0:00 / 0:00
The 2026 Genesis GV70 is a Tough Competitor Updated

The 2026 Genesis GV70 is a Tough Competitor Updated

Driven Car Reviews Oct 07, 2025 19 min
0:00
0:00

About this episode

The 2026 Genesis GV70 receives a mid-cycle refresh that enhances its competitive edge in the luxury SUV market. With updates to its design, technology, and driving dynamics, the GV70 aims to challenge rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Notable features include advanced suspension systems that adapt to road conditions, a new 27-inch OLED display, and improved sound insulation. The hosts discuss their driving experience, highlighting the smoothness of the ride and the vehicle's sporty character. Overall, the GV70 is positioned as a strong contender in its class, with a focus on comfort and performance.

Filter:
|
Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Brand

Cadillac

"GM has Cadillac, Toyota, that would be Lexus."

Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars made by General Motors. They are known for their stylish designs and advanced features.

Brand

Lexus

"GM has Cadillac, Toyota, that would be Lexus."

Lexus is a brand of luxury cars made by Toyota. They are known for being reliable and comfortable.

Car

Hyundai Genesis

"...ing to me that some people still don't know about Genesis. When GV70 hit US streets in 2021, it was widely ..."

The Hyundai Genesis was a luxury car from Hyundai that aimed to compete with more expensive brands but at a lower price. It has now become its own brand called Genesis, which makes high-end cars. People are talking about the new Genesis models like the GV70 that are coming out.

Car

Genesis GV70

"When GV70 hit US streets in 2021, it was widely praised."

The Genesis GV70 is a new luxury SUV that came out in 2021. It's known for being stylish and having a lot of great features.

Car

Bmw X3

"... in a really tough category. It includes Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lincoln Novelis, Porsche Macan, and the 500-poun..."
Car

Audi Q5

"It includes Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lincoln Novelis, Porsche Macan, and the 500-pound gorilla, the Lexus RX."

The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV that is known for being comfortable and having a lot of technology features.

Car

Porsche Macan

"...ncludes Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lincoln Novelis, Porsche Macan, and the 500-pound gorilla, the Lexus RX."
Car

Lexus RX

"It includes Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lincoln Novelis, Porsche Macan, and the 500-pound gorilla, the Lexus RX."

The Lexus RX is a luxury SUV that is known for being very comfortable and having a good reputation for reliability.

Term

active noise cancellation

"These wheels and active noise cancellation hush the cabin."

Active noise cancellation is a system in cars that helps make the cabin quieter by using special technology to block out outside sounds.

Term

highway driving assist

"On the freeway, no need to grip the wheel when using highway driving assist. A finger touch is all that's needed now."

Highway driving assist is a feature that helps you drive on the highway by steering and controlling speed for you, making it easier to drive long distances.

Term

horsepower

"The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 we're driving pumps out 375 horses and 391 pound-feet."

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.

Term

turbocharged

"The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 we're driving pumps out 375 horses and 391 pound-feet."

Turbocharged means the engine has a special device that helps it produce more power by pushing in extra air, making the car faster without needing a bigger engine.

Term

pound-feet of torque

"The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 we're driving pumps out 375 horses and 391 pound-feet."

Pound-feet of torque measures how much twisting force an engine can produce. More torque helps the car accelerate faster and pull heavier loads.

Term

eight-speed

"Both engines use an eight-speed."

An eight-speed transmission means the car has eight different gears it can use while driving, which helps it run more smoothly and use less fuel.

Term

all-wheel drive

"All-wheel drive is standard across the board, but this is not a jeep, ground clearance..."

All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.

Term

limited-slip differential

"...and electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential is optional."

A limited-slip differential helps your car's wheels work better together, especially when one wheel slips. It makes sure both wheels get power, which helps with grip on the road.

Term

ADAS

"We're all used to these new semi-autonomous driving techs and ADAS and all. This one seems to be especially refined."

ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are smart technologies in cars that help drivers by making driving safer and easier, like helping with lane changes or braking automatically.

Term

fuel economy

"...It's very refined. Fuel economy. The EPA rates this at an average of 21 miles per gallon."

Fuel economy is how well a car uses fuel. It tells you how many miles you can drive on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better the car is at saving fuel.

Term

stability control

"...that actually turns off a lot of the stability control so you can have a little fun if you know what you're doing."

Stability control is a system in cars that helps keep them from sliding or losing control, especially in slippery conditions.

Term

sport mode

"But when you put it in sport mode, it will keep the revs up high and even the downshifts sound very sporty."

Sport mode is a setting in cars that makes them drive faster and more responsively, giving a sportier feel when you drive.

Term

display screen

"but it's got the new display screen, which is new for 2026. And it's really clear, easy to read, and it just gives it a high-tech look."

A display screen in a car shows important information like maps and music, and you can usually touch it to control different features.

Term

active suspension

"There's some other technology on this that has something to do with the active suspension. Like when you accelerate onto a freeway on-ramp, really hard, it keeps the nose down."

Active suspension is a system in cars that changes how the suspension works while you drive. It helps keep the car stable and comfortable by adjusting to bumps and turns automatically.

Term

adaptive cruise control

"...or even if you have the adaptive cruise and another car cuts in front of you, it keeps the front end from diving as well."

Adaptive cruise control is a car feature that helps you maintain a set speed while also keeping a safe distance from the car ahead. It can slow down or speed up automatically based on traffic.

Term

suspension system

"Actually has a suspension system that takes a view out the front and will adjust the suspension based on road conditions that it sees."

The suspension system helps keep the car stable and comfortable by absorbing bumps and making it easier to drive on rough roads.

Car

Mercedes-Benz Sclass

"suspension based on road conditions that it sees. Remember when you could only get that in a Mercedes S-Class, and it was $120,000? Times have changed."

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy and expensive car that is designed to be super comfortable and full of high-tech features. It can adjust its suspension to make the ride smoother based on the type of road it's on. People talk about it because it's one of the best luxury cars you can buy.

Car

Genesis G70

"Yeah. We're going to have to wait for the G70 Magma. They might do it."

The Genesis G70 is a smaller luxury car that offers a nice mix of style and performance without being too expensive. It's known for being fun to drive and having a nice interior. People are excited about a new version called the G70 Magma that might be coming out soon.

Term

MSRP

"I mean, even the price. I mean, $72,000 for a car, sure, that's a lot of money. And that's higher than the average price of a car in America."

MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests dealers sell the car for. It's a starting point for negotiations when buying a car.

Term

extra cost paint

"This has the extra cost paint."

Extra cost paint is a special color for the car that you have to pay more for because it's not part of the standard options.

Term

Android Auto

"...Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now wireless. Genesis connected services relies on a data plan, but it's free for the first owner for the life of the car."

Android Auto is a way to connect your Android phone to your car's screen, so you can use apps like maps and music without taking your hands off the wheel. It makes driving safer and more convenient.

Term

Apple CarPlay

"...Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now wireless. Genesis connected services relies on a data plan, but it's free for the first owner for the life of the car."

Apple CarPlay lets you connect your iPhone to your car's screen, so you can use apps like maps and music easily while driving. It helps you stay focused on the road.

Term

Genesis connected services

"...Genesis connected services relies on a data plan, but it's free for the first owner for the life of the car."

Genesis connected services lets you control some features of your car from your phone, like locking the doors or starting the engine, even when you're not in the car. It usually needs a data plan to work.

Term

forward collision avoidance assist

"...forward collision avoidance assist two is being added as an available option..."

This is a safety feature that helps prevent crashes by warning you if you're getting too close to something in front of you. It can even brake the car for you if needed.

8 cars featured

Request an Explanation

Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.

Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.

Want to learn more?

Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.

Explore Terms

Help improve this episode

See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars