2021 Genesis G70

History/Overview

Genesis is a new brand on the scene, arriving in Canada just a few years ago, but they're not exactly new to building cars. That's because they're part of Hyundai, like Lexus to Toyota, building vehicles that are luxury steps above and beyond what we're used to from the parent company. Genesis is also unique in that they have a largely at-home model. They'll bring the car to you (or to them) for test drives, service, and other requirements. They also have an all-in pricing model. The G70 is their smallest car, a sports sedan available in rear or all-wheel drive and with an impressive amount of both driver enjoyment and luxury.

What's New

New this year is an all-wheel drive G70 2.0T Advanced trim level, the new base model. Also new are LED headlights across the board.

Available Trims

The G70 starts with the 2.0T Advanced AWD, using the 2.0L turbo engine and, yes, all-wheel drive. There are other trims using that engine including 2.0T Sport, a rear-drive offering with a six-speed manual (the only one with those two features, all others are AWD and eight-speed auto), 2.0T Elite, and 2.0T Prestige. Two trims are available with a 3.3L turbocharged V6, the 3.3T Prestige and 3.3T Sport.

Standard Features

2.0T Advanced starts with a full slate of active safety features including blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise with stop-go. It also has a heated wheel with heated front seats, a power sunroof, 18-inch alloys, proximity entry with trunk opening and push-start, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2.0T Sport has a sport appearance body kit, and comes with a limited-slip rear differential along with Brembo brakes. It also has a premium audio system, head-up display, 19-inch alloys with performance tires, Nappa leather seating (with thicker bolsters)

2.0T Elite is based on the Advanced and adds genuine leather seating, parking sensors, power tilt/telescope wheel, driver memory system, 15-speaker Lexicon audio, and adds ventilation to the front and heat to the rear seats. Prestige adds Nappa leather, 19-inch alloys, adaptive headlights, surround-view camera, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display.

3.3T Prestige has the same equipment as the 2.0T version but adds that twin-turbo V6, Brembo brakes, and variable gear steering. 3.3T Sport adds a limited slip differential, adaptive suspension, dark chrome accents, more heavily bolstered seats with Nappa leather covering, and performance tires.

Key Options

With the Genesis all-inclusive pricing, your only options are trim level, colour, and if you want the fancy floor mats.

Fuel Economy

The 2.0T Sport Genesis G70 is rated to return an estimated 12.8 L/100 km city/8.5 highway. 2.0T AWD models 11.4/8.5. With the V6, expect 14.1/9.5 city/highway.

Competition

The G70 competes against established names like the sporty Audi A4, driver-focused BMW 3 Series, and luxury-heavy Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as slightly newer choices in the Lexus IS and Acura TLX.