but it seems pointless. If you have to hold on anyway, why not just change lanes yourself?
Features: 9/10
All trims include auto-dimming mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, a wireless charger, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a 14.5-inch centre touchscreen. The 3.5T Sport adds an electronically-controlled suspension, unique 21-inch wheels, a 16-way driver’s seat with adjustable bolsters and ergonomic settings, and alloy pedals; while the 3.5T Sport Plus further adds quilted leather upholstery, carbon-fibre trim, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, rear sunshades, remote parking assist, and that limited-slip diff.
User-Friendliness: 8/10
Premium models often go excessively high-tech, but most of the GV70’s functions are handled through hard buttons and dials, which helps reduce distraction. These include buttons to bring up the touchscreen’s menus, as well as cabin temperature dials and toggles for the heated and ventilated seats. Rear-chair passengers get equally-simple controls for their seat functions and temperature, too. If there is a weak point, it’s that the console-mounted dials for gear selection and infotainment are similarly-sized and close together, and it’s easy to mix them up.
Practicality: 8/10
The GV70 is considered a compact SUV, and while front-seat legroom is good, the rear seat is tighter. It’s not unbearable, but if your plan is to consistently carry a full house of taller people, you may want to move up to the larger GV80. The upside is that the GV70’s 818 L of cargo space is generous for the segment, and its relatively low liftover makes it easy to pile items in and take them back out. If that isn’t enough, it can tow a maximum of 1,587 kg (3,500 lb).
Comfort: 8/10
While those in the second row might want a bit more foot space — and, as is common, the middle position there isn’t the best in the house — the seats are supportive for long-distance comfort. The cabin is quiet, and it’s a pleasure to be inside.
Power: 8/10
The GV70 2.5T uses a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Instead, the 3.5T swaps that for a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6, making 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. The four-cylinder is more than enough to move this small sport-ute around, but the V6 adds a decent helping of spicy heat. It really scoots when you put your foot into it, but it’s also smooth, and it’s easy to modulate the power for comfortable driving in stop-and-go traffic.
Driving Feel: 9/10
The GV70 is a sharp handler, but it’s also lovely and refined. The AWD system sends more torque to the rear wheels under most conditions, giving it a sporty but surefooted feel. It takes curves with composed confidence; the steering is well-weighted and very responsive; and the turning circle is tight. The ride is smooth, even on the 21-inch wheels and tires, with rough pavement never making its way into the cabin. It’s just a genuinely great vehicle to drive.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
The V6-equipped GV70 is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to burn 12.9 L/100 km in the city, 10.0 on the highway, and 11.6 combined, and it takes premium-grade fuel. In my week with it, I averaged 12.5 L/100 km. That’s a higher number than many competitors, but also note that many in the segment aren’t as powerful, or may have mild-hybrid technology that helps ease the strain on the engine, while the GV70 does not.
Value: 8/10
The four-cylinder GV70 lineup starts at $61,000 and goes to $69,500; while the two V6 models begin with the 3.5T Sport at $74,000. For the move up to the $80,000 Sport Plus tested here, the difference includes the limited-slip differential, quilted upholstery, carbon fibre trim, and a bigger instrument display.
Many rivals start at high price points overall, including the BMW X3, which runs from $61,380 to $77,380; while the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is approximately $62,000 to $83,700 (prices including delivery). When you’re cross-shopping, note that Genesis pricing includes delivery, along with scheduled maintenance and someone to pick up your vehicle and leave a loaner when a shop visit is required (if you live within service range).
The Verdict
The 2025 Genesis GV70 is great to drive, comfortable, good-looking, and comes with a lot of features for the price. Genesis is promising considerable updates for 2026, and we’ll have to see what they are; but in the meantime, if you’re cross-shopping small premium SUVs, this model needs to be on your list.
| Engine Displacement | 3.5L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo V6 |
| Peak Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 391 lb-ft @ 1,300-4,500 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 11.8 / 9.0 / 10.6 cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 818 / 1,611 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2025 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Plus w/eLSD AWD |
| Base Price | $80,000 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | N/A |
| Price as Tested | $80,600 |
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Optional Equipment
$500 — Capri Blue paint, $500
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