2024 Genesis G70 First Drive Review: A Bigger Engine Makes for a Better Car

The Genesis G70, the brand’s entry-level luxury sedan, received a minor refresh for 2024. This comes after a major overhaul in 2022 that brought sharper looks, a more comfortable cabin, a better infotainment system, and improved safety features.

While the 2024 changes are subtler, a significant power boost to the base engine inspires excitement. But can it compete with established rivals like the Acura TLX, Lexus IS, and the best of Europe’s small luxury sedans? We got behind the wheel of the new G70 to see if it holds its own.

What’s under the G70’s hood?

The 2024 Genesis G70 says goodbye to its wimpy 252-horsepower base engine and throws a punchier 300-horsepower option. This 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes the G70 one of the strongest contenders in the small luxury sedan class, leaving rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

But if you crave even more muscle, there’s still the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 pumping out 365 horsepower, unchanged from the previous model. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and send power to the rear wheels, with all-wheel drive available. So, whether you’re a casual cruiser or a power-hungry driver, the 2024 G70 has an engine that speaks your language.

Decision time: four-cylinder or V6?

We couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of the G70 with its brand-new four-cylinder engine, knowing it’ll be the workhorse for most buyers. And let me tell you, that extra oomph definitely shows! The car feels noticeably zippy, especially when cruising in each gear’s lower to mid-range.

It’s so responsive that upgrading to the turbo V6 doesn’t seem entirely necessary unless you crave top-tier muscle. The V6 doesn’t feel like a lightning bolt in everyday driving compared to the four-cylinder. One thing we wish for, though, is a more captivating soundtrack from the V6.

That persistent hissy induction noise gets tiresome after a while. Having a throatier purr to match the car’s sporty spirit would be lovely.

Forget tire squeal and exhaust roar; the real party pooper for the 2.5T’s driving fun is the 8-speed automatic. While it delivers buttery-smooth shifts most of the time, it can leave you hanging when you need a quick burst of power. Think highway passing maneuvers that turn into nail-biting exercises or spirited track sessions that feel like slow-motion chases.

The paddle shifters, meant to add some engagement, are equally disappointing, leaving you feeling numb and disconnected from the action and yearning for more control. In short, this gearbox puts a damper on an otherwise thrilling engine.

How does the G70 handle?

The 2.5T’s steering wheel feels light and nimble, but it gives you a good sense of what’s happening under the tires. This makes it easy to point the car exactly where you want it, whether cruising down the highway or squeezing into a tight parking spot. However, the 3.3T, with its beefier V6 engine, is a different story.

The extra weight up front makes the steering feel heavier, and you might notice it doesn’t turn in quite as sharply as the 2.5T. It’s still precise and predictable, but it doesn’t have the same darty responsiveness.

Forget about the fade! For the 2024 G70, Genesis throws out the rulebook and equips every model with Brembo brakes, the kind of stoppers you’d expect on a high-performance machine. That’s right, even the base G70 gets the Brembo treatment, a rarity in the automotive world.

Up front, you’ll find massive 13.8-inch rotors chomped on by four-piston calipers, while the rear gets 13.4-inch rotors with two-piston calipers. But don’t worry, this isn’t all about raw power. The Brembos are surprisingly easy to modulate, making even stop-and-go traffic a breeze.

And if you’re craving even more corner-carving thrills, the Sport Prestige model adds a limited-slip differential and adjustable suspension to the mix. Talk about a recipe for driving fun!

Get ready to put the pedal to the metal! We got behind the wheel of the hottest G70 in the lineup, the rear-wheel-drive 3.3T Sport Prestige, and let it rip on the track. Hit the “sport” button, and the suspension instantly transforms, tightening to hug the curves like a champ. Body roll?

What body roll? The G70 corners like a dream, with a hint of understeer if you push it hard. But don’t worry; a quick lift off the gas brings the nose back in line. And thanks to the sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (not found on all-wheel-drive models, FYI), the grip is rarely an issue unless you’re channeling your inner Lewis Hamilton. Even then, the car’s reactions are predictable and confidence-inspiring. This G70 isn’t just luxurious, it’s a true driver’s car.

How comfortable is the G70?

The G70 strikes a sweet spot on the road, balancing a plush ride with some sporty spirit. While all models roll on standard 19-inch wheels, this isn’t a drawback. Genesis engineers cleverly tuned the suspension specifically for these larger hoops, avoiding the compromises often seen with optional wheel sizes.

Bumps are absorbed with aplomb, keeping the cabin serene, though during our testing, it couldn’t completely defeat every wrinkle on particularly rough asphalt.

Sink into the driver’s seat of the G70 and a hug, not a squeeze, greets you. The adjustable bolsters hold you securely without becoming claustrophobic, striking a perfect balance between comfort and support. But while the seats are stellar, the same can’t be said for the cabin noise.

This Genesis surprisingly lets in more road and wind racket than we’d expect from a luxury car, especially considering the serene hush in other brand models. It’s a head-scratcher, leaving us to wonder if the G70 prioritizes sportiness over serenity a touch too much.

How’s the G70’s interior?

Step inside the 2024 G70 and you’ll find a familiar face. The interior design has yet to receive a major overhaul, but there’s a key update that might catch your eye (or rather, finger): the climate control system. Gone are the familiar buttons and knobs, replaced by a sleek touchscreen interface.

While it looks modern, it could be more user-friendly than the old setup. Adjusting the temperature is still a breeze with a dedicated knob, but fiddling with fan speed or heated seats requires diving into the touchscreen, which means taking your attention away from the road – not ideal. So, while the 2024 G70’s interior might not scream “new car,” the tech upgrade might leave you feeling lukewarm.

Slip inside the G70, and you’ll encounter a cabin that’s a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, the driver’s throne is a delight. Instruments and controls are all within easy reach, and the abundance of seat and steering wheel adjustments means finding the perfect driving position is a breeze.

But step outside the driver’s bubble, and things get snug. Compared to rivals, the G70’s cabin feels downright cramped, especially for passengers in the back. Its small size makes it a dart to zip around corners, but it comes at the cost of sacrificing spaciousness.

How’s the G70’s tech?

The G70’s infotainment system is a familiar face, returning unchanged from last year. While it’s user-friendly and gets the job done, it offers a different level of customization than some newer competitors. But fear not, tech lovers! The touchscreen is nice and responsive, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you can bring your own digital playground. This year, Genesis throws in USB-C charging for all your gadget needs.

On the safety front, the G70 keeps things simple and effective. Your guardian angels on the road are standard driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.

They’re easy to use and work seamlessly – the adaptive cruise control maintained a safe distance on the highway, and the other systems didn’t throw any false alarms. So, while the infotainment system might not win any innovation awards, the G70 still delivers a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.

How economical is the G70?

While the 2024 G70 boasts a new, peppy 2.5T engine, its fuel economy leaves much to be desired. It manages a combined 24 mpg (21 city, 29 highway), a slight downgrade from the previous engine and falling short of rivals that can crack 30 mpg.

Opting for the more powerful 3.3T engine further worsens this, dropping fuel efficiency to 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway) and choosing all-wheel drive? Expect to lose another one mpg across the board.

Even worse, the V6’s fuel economy remains unchanged, lagging behind competitors. Bottom line: despite the solid performance, the G70’s fuel efficiency is a downer.