Genesis GV70 Reviews

[TBickell]

And there are still no reviews of the 2.5 T in the USA? Huh?

 

[Davep]

The Macan is a great car! My assistant has one and she lets me drive it occasionally when we go somewhere together. But they are maybe too successful for their own good and you see them literally everywhere. I haven’t owned a Porsche since my 991.1 and don’t feel a strong urge to get another one (but if Porsche decides to put backseats in the GT3 Touring then maybe that would change). The Macan leans more toward performance whereas the GV70 leans more toward luxury, but both cars have a good measure of each attribute, just in different concentrations.

Agreed. The Macan wins on driving, but on an overall basis, the GV70 wins. The Macan feels and looks smaller and is more cramped inside. The GV70 looks, drives, and feels like a luxury vehicle. Drives less sporty, but still a very good driving vehicle.

 

[cruskal]

The Macan is a great car! My assistant has one and she lets me drive it occasionally when we go somewhere together. But they are maybe too successful for their own good and you see them literally everywhere. I haven’t owned a Porsche since my 991.1 and don’t feel a strong urge to get another one (but if Porsche decides to put backseats in the GT3 Touring then maybe that would change). The Macan leans more toward performance whereas the GV70 leans more toward luxury, but both cars have a good measure of each attribute, just in different concentrations.

Did you drive 4/6 cylinders? I test drove 4 and didn’t like it, they didn’t have Madan S, but I’ve heard that’s where Porsche’s driving experience is expected. Base engine (2021) isn’t really that interesting.

 

[CyGuy8118]

The Macan is a great car! My assistant has one and she lets me drive it occasionally when we go somewhere together. But they are maybe too successful for their own good and you see them literally everywhere. I haven’t owned a Porsche since my 991.1 and don’t feel a strong urge to get another one (but if Porsche decides to put backseats in the GT3 Touring then maybe that would change). The Macan leans more toward performance whereas the GV70 leans more toward luxury, but both cars have a good measure of each attribute, just in different concentrations.

The GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige is currently at 64k MSRP with dealers not budging at all on price. The refreshed 2022 BMW M40i decked with options comes out to maybe 65-66, but there are plenty of dealers willing to take off 3-4K from MSRP.
The 3.5T Sport Prestigemakes no sense at its price point. The 2.5T is definitely a good deal.

 

[Wj100]

All I did was restate your own observations. Was that unfair? Do you want to take them back now? Assuming you don’t, just to be clear to all the readers and posters, you are saying that between a GV70 and Macan, comparably equipped, you think the GV70 is the better car regardless of price. Yes? Tell us what factors and observations led you to conclude this

I think all car forums suffer from a bit of "homerism," but this one seems to be especially subject to it. What I mean is that, people who spend a significant amount of money on something (especially as early adopters), want to feel good about their purchase and therefore don't like anyone "calling their kid ugly." Not that the GV70 is an ugly kid - far from it.

I think it still comes down to what your priorities are in a vehicle of this kind. The Macan is pretty much universally lauded as the best driving vehicle in the class. The general synopsis of the GV70 is that it's a great package but the driving dynamics aren't as sharp as the Macan S, the X3 M40i, and possibly the SQ5. After significant seat time in all of these, I don't think this point is really something that can be objectively argued. Genesis tuned the GV70 the way they did for a reason... I'm sure their market research told them 80%+ of consumers would prioritize a less dynamic driving experience for a softer sprung, more luxurious ride. So, if that's what you like, more power to you and there's no reason to get defensive when someone says there are better driving vehicles in this class.

Lastly, as many of you may know, after carefully considering all of the players in this class, I recently ordered an X3 M40i. Is it the #1 performer in its class? No, that's the Macan. Is it the most luxurious/modern in its class? No, that's likely the GV70. But, for me it had the best blend of tech, value and most importantly (for me) performance.

At the end of the day, we're lucky to have such great choices and I continue to enjoy the banter on this forum.

PS, TBickell, what's the latest on your repair status?

 

[Davep]

Did you drive 4/6 cylinders? I test drove 4 and didn’t like it, they didn’t have Madan S, but I’ve heard that’s where Porsche’s driving experience is expected. Base engine (2021) isn’t really that interesting.

Drove a Macan S with and without air suspension. Only considered the one with air suspension after driving. Relative to the GV70, both had a sportier drive, but the one without air suspension was relatively rough - not nearly as smooth over bumps as the GV70.

 

[Davep]

I think all car forums suffer from a bit of "homerism," but this one seems to be especially subject to it. What I mean is that, people who spend a significant amount of money on something (especially as early adopters), want to feel good about their purchase and therefore don't like anyone "calling their kid ugly." Not that the GV70 is an ugly kid - far from it.

I think it still comes down to what your priorities are in a vehicle of this kind. The Macan is pretty much universally lauded as the best driving vehicle in the class. The general synopsis of the GV70 is that it's a great package but the driving dynamics aren't as sharp as the Macan S, the X3 M40i, and possibly the SQ5. After significant seat time in all of these, I don't think this point is really something that can be objectively argued. Genesis tuned the GV70 the way they did for a reason... I'm sure their market research told them 80%+ of consumers would prioritize a less dynamic driving experience for a softer sprung, more luxurious ride. So, if that's what you like, more power to you and there's no reason to get defensive when someone says there are better driving vehicles in this class.

Lastly, as many of you may know, after carefully considering all of the players in this class, I recently ordered an X3 M40i. Is it the #1 performer in its class? No, that's the Macan. Is it the most luxurious/modern in its class? No, that's likely the GV70. But, for me it had the best blend of tech, value and most importantly (for me) performance.

At the end of the day, we're lucky to have such great choices and I continue to enjoy the banter on this forum.

PS, TBickell, what's the latest on your repair status?

This is why there is a market for different brands and models. IMO, the Genesis GV70 has the perfect blend of luxury, style, technology, and yes, driving. It is not tops in sporty driving but it scores high in this area and it outscores its competitors enough in the other areas to make it the overall winner, IMO. This is what a number of reviewers have said thus far.

 

[mythdoc]

I think all car forums suffer from a bit of "homerism," but this one seems to be especially subject to it. What I mean is that, people who spend a significant amount of money on something (especially as early adopters), want to feel good about their purchase and therefore don't like anyone "calling their kid ugly." Not that the GV70 is an ugly kid - far from it.

I think it still comes down to what your priorities are in a vehicle of this kind. The Macan is pretty much universally lauded as the best driving vehicle in the class. The general synopsis of the GV70 is that it's a great package but the driving dynamics aren't as sharp as the Macan S, the X3 M40i, and possibly the SQ5. After significant seat time in all of these, I don't think this point is really something that can be objectively argued. Genesis tuned the GV70 the way they did for a reason... I'm sure their market research told them 80%+ of consumers would prioritize a less dynamic driving experience for a softer sprung, more luxurious ride. So, if that's what you like, more power to you and there's no reason to get defensive when someone says there are better driving vehicles in this class.

Lastly, as many of you may know, after carefully considering all of the players in this class, I recently ordered an X3 M40i. Is it the #1 performer in its class? No, that's the Macan. Is it the most luxurious/modern in its class? No, that's likely the GV70. But, for me it had the best blend of tech, value and most importantly (for me) performance.

At the end of the day, we're lucky to have such great choices and I continue to enjoy the banter on this forum.

PS, TBickell, what's the latest on your repair status?

Good thoughts. I do think it is important to know what factors in the buying decision are preeminent. The reviewers pretty much all say that, while the GV70 is a compelling package, it stands out on design and luxury. They also point out that it has been tuned and tailored, mechanically, to buyers who don’t put sporty driving at the top of their list.

As I have said a few times, the reason I don’t own a GV70 has to do mainly with the fact that this was going to be my personal car, and halfway into the search process I decided that wagons were a better fit for me. I also have a budget and so “regardless of cost” is not a thing for me. Would I take a Macan S with air suspension over the wonderful Audi allroad wagon I ended up in, if somehow I had this choice? I think I would. But I’d rather have the Panamera wagon than either one!

 

[Fairburne]

Good thoughts. I do think it is important to know what factors in the buying decision are preeminent. The reviewers pretty much all say that, while the GV70 is a compelling package, it stands out on design and luxury. They also point out that it has been tuned and tailored, mechanically, to buyers who don’t put sporty driving at the top of their list.

As I have said a few times, the reason I don’t own a GV70 has to do mainly with the fact that this was going to be my personal car, and halfway into the search process I decided that wagons were a better fit for me. I also have a budget and so “regardless of cost” is not a thing for me. Would I take a Macan S with air suspension over the wonderful Audi allroad wagon I ended up in, if somehow I had this choice? I think I would. But I’d rather have the Panamera wagon than either one!

The G70 shooting brake would probably be my choice if offered in the states.

My biggest reason for buying a Genesis is because it's NOT a BMW Audi or Mercedes. I prefer vehicles and Brands that are less popular. I see the big 3 German makes everywhere but I don't see a lot of Genesis. Having said that of Genesis was a crappy car like a Fiat I wouldn't buy one. Quality still matters but everything being relatively equal I'll take the odd ball vehicle. I owned a Nissan Juke for 5 years because it was different and I liked the look of it. It stands out in a crowd of boring and so does Genesis.

 

[NJRonbo]

The G70 shooting brake would probably be my choice if offered in the states.

My biggest reason for buying a Genesis is because it's NOT a BMW Audi or Mercedes. I prefer vehicles and Brands that are less popular. I see the big 3 German makes everywhere but I don't see a lot of Genesis. Having said that of Genesis was a crappy car like a Fiat I wouldn't buy one. Quality still matters but everything being relatively equal I'll take the odd ball vehicle. I owned a Nissan Juke for 5 years because it was different and I liked the look of it. It stands out in a crowd of boring and so does Genesis.

Fairburn, how do you like your Genesis overall? Is it as great as all the reviews make it out to be?

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[Fairburne]

Fairburn, how do you like your Genesis overall? Is it as great as all the reviews make it out to be?

I'm actually driving a 2019 G70. Looking to buy a GV70. I love the G70 though. Lots of fun to drive and even though it's the original design I still get looks. I came very very close to buying this one but I'm in the middle of buying a home so I'm waiting. But I absolutely love the Brunswick Green. As good as the pictures are, you've got to see it in person to truly appreciate it.

 

[Davep]

The G70 shooting brake would probably be my choice if offered in the states.

My biggest reason for buying a Genesis is because it's NOT a BMW Audi or Mercedes. I prefer vehicles and Brands that are less popular. I see the big 3 German makes everywhere but I don't see a lot of Genesis. Having said that of Genesis was a crappy car like a Fiat I wouldn't buy one. Quality still matters but everything being relatively equal I'll take the odd ball vehicle. I owned a Nissan Juke for 5 years because it was different and I liked the look of it. It stands out in a crowd of boring and so does Genesis.

Love that I almost never see another GV70 on the road.

 

[vin0770]

I'm actually driving a 2019 G70. Looking to buy a GV70. I love the G70 though. Lots of fun to drive and even though it's the original design I still get looks. I came very very close to buying this one but I'm in the middle of buying a home so I'm waiting. But I absolutely love the Brunswick Green. As good as the pictures are, you've got to see it in person to truly appreciate it.

Bought this yesterday it’s striking. The washing and care manual is kind of daunting with lots of cautions! Hand washing no car wash machines even touchless, special soap (they give you a kit of product) how to get off bugs and tar…all by hand.

All these instructions are fine if I lived in AZ year round. Winters are tough on cars in WI so I have to find a place that can at least do an underbody flush and get the salt off.

We’ll see if my emotional choice is gonna piss off my logical brain

 

[Fairburne]

Bought this yesterday it’s striking. The washing and care manual is kind of daunting with lots of cautions! Hand washing no car wash machines even touchless, special soap (they give you a kit of product) how to get off bugs and tar…all by hand.

All these instructions are fine if I lived in AZ year round. Winters are tough on cars in WI so I have to find a place that can at least do an underbody flush and get the salt off.

We’ll see if my emotional choice is gonna piss off my logical brain

There is a lot of info on how take care of a matte finish on YouTube. Not as bad as it looks. I also live in a cold weather climate. If you look on how to take of a regular gloss finish the "recommendations" on how to take care are very similar. No touch less car wash is the biggest inconvenience. A small investment on cleaning supplies is all you need.

 

[KC926]

And there are still no reviews of the 2.5 T in the USA? Huh?

TBickell, I've just driven 2.5T, and have previously driven GLC, XC60, Q3/5, MDX, RDX, X5....verdict is the competitors are NOT even close, only X5 come closest, but at much higher cost. The 300Hp is pretty amazing, the ride is quite and fast, chasis is good too... Honestly I can't think one thing negative to say, maybe the fat steering is a bit conservative but in person is quite classy and refined. I'd have preferred the backlit glossy buttons on the steering like the sport model than again different price points. This car is so amazing!!! Looks stunning in person. Very fast. Still can't think one negative thing to say....wish they offered ultramarine in leatherette maybe but you can't have it all can you? What else, price is spot on at $41K for the base 2.5t, do you know a top of the line Nissan Rouge is $38K?? Do you know a mid tier Explorer can cost in the high $40K? Insane what GV70 is offering... every detail is so thoughtful. There are NO cheap parts on this car except the under the hood engine cover is all black platic, if they made it like Lexus silver it would have exceeded my expectation.... but I am nitpicking here...ONE BIG NEGATIVE, there are basically no base 2.5t/no option car available.....

 

[TBickell]

^^

Thanks for your review but still wondering where the You Tubers are with the 2.5 reviews?

 

[NJRonbo]

Bought this yesterday it’s striking. The washing and care manual is kind of daunting with lots of cautions! Hand washing no car wash machines even touchless, special soap (they give you a kit of product) how to get off bugs and tar…all by hand.

All these instructions are fine if I lived in AZ year round. Winters are tough on cars in WI so I have to find a place that can at least do an underbody flush and get the salt off.

We’ll see if my emotional choice is gonna piss off my logical brain

Are these stringent washing instructions only relevant to the green GV70 or across all the different colored vehicles?

I have been told that taking a car to a car wash is not good for the paint but during the winter months, it's impossible to wash it on your own.

 

[ultra63]

Are these stringent washing instructions only relevant to the green GV70 or across all the different colored vehicles?

I have been told that taking a car to a car wash is not good for the paint but during the winter months, it's impossible to wash it on your own.

Matt finishes have special requirements over the standard paints

 

[Fairburne]

^^

Thanks for your review but still wondering where the You Tubers are with the 2.5 reviews

Are these stringent washing instructions only relevant to the green GV70 or across all the different colored vehicles?

I have been told that taking a car to a car wash is not good for the paint but during the winter months, it's impossible to wash it on your own.

All matte finishes are the same. They use chemicals in most if not all car washes that are for gloss paints. I live in Maine and although it's below freezing a lot during the winter we get a handful of days per month where temps go above freezing. I've washed my car many times in the winter. Parking it in a garage can help especially if you can wash it in one. Maybe a friend or neighbor has one. You could also check with a local detailer to see if they can wash it. (Just make sure they know what they are doing)

What I don't know. Is it worse to use a touchless wash or not cleaning it at all? The basic washes are probably best if you have no other choice but don't be surprised if the matte finish starts to look like a gloss finish. If you can get a sunny day above freezing just a really good rinse and drying is better than nothing. I've seen videos where they use a leaf blower to dry the car. But a super large microfiber towel works.

Of course I'm no expert. I just spent several hours over the past couple of months looking into it. Reading articles. Watching YouTube videos etc.

 

[NJRonbo]

All matte finishes are the same. They use chemicals in most if not all car washes that are for gloss paints. I live on Maine and although it's below freezing a lot during the winter we get a handful of days per month where temps go above freezing. I've washed my car many times in the winter. Parking it in a garage can help especially if you can wash it in one. Maybe a friend or neighbor has one. You could also check with a local detailer to see if they can wash it. (Just make sure they know what they are doing)

What I don't know. Is it worse to use a touch less wash or not cleaning at all? The basic washes are probably best if you have no other choice but don't be surprised if the matte finish starts to look like a gloss finish. If you can get a sunny day above freezing just a really good rinse a drying is better than nothing. I've seen videos where they use a leaf blower to dry the car. But a super large microfiber towel will work.

Of course I'm no expert. I just spent several hours over the past couple of months looking into it. Reading articles. Watching YouTube videos etc.

I'm no expert either. I have done a lot of research as you have and when it comes to luxury vehicles and their paint jobs, it has always been recommended that you never take a car to a brushless/touchless wash. It is supposed to to induce swirls in the paint job.

However, for me, when it comes to winter months I have no choice. We don't get warm days where I can trust turning the water on.

I can see the matte green poses even bigger challenges.