Sunday Drive: The 2024 Genesis G70 provides a first-class drive
As luxury compact sedans go, the 2024 Genesis G70 turned out to be one that stood out to us in this ever-growing market. It combined a refined appearance, advanced technology, with a really powerful performance. In our opinion, this latest offering from Genesis was making a statement to redefine the expectations for luxury and performance in a small package.
Design and exterior
From the moment the 2024 Genesis G70 landed in our driveway for our weekly test drive, it became clear that this was a car destined to make some kind of impression on us. The updated exterior featured a sleek, aggressive look with sharp lines and a distinctive front fascia. The signature Crest grille was flanked by quad LED headlights, giving the sedan a bold yet modern face.
The profile of the G70 was equally striking, with a coupe-like silhouette that emphasized its sporty nature. The 19-inch chrome wheels perfectly accented the sport’s white exterior, adding an extra touch of elegance and performance. The rear of the car was equally compelling, with dual exhaust outlets and sleek LED taillights rounding out the package.
Interior and comfort
Getting inside the Genesis each day was a treat unto itself, as we were greeted by a cabin that exuded luxury and sophistication every time. The interior was a blend of high-quality materials, advanced technology and thoughtful design. The seats, upholstered in rich napa leather, offered both comfort and support, making long drives a pleasure. The front seats were heated and ventilated, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions, even though in June we only used the ventilation feature.
The cabin’s layout proved to be very driver-focused, with a well-organized center console and easy-to-reach controls. The Sport Prestige trim added a touch of flair with its sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals and unique interior trim. The panoramic sunroof flooded the interior with natural light, always a welcome addition in any of our test rides.
Technology and infotainment
The G70 was packed with the latest technology to keep us connected and entertained on the road. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch touch screen infotainment system, featuring crisp graphics and an easy-to-use interface. The system also supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing wireless integration of our smartphones.
The G70 also boasted a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Standard equipment included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. These features not only enhanced our safety but also made everyday driving more convenient and less stressful, especially if a longer drive was necessary.
Performance and handling
Under the hood, the 2024 Genesis G70 was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This power plant produced an impressive 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, thus providing plenty of punch for any spirited driving that we wanted to engage in. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivered smooth and precise shifts every time.
The all-wheel-drive system ensured excellent traction and stability, regardless of road conditions. We had a chance to really get to know this with a trip up over the Mirror Lake Highway on some of the most curvaceous roads in Utah.
The car’s suspension had been finely tuned to strike a balance between comfort and agility. The Sport Prestige trim included an adaptive suspension system, allowing us to tailor the ride and handling to our own preferences.
On the road, the G70 proved to be a joy to drive. The steering was precise and responsive, providing excellent feedback when we were behind the wheel. The car felt planted and composed, even if we added some extra speed to the mix. The turbocharged engine delivered strong acceleration, propelling the G70 from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds.
Fuel efficiency
For a car that offered such strong performance, the Genesis was surprisingly efficient. The turbocharged engine and advanced transmission contributed to respectable fuel economy figures. The EPA rates the G70 at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway; we averaged just over 25 mpg on our week out and about.
Value and competitors
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2024 Genesis was its value proposition. Priced competitively within the luxury compact sedan segment, with our test ride coming in under $50,000, the G70 offered a level of quality, performance and features that rivals more expensive competitors. When compared to models like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the G70 makes a very compelling value proposition for itself.
At the end of the week
The 2024 Genesis G70 in the Sport Prestige trim proved to us to be a testament to how far the Genesis brand has come in a relatively short time. It combined a striking design, over-the-top comfort, awesome technology and breathtaking performance in a very driver-focused package.
For those in the market for a luxury compact sedan that offers great value without compromising on quality or performance, the 2024 Genesis G70 deserves a close look. It’s a car that not only meets the high expectations of the luxury segment but also sets a higher bar for what a compact luxury sedan can be. If just a driving enthusiast or simply looking for a stylish and capable daily driver, the G70 Sport Prestige is sure to impress.
Base price: $43,600
Destination charge: $1,250
Price as driven: $49,050
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- Deanne stands with the Genesis G70 as we traversed over the Mirror Lake Highway all the way down into Evanston, Wyoming. It was the perfect chance to really get a feel for the performance that comes with the G70.
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- Inside the 2022 Genesis G70.
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- The new 2024 Genesis G70.
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- Inside the new 2024 Genesis G70.
