Open Letter to Genesis Motors - How I'd Improve the GV70

[Jordan__]

The inferior stereo on the GV70 Electrified. I have the Canadian trim (only comes fully loaded) and they deleted the underfloor subs and apparently replaced that with a tiny subwoofer that lives where the center channel should be, and turning the volume up past 50 has me feeling like there is cotton in my ears there is just no clarity or punch in in the mids, no power or depth to the bass, and the sound staging is non-existent. I admittedly love my music but that's the biggest thing that would prevent me from leasing another.

 

[PMCErnie]

The vent placement on the new 2026 model is horrendous to say the least, they removed the climate controls and placed the vent there. Seriously, what is the design team doing.

OMG, you say they’ve removed the climate controls on the ‘26 model? Funny, I found them on my ‘26. I also found the front vents. Everything works great.

 

[mvirtue]

I LOVE my new 2026 Genesis GV70. There's very little I would change, but these pop to mind...

• Persistent settings - it's SO annoying to have to change these each time I get in the car!
  • Turn off Lane-keeping warning (surely this is NOT a safety issue - most cars on the road don't have this)
  • Turn off Speed limit warning
  • Remember Drive mode
• A "Max Air Conditioning" button. My 2017 VW Golf R had this. One button to instantly change the A/C to lowest temperature and highest fan setting (and the revert back to normal settings when you press it again). SO useful for a super-hot day, or if you've just come off the racquetball court!
• For the Smartphone App...
  • Some way to close the sunroof. The app can close the windows, but what about the sunroof? This is needed when it's raining and I don't want to have to get into the car and turn it on, just to close the sunroof!
    • Even better if this was in the key-fob: Pressing-and-holding the Unlock button currently closes all the windows - what about the sunroof too?
  • Sync the car's voice memos to the App - I need them to be handy when I'm NOT in my car!
  • Sync my Profile photo - I have one photo in the app and a different one in the car

 

[D Dubs1]

1. Make the USB drive capable of reading and playing more than 8,000 files. Not everyone wants to stream music from their phone.

 

[franciskoerber]

Reconfigure the windshield washer stalk so that you can activate the MIST (single swipe) without turning off AUTO mode. I just came from a Volvo S60 and the first detent of the stalk in the DOWN (clockwise) position was for auto and if pushed past that position it activated a swipe of the front wipers (when released the stalk would return to AUTO position). Genesis: please use this setup! On the S60 moving up (counterclockwise) one position would be OFF, then INT, LOW, and HIGH speed settings. On my '26 GV70 you have to push down two detents to activate MIST and then the stalk returns to OFF, requiring you to push back up one position to return to AUTO.

 

[PMCErnie]

The glossy black lower tail of my Saville Silver ‘26 GV70 3.5 Sports Prestige didn’t knock my socks off, so I changed it to medium satin gray. The wrap cost $280 and it looks so sharp now with the lighter silver and darker gray contrast.

 

[PMCErnie]

I love the OLED panels, but I really don't like the design - it definitely looks just tacked on...the dash doesn't curve around it or shade it from the sun which will be a problem. This is NOT a 27" screen either - it is two regular screens stuck together. So it isn't any different from the current displays other than it's just a rectangular slab now. And to make it worse, every single Hyundai, Kia, Genesis vehicle I've seen this year have exactly the same screen tacked on top of the dash. The Genesis vehicles are losing a huge part of their personality so they can get a utilitarian, standard part stuck on as an afterthought. Very disappointing.

Not so. It is one screen.

 

[PMCErnie]

Absolutely true.

This massive, tacky HYUNDAI rectangle is on all of their vehicles. It looks like a CHEAP, STYLE LESS design that has been tacked on.

Definitely does not convey GENESIS design brand, style, sport, or luxury.

It's a HOT MESS.

Have a look at BMW X3. Same. Good.

 

[SirJangle]

Have a look at BMW X3. Same. Good.

View attachment 62153

I just looked at one, 2025 X3 M50. Nice, but didn't compare to my GV70. I'm not a fan of the big dash screen trend.

 

[PMCErnie]

Please abandon/ditch your plans for the huge, ugly rectangle digital screen on the 2026 GENESIS GV70, it is HIDEOUS!

The current digital dash, tastefully integrated into the dashboard with the separate digital screen is a much better design that seamlessly integrates into the complete design flow of the interior.

The big, sterile, HYUNDAI RECTANGLE you are planning on tacking onto the GENESIS GV70/GV80 LOOKS TACKEY and is definitely NOT GENESIS quality, or design.

Past is history. The next screen will likely be 35” or so. Have you seen a Lincoln Nautilus?

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[PMCErnie]

I just looked at one, 2025 X3 M50. Nice, but didn't compare to my GV70. I'm not a fan of the big dash screen trend.

Right. It didn’t compare to my new GV70 either. Seating comfort is way better in the GV70. Seating comfort is always my most important issue and now that I have an ergo seat I beez in hog heaven.

 

[Blitz118]

I just looked at one, 2025 X3 M50. Nice, but didn't compare to my GV70. I'm not a fan of the big dash screen trend.

The big dash screens are not a trend. It's the future.

 

[SirJangle]

The big dash screens are not a trend. It's the future.

Maybe, but until they're integrated better into the flow of the interior, they're not for me.

 

[PMCErnie]

Maybe, but until they're integrated better into the flow of the interior, they're not for me.

Drive one, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

 

[SirJangle]

Drive one, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

I have an IT background and love technological gadgets. It's not about getting the hang of it. I think it's hideous. It ruins the flow of the gorgeous GV70 interior. I very much prefer my current setup of the 3D digital cluster and separate info/nav screen. Although, I do like what some of the Lincolns and Mercedes are doing with their screens (built into the dash interface instead of stuck on it).

 

[PMCErnie]

I have an IT background and love technological gadgets. It's not about getting the hang of it. I think it's hideous. It ruins the flow of the gorgeous GV70 interior. I very much prefer my current setup of the 3D digital cluster and separate info/nav screen. Although, I do like what some of the Lincolns and Mercedes are doing with their screens (built into the dash interface instead of stuck on it).

I test drove the Lincoln Nautilus. Pretty screens, but just distractive overkill while driving.

The new GV70 screen is now reachable and touchable. The older one was slightly too far away for my comfort.

Overall, I’m more into function than form. The 27” functions well. Now for some software enhancements to really make it pop.

 

[SirJangle]

I test drove the Lincoln Nautilus. Pretty screens, but just distractive overkill while driving.

The new GV70 screen is now reachable and touchable. The older one was slightly too far away for my comfort.

Overall, I’m more into function than form. The 27” functions well. Now for some software enhancements to really make it pop.

I get that, for different reasons. I like using the control knob to navigate the screen because I can't stand when sticky, oily fingerprints get all over it. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

 

[PMCErnie]

Car & Driver said…

“With excellent visibility, crisp graphics, and an intuitive layout, the big screen is a welcome addition that reinforces Genesis's (and the Hyundai Motor Group's in general) prowess at presenting digital information.”

I must agree with this observation too. My ‘22 Tucson Limited had better lane follow manners than my new ‘26 GV70. ????

“Unfortunately, Genesis's hands-free adaptive-cruise system is not as adept on the highway as the leading systems from General Motors and Ford, with the GV70 wandering in its lane more than we'd like and regularly prompting us to retake control even around gentle bends. New capacitive sensors meant we could reassure the nannies by only briefly touching the steering wheel, rather than giving it a light tug as before, but we soon shut the system off.”

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64654062/2026-genesis-gv70-drive/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=dda_fb_cd_m_i_a64654062&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAAAGK22KHn0BHq7wNDYtRd3hutVHRCQzhluXxWUJbOxBAhwKk2WuPghmz_EqNsN7hS1bBtDb_aem_n0WLRZd-d-kAZELIC0kstw&utm_id=6778984883501&utm_content=6778984883901&utm_term=6778984883701

 

[SirJangle]

Car & Driver said…

“With excellent visibility, crisp graphics, and an intuitive layout, the big screen is a welcome addition that reinforces Genesis's (and the Hyundai Motor Group's in general) prowess at presenting digital information.”

I must agree with this observation too. ‘“My ‘22 Tucson Limited had better lane follow manners than my new ‘26 GV70. ????

“Unfortunately, Genesis's hands-free adaptive-cruise system is not as adept on the highway as the leading systems from General Motors and Ford, with the GV70 wandering in its lane more than we'd like and regularly prompting us to retake control even around gentle bends. New capacitive sensors meant we could reassure the nannies by only briefly touching the steering wheel, rather than giving it a light tug as before, but we soon shut the system off.”

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64654062/2026-genesis-gv70-drive/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=dda_fb_cd_m_i_a64654062&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAAAGK22KHn0BHq7wNDYtRd3hutVHRCQzhluXxWUJbOxBAhwKk2WuPghmz_EqNsN7hS1bBtDb_aem_n0WLRZd-d-kAZELIC0kstw&utm_id=6778984883501&utm_content=6778984883901&utm_term=6778984883701

Excellent review. I like the new headlights and wheels. I prefer my round exhaust outlets and current interior setup. There will always be pluses and minuses. Each person has to decide what's important to them. To me, the interior on my 2023 is one of the most gorgeous interiors in a crossover out there. I love the way my air vents are hidden in the metal trim that flows across the dash and all the way down the doors. I have roughly a year left on a 3-year lease and only have 10K miles on the clock. I'll probably just buy it as nothing out there is currently appealing to me. I wish you all the best with your 2026. Please keep us posted on your experience with it.

 

[nuggstein]

I have an IT background and love technological gadgets. It's not about getting the hang of it. I think it's hideous. It ruins the flow of the gorgeous GV70 interior. I very much prefer my current setup of the 3D digital cluster and separate info/nav screen. Although, I do like what some of the Lincolns and Mercedes are doing with their screens (built into the dash interface instead of stuck on it).

I completely agree, and I also have an IT background/love tech. For some reason people are obsessed with touch screens now. The more screens...the more luxurious. I am happy the screen isn't very close in the gen1 model. It's a perfect distance and doesn't block the windshield, and gives the interior some awesome styling. Very similar to our Mazda CX-5. Very few car manufactures have the screen positioned just right. Maybe add Acura to the list...

I specifically purchased a 2025 GV70 so it wouldn't have the combo large screen. We had GV80 Coupe for a bit which had the larger screen, and I regretted it. The new screen is incredibly reflective, even though it's really nice to look at. I am sure there will be some OLED burn-in complaints at some point too. It is cool that they put 2 panels seamlessly together inside one screen, can't even tell it's really 2 different ones until you're powering on/off the vehicle.

Using the infotainment control wheel is safer, and it's intuitive enough that the touch screen aspect never needs to be used. Even can be used as a trackpad. Touch screens are honestly pretty dangerous to use in a vehicle. No different than looking at your phone. It seems these touchscreens just bypass "operating phones in a vehicle" laws. Without physical buttons, people are going to be reaching over, touching areas on the screen, not hitting the correct spot, looking again, and then end up in a ditch.

The only thing I miss that the gen2 vehicles have are the Android Auto/CarPlay display on the HUD, and the wrap around interior lighting...and I guess the exterior headlights.

I also love the vents that are hidden within the silver trim, and the fact that the silver trim wraps around the entire interior quite seamlessly, even flowing around the cluster. The gen2 vents have such odd placement...