2022 Genesis GV70

As luxury brands go, South Korea’s Genesis is still in its infancy, having sold its first cars (as an independent Hyundai spinoff), the G80 and G90 sedans, for the 2017 model year. Despite its relative youth, Genesis has had a string of successes: We named the automaker’s G70 sports sedan our Best of 2019 award winner, and its GV80 mid-size SUV was a nominee last year for our Best of the Year award. New for 2022, the GV70 compact luxury SUV impresses on a number of fronts. Sleek exterior styling bridges the gap between a traditional SUV and the coupelike SUV look that’s increasingly popular among luxury marques. The cabin is just as distinctive and can be trimmed with premium materials like Nappa leather and carbon fiber.

The G70 sports sedan is one of our favorites because of its great driving dynamics, and the GV70 reminds us of that car; it’s one of the best-driving compact luxury SUVs we’ve tested, with a rewarding, communicative feel from the driver’s seat. Two engines are offered: a standard 300-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or an optional 375-hp, twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

Genesis has been known for value, and even though the GV70’s MSRP can exceed $65,000 with options, it does start at around $42,000, which is on the low end of the class. All in all, the GV70 is another impressive vehicle from Genesis that’s a compelling alternative to established compact luxury SUVs.