Updated September 19, 2018, to include model year price information.
We have fresh information about the Genesis G70.
The 2019 Genesis G70 is one of three sedans sold by Hyundai’s luxury brand. It has several things we like, including standard rear-wheel drive, an available 6-speed manual gearbox and tough looks. Its arrival, though, comes as the market tilts heavily to SUVs.
Updates for 2019
The 2019 G70 is an all-new model. Its joins the midsize G80 and the large G90 sedans in rounding out Genesis’ sedan lineup. The next three models scheduled to appear in the Genesis portfolio include at least two SUVs and one not-yet-announced body type. They can’t arrive fast enough as sedan sales are small.
Shopping for a 2019 Genesis G70
As a compact luxury sedan, the Genesis G70 takes on the industry’s strongest models, including the pacesetting BMW 3 Series. Other competitors in this segment include the Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and the Infiniti Q50.
The Genesis G70 has room for five, although rear space is tight, especially concerning legroom. Its trunk is very small too, measuring just 11 cubic feet. That’s still larger than the 2018 ATS Sedan’s 10.4 cubic feet, but less than the 13 cubic feet in the Audi A4.
There are two engine choices available and both offer distinct power advantages. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine with an output of 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, the base engine with rear-wheel drive supplies an optional 6-speed manual gearbox. That’s an increasingly uncommon option in this segment. Besides standard rear-wheel drive, customers can choose all-wheel drive.
The most efficient G70 is the standard rear-wheel-drive model with the automatic transmission. This one earns 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. That’s a combined 3 mpg better than the manual. Opt for the V6 and your EPA-estimated fuel economy comes in as high as 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Trims to Consider
Genesis offers the 2019 G70 2.0T in six trim levels: Advanced, Elite, Prestige, Dynamic, Sport and Sport M/T, while G70 3.3T variants are available in four trim levels: Advanced, Elite, Prestige and Sport.
All prices do not include the $995 destination charge.
Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin all-season tires and a hands-free smart trunk.
All models come with a proximity key with push-button start, stainless steel front door sill plates, a 12-way power driver’s seat including four-way power lumbar, power windows with front and rear automatic up and down, an 8-way power passenger’s seat, an electronic parking brake, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Also, dual automatic climate control, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, imitation leather seats, illuminated front vanity mirrors with sliding sun visors, a rear seat folding armrest with cup holders, and a front map light and pin light. Further, you’ll find a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a rearview camera with parking guidelines, and steering wheel audio, cruise and phone controls.
You’ll also find HD Radio, three USB ports (two front, one rear), a 7-inch color LCD multi-information display, Genesis Connected Services telematics, an 8-inch display audio screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a rearview camera with parking guidelines
Advanced ($34,900 RWD, $36,900 AWD)
The above listed standard equipment is covered in this trim. Select the all-wheel-drive option and this model gains a heated steering wheel.
Choose the twin-turbo 3.3 engine and the price starts at $43,750 ($45,750 for all-wheel drive).
Elite ($39,900 RWD, $41,900 AWD)
Building on the Advanced trim, the Elite adds such features as full LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding, auto-dimming exterior mirrors with approach lights, and a sunroof. You’ll also find a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, leather seats, navigation and a 15-speaker Lexicon audio system.
Choose the twin-turbo 3.3 engine and the price starts at $45,500 ($47,500 for all-wheel drive).
Prestige ($44,900, AWD Only)
The middle trim features low-beam assist, Nappa leather seats, a power driver seat cushion extension, front passenger four-way power lumbar support, heated rear seats, a surround-view monitor, a heads-up display (HUD) and a Qi wireless charging pad.
Choose the twin-turbo 3.3 engine and the price starts at $45,500 ($47,500 for all-wheel drive).
Dynamic ($48,000 RWD, $50,000 AWD)
Building on the Prestige trim, the Dynamic model adds two performance elements: 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin PS4 summer tires and a limited-slip differential for rear-wheel drive models only.
Sport ($49,500 RWD, $51,500 AWD)
The Sport level builds on the Dynamic trim and adds such exterior embellishments as a dark chrome grille, copper headlight accents and dark tint taillight covers.
Launch Editions
Genesis will offer a pair of launch editions. The Design begins at $48,750 and the Dynamic comes in at $50,750. Add $2,000 for all-wheel drive.
Standard safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
Buyer’s Choice
We’re going to weasel out from selecting a recommended trim. Likely, your choice will have everything to do with the type of driver you are.
If performance is your passion, then the base engine with the manual gearbox may be right for you. That said, the V6 engine supplies the kick that takes the rear-wheel-drive version from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Decisions, decisions…but the choices are quite good no matter how you look at it.
See Also — Genesis to Separate From Hyundai Showrooms
Genesis G70 photos copyright the Genesis Brand. All rights reserved.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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