We finally have specs for the handsome new SUV, nearly two months after Genesis displayed its styling.
An preview in October has already revealed that the 2022 Genesis GV70 will be a handsome SUV. The attractive lines of the SUV, which is clearly inspired by the GV80 but is not directly copied, will allow the luxury brand to offer an entry-level option in addition to the G70 sedan. We’ve seen the GV70’s exterior styling and interior, but Genesis has not released any details or specifications. Until now.
According to the company’s website, the 2022 Genesis GV70 will have three engines. A turbocharged 2.5-liter Inline-four, a turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 and a 2.2 liter turbodiesel-inline-four. However, don’t be surprised if the oil-burner doesn’t make it to the US. The eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on each engine. Rear- and all-wheel drives will also be available. The GV70 will be a strong competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, Lincoln Corsair and Volvo XC60. It should drive as well as the GV80.
People Have Power
The 2022 Genesis GV70’s engine lineup will include a 2.5-liter four cylinder and a twin-scroll turbocharger. The engine in the GV70 will be 300 horsepower and 311 pound feet, which is the same as the GV80. The 375-hp and 391-lbft 3.5-liter V6 will also be available in the GV70. This engine will be one of two options engines. The second turbodiesel four-banger is a 2.2 liter turbodiesel four, producing 207 horsepower and 325 lbft. However, it is not slated for the States.
The GV70 Sport is a more modern version of the SUV’s design. The GV70 will stand out against aggressive competitors like the BMW X3 M40i, and the Audi SQ5. The Genesis will be equipped with an electronic limited slip rear differential. This is a great feature for sporty driving as well as slippery conditions. A YouTube livestream showed a graphic that indicated that the E-LSD could share up to 70% of the rear axle’s torque. We will confirm this tidbit by contacting Genesis representatives.
Genesis claims that the GV70 will feature an electronically controlled suspension with road preview. This technology is similar to Mercedes-Benz Active Body Control. The GV70 uses both a front-facing scanner as well as navigation information to detect potholes and other obstacles. It adjusts damping force automatically to smoothen the ride and maintain body control. It will be the first segment feature to arrive in the US. This feature is normally reserved for premium sedans and SUVs of other marques.
Helping Hand
The 2022 Genesis GV70 is a modern vehicle with a long list of active driving technologies. The standard features of the G70 sedan’s forward collision warning and prevention, blind spot monitor, and lane-keeping assistance will all be available on the GV70. Advanced safety and security technology include a fingerprint scanner that can be used to start the vehicle or pay for cloud-based services such as gasoline, tolls and other fuel costs. The rear passenger alert system can detect the movements and breathing of a child and notify the owner (or passersby) to intervene before something terrible happens.
Highway Driving Assist II is the second generation in the Hyundai technology suite. It will include automatic lane changes, activated by the turn signal stalk, and will be better able to deal with the short-range cut-ins one might encounter at zipper merges. Navigation-based adaptive cruise control, which is based on GPS, will preemptively lower speed in curves. This will improve driver confidence as well as passenger comfort.
A Emotional Proposition
The GV70 will offer more sportiness than its refined G80 sibling. We expect the GV70 to respond quickly in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive versions of the small SUV. It is based on the new Genesis rear-drive SUV platform.
Although Genesis has not yet provided official curb weights, we believe the SUV will weigh in at just under 3,900 lbs in rear-drive, 2.5T form. All-wheel drive adds about 200 pounds, and the 3.5-liter V6 adds 250 pounds. A loaded GV70 will weigh in at 4,400 pounds. This is roughly the same as other competitors in this class.
The GV70’s distinctive design is what sets it apart from other Genesis products as well as its segment competitors. The GV70 features the same shield motif, equal-sign tail lights and headlamps as its siblings. However, these features are only mounted to an SUV shape. The GV80’s traditional, upright D-pillar design and wide, upward-sweeping daylight openings are gone. Instead, the rear hatch curves gently and there are triangular quarter windows.
The GV70, like the G80, has a body line that begins at the hood and runs the length of the vehicle. It cascades downward over the rear wheels, giving the SUV a streamlined, forward-leaning appearance. The GV70, however, places the rear fender haunches higher than its siblings. The GV70 is the next evolution in Genesis brand design. Its unique and attractive exterior features are also highlighted by the smooth-rounded rear hatch.
The GV70 will be available in South Korea shortly, and US deliveries are expected in the second half of 2021. This is the brand’s most important launch, as it places it in the highly contested small luxury SUV market. The 2022 GV70 is a good choice for Genesis.