Sometimes, when we think of a compact luxury SUV, our minds go straight to Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. But hiding in plain sight is the Genesis GV70, a newcomer that seems gently tucked away behind bigger badges. Its sleek lines and sharp details hint at something special, and under the hood you find a 2.5‑liter turbocharged engine that puts out around 300 horsepower and 311 lb‑ft of torque. That power catapults you from zero to sixty in about five seconds, a number you’d expect from a sports car but delivered with the poise of an SUV. The way it looks is a small surprise too, a bold crest grille up front, flowing curves along the sides, and a coupe‑like roofline that gives it an athletic stance without sacrificing headroom for passengers.
Step inside and you’re welcomed by soft Nappa leather seats which are often found in Mercedes-Benz that hug you in just the right spots, with heating and ventilation to keep you comfortable in any weather. The 14.5‑inch touchscreen sits front and center, and its simple menus make it easy to switch between navigation, music, or your phone. There’s even wireless charging for your devices and a customizable head‑up display that projects speed or directions onto the windshield so you don’t have to look away from the road. On the safety side, Genesis loaded up the GV70 with lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. If you live somewhere with changeable weather, the available all‑wheel‑drive system gives extra grip on wet or snowy roads, and the adaptive suspension smooths out bumps to keep things quiet in the cabin.
When you stack the GV70 next to a BMW X3, Mercedes‑Benz GLC, or Audi Q5, you start to see the value it brings despite being a subsidiary of Hyundai, which is what most see and choose to opt for their competitors. The GV70 usually costs a touch less but doesn’t hold back on comfort or tech; it even offers a full five‑year, 60,000‑mile warranty plus 10 years of powertrain coverage, easing worries over surprise repairs by Genesis. The X3 and GLC might have more familiar badges, and the Q5 boasts a slick digital interior. Still, the GV70’s attention to little details like soft‑close doors, a locking glovebox, and a quiet, well-insulated cabin makes every drive feel considered.
Cargo space is also considerably generous. Maybe it’s time we all paused our usual test drives and reviews on YouTube and gave the Genesis GV70 a proper look, it could be the hidden gem we didn’t know we were missing.
