I was recently thrown the keys to the 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige. Rather than spew statistics and list features, I always feel the best way to help gauge whether a vehicle is worthwhile is to showcase just which features will actually matter and catch your eye. And, of course, those few that might let you down. Below is just that — a detailed list of everything that wooed me and a few things that left me wanting more on the 2022 Genesis G70.
Love: Turbocharged Power
The 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige is, as its name would suggest, powered by a 3.3L turbocharged V6 engine. That turbocharged V6 provides you a more-than-apt 365 hp and 376 lb.-ft. of torque. The powerplant is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which features paddle shifters behind the steering wheel — should you wish to select your own gears and control the power.
Love: Loads of Luxury For a Bargain Price
When compared to any other brand, the luxury value on the interior you get in the 2022 Genesis G70 and, really, most of the Genesis lineup is just a bargain. It features a 10.25-inch navigation screen that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12-way adjustable power front driver and passenger seats, and Smart Cruise Control.
My tester vehicle also had the Sport Advanced Package and the Sport Prestige boxes checked which added a 15 speaker Lexicon audio system sprinkled about the cabin, a heads up display, a surround-view monitor with blind-spot view monitor, Nappa leather seating and matching door surfaces, a microfiber suede headliner, ventilated front seats, and a wide sunroof to go with it. All this is available for a smidge over $50,000.
Love: Standard Rear-Wheel-Drive
One of the best things about the 2022 Genesis G70 is the 365 hp and 376 lb.-ft. of torque gets sent exclusively to its rear wheels. While an all-wheel-drive model is optional, I find sending the power to the rear wheels to be more fun. With rear-wheel-drive coming standard, you’ll find this sedan has plenty of punch off the line — and in the corners.
Love: Driver-Centric Design
With the 2022 Genesis G70, you can tell that the aim was to deliver a performance-oriented sedan. And hitting that mark is often missed by many brands. Too many manufacturers load cars up with “performance” packages that, in reality, are nothing more than appearance packages. But beyond the very welcome 350+ hp and RWD, the G70 has a bunch more in the driver department. It even allows you to create your own custom driver-centric setting — a drive mode select feature that comes standard.
The Sport Prestige package adds Brembo brakes at all four corners, a limited-slip differential, and an electronically controlled suspension. And the Sport Advances Package bumps it up a notch with a variable exhaust valve system and power driver seat bolster which in the Sport and Sport+ modes will grab you and hold you in place when you take those turns a bit harder.
Love: Blind Spot Monitor
Every brand has its gimmicks, but gimmicks that are actually functional are special. In the 2022 Genesis G70, when you flick on your turn signal indicator, a camera view showing your rear wheel also appears on the digital screen — Genesis calls it the blind spot monitor. The camera view is helpful if you are close to clipping a curb or if you want to make sure no car is coming up on your blind spot. I imagine most drivers will rarely need this feature, but for the times you do, you will be glad it is there.
I will say that, unlike a few of the Hyundai and Genesis models I have tested with full digital gauge clusters, since the gauge cluster is only half digital, the camera bubble pops up on the right side for both the left and right turn indicator. Whereas if you have a full digital screen, pressing left pops the bubble on the left and right on the right. Below, I get into how I really feel about the half-digital screen.
Hate: Unusable Backseats
There isn’t much to mention on this negative. While the Nappa leather sure looks nice behind your shoulder, no normal-sized human can actually sit in the back. Sure, if you have small children, they can make use of the back seat for a time, but only until their next growth spurt. This poorly thought-out backseat design renders this 5-seater essentially useless if you want to transport more than one other adult in comfort.
Hate: Half Digital Gauge Cluster
A lot of drivers like the old analog-style gauge clusters, while some are looking to the future with full-on digital screens front and center. The 2022 Genesis G70’s gauge cluster, on the other hand, is stuck between worlds, and I feel it hurts its image.
Over on the left, you get an analog-style gauge for the speedometer, while the other gauge clusters are one digital screen. The digital display includes an information display and the tachometer as well as other features like the blind spot monitor camera when you flip on a turn signal. M opinion? Commit to old school or move into the future — being in between isn’t going to age well.
Hate: No Status With the Big Names
The 2022 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige is a great luxury/performance sedan, particularly for the price. I will put my name on it (I kind of am by writing this). However, the Genesis name doesn’t carry weight yet especially in the world of luxury sedans, and I feel that definitely hurts the G70. Don’t expect to up your status with this sedan.
2022 Genesis G70: The Perfect Mix of Luxury and Performance
The positives sure outweigh the negatives on this luxury sedan. Sure, there are plenty of vehicles that might post bigger numbers and fly around a track faster, but the 2022 Genesis G70 might be the perfect blend of luxury while allowing you to scratch that performance itch with your right foot. Only you can help it in the status department by buying one. And only time will tell if the G70 can gain some prestige in the world of luxury performance sedans if you do.
