Every now and then, a supremely excellent vehicle hides in the shadows. Such is the case with the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD. While so many small luxury SUVs fight for the attention of buyers, the GV70 seemingly sits quietly, waiting for you to look its way and recognize just how good it is.
The grille on the 2026 Genesis GV70 is unmistakably a Genesis trademark.
It’s tough to ignore the heavyweights in the segment, such as the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. And while I would maintain the benchmark for that group is the Lexus NX, the GV70 is its equal in every way — and better in some.
For 2026, the GV70 gets some minor updates. There’s no point in messing up a good thing, and the GV70 is the brand’s best-selling vehicle. However, that’s not to say one can’t improve a little bit. The GV70 takes the standard small SUV shape and puts a special spin on it already with its massive front grille and split taillights. It’s progressive without being too far out there.
The exterior updates include a redesign of that aforementioned G-Matrix Crest Grille as well as the iconic two-line headlamps equipped with micro lens array technology. The front end has been enhanced with a bolder skid plate design, giving the GV70 a heartier stance complemented by extended air intake grilles, which create an athletic appearance.
Big changes inside
The entire luxury segment — as well as parts of the mainstream market — are shifting toward massive, high-definition displays that, in some cases, stretch from one side of the vehicle to the other.
The GV70 takes the general shape of an SUV, and tweaks it to make it its own form.
The GV70 doesn’t boast that kind of technology, it does get a new 27-inch OLED display that links the gauge cluster with the infotainment touchscreen into a seamless look. However, it also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which essentially sits next to the gauge cluster. It’s an impressive display, but also offers fantastic functionality.
Genesis designers understand that the luxury set wants what they want so if you want to adjust the volume with a knob, you can do that. Want a steering wheel-mounted scroll wheel for the same function, no problem. The native infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use. Conversely, Apple CarPlay fans get exactly what they expect and with no lag time.
In the top-of-the-line Sport Prestige model, the infotainment system is tied to a concert-quality Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. To ensure that you feel the music as much as you hear it, there are speakers everywhere, including under the driver’s seat.
Comfort and safety
The Genesis GV70 features an all-new 27-inch OLED screen that houses the gauge cluster as well as the infotainment system.
When paying north of $70K for a luxury vehicle (we’ll get to more of that later), a comfortable ride that is also a safe one should be a given and that’s the case with the GV70. Our model with its Ultramarine Blue Nappa leather seats with orange quilted contrast stitching is not only eye-catching, but also supportive and secure.
With the orange seat belts and ambient lighting, the GV70 is other worldly at night. In fact, I was getting out of the car at dusk during my time in it and the 5-year-old boy who lives nearby walked past while I had the door open. A big car fan — once asking me, “I thought you only drove sports cars?!!” — he proclaimed to his mom, “It’s orange in there! It’s really orange.” To be sure … it’s a vibe.
In terms of safety technology, it comes with everything you’d expect, including available advanced safety and convenience capabilities which include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Highway Drive Assist, and more.
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