GV70 Rivals

[donaldsauter12]

After making its US debut in late 2020, the 2022 Genesis GV70 is ready to take the popular luxury crossover segment by storm. Genesis has slowly trickled out information about the GV70, including a basic configurator and fuel economy information, but now the Korean luxury automaker has finally released official prices. As we expected, the GV70 is an excellent value, starting at $41,000 (excluding a $1,045 freight fee).

As a reminder, its three rival crossovers from Germany, the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, all start at over $43,000. Not only does the GV70 undercut its competitors, but it also includes more standard features and free scheduled maintenance for three years/60,000 miles.
The base 2.5T AWD Standard trim includes niceties like smart cruise control, highway driving assistant, blind-spot assist, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, a wireless charger, fingerprint recognition, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Many of the GV70's standard features are optional on European rivals, further cementing its excellent value proposition at jdm sport classics.

The base GV70 includes a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft, significantly more than the 2.0-liter engines offered in the Q5, X3, and GLC. Power goes out through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system, another feature that's optional on the German alternatives.

Stepping up to the GV70 2.5T AWD Select adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Lexicon audio, and more for $45,000. The $49,150 2.5T Advanced gets a surround-view camera, blind-view monitor, heated steering wheel, rear sunshades, remote parking assist, and more. Finally, the Sport Prestige trim caps off the 2.5T models at $52,750, with 21-inch wheels, sportier styling, special seats, and other upgrades.

The GV70 offers an optional 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque for those who don't want the four-cylinder. This engine is offered in three trim levels, including Standard ($52,600), Sport Advanced ($57,600), and Sport Prestige ($62,500). All of the 3.5T trims are similar to their 2.5T counterparts with a few additional extras.

 

[mythdoc]

The picture changes drastically in one year. The Mazda CX-50 comes out with the changes TBickell was talking about. The new GLC comes out with a complete redesign including a portrait infotainment screen and new mild hybrid engine technology. There will be other newcomers, electrics and such, that will draw interest away from the GV70.

I’m waiting. In one year I’ll know whether the augmented reality HUD and fully digital cluster will be available in a lower GV70 engine trim. Prices hopefully will have resettled and it will not be such a dealer’s market. Right now is a very poor time to buy a car (from a buyers perspective) with a worldwide chip shortage.

My consolation prize is to keep driving a Q5 TDI which, though long in the tooth, is still the best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[LQQK]

I’m waiting. In one year I’ll know whether the augmented reality HUD and fully digital cluster will be available in a lower GV70 engine trim. Prices hopefully will have resettled and it will not be such a dealer’s market. Right now is a very poor time to buy a car (from a buyers perspective) with a worldwide chip shortage.

You’re never as young as you are today. Don’t be afraid to squeeze the trigger!

 

[mythdoc]

You’re never as young as you are today. Don’t be afraid to squeeze the trigger!

My impulse control is a lot better now that I am 60 years old, lol. I used to get a certain faraway look in my eyes and my wife would know “serious money is about to be spent.”

Another way to look at it is “one year is not long to wait to get exactly the right car because it may end up being your last,” lol.

 

[TBickell]

The picture changes drastically in one year. The Mazda CX-50 comes out with the changes TBickell was talking about. The new GLC comes out with a complete redesign including a portrait infotainment screen and new mild hybrid engine technology. There will be other newcomers, electrics and such, that will draw interest away from the GV70.

I’m waiting. In one year I’ll know whether the augmented reality HUD and fully digital cluster will be available in a lower GV70 engine trim. Prices hopefully will have resettled and it will not be such a dealer’s market. Right now is a very poor time to buy a car (from a buyers perspective) with a worldwide chip shortage.

My consolation prize is to keep driving a Q5 TDI which, though long in the tooth, is still the best vehicle I have ever owned.

Of the above mentioned new vehicles the forthcoming new Mazda in-line 6 is what would have given me pause but I'm also 60 and didn't want to wait for an undisclosed period of time.

The covid inspired chip shortage has turned the car market on it's head and nothing is normal. Dealers are compensating for lack of inventory by asking full price or even above on any new vehicle that has a demand factor. The good news is it is a great time to trade in a used vehicle ( or sell it for cash to buy a new one) At no other time in history would a two year old car be worth more then the day it was purchased (or leased) so I took advantage of that. Yes I paid full boat for my GV70 but this situation is not going to change anytime soon and I wanted it.

 

[logan.r725]

Cross shopped (new):

• Mazda CX-5 Turbo: Doesn’t have the solid feel or autobahn bred highway competance of the Germans, but Mazda’s chassis dynamics go toe to toe with anyone in my book. Lower rent but a deal.
• BMW X3 xdrive30i: Decent chassis, somewhat lower rent interior, limited by the boosted 4 cylinder.
• BMW X3 xdrive M40i: As above with a better engine.
• Audi SQ5: Limited by Audi chassis tuning (for a driving fun perspective), less practical trunk, getting a little long of tooth.
• Porsche Macan S/ GTS: best driving dynamics, nickel and dimed on options (which I’m ok with because I like strippers but my wife’s not), too small trunk ruled it out. Questionable value if you care about the options, decent value if you don’t.

Lots of other options, especially used. Personally I think anything automatic is spawn of the devil and I’d take a quick wagon over an SUV 9 times out of 10… But this is my wife’s car, and I’m happy where we ended up (so far).

Good summary here. I'm currently in a 3.3T G70 sedan and I have a second vehicle (old, large SUV) I use when I need to haul bikes and occasionally pull a small trailer (less than 2k lbs). I'm finding myself driving the SUV more and more on any trips where I'd end up on fun mountain roads and keeping the G70 as a local car... I'm considering selling them both and getting a fun SUV that can be my daily and trip car so I'll have something somewhat fast and enjoyable to drive every time I'm driving anywhere.

What were the used options you cross shopped?

 

[tdinps]

Cross shopped (new):

• Mazda CX-5 Turbo: Doesn’t have the solid feel or autobahn bred highway competance of the Germans, but Mazda’s chassis dynamics go toe to toe with anyone in my book. Lower rent but a deal.
• BMW X3 xdrive30i: Decent chassis, somewhat lower rent interior, limited by the boosted 4 cylinder.
• BMW X3 xdrive M40i: As above with a better engine.
• Audi SQ5: Limited by Audi chassis tuning (for a driving fun perspective), less practical trunk, getting a little long of tooth.
• Porsche Macan S/ GTS: best driving dynamics, nickel and dimed on options (which I’m ok with because I like strippers but my wife’s not), too small trunk ruled it out. Questionable value if you care about the options, decent value if you don’t.

Lots of other options, especially used. Personally I think anything automatic is spawn of the devil and I’d take a quick wagon over an SUV 9 times out of 10… But this is my wife’s car, and I’m happy where we ended up (so far).

The Volvo XC60 should be added, especially in T6 or T8 form with the Polestar performance software. Mine is a pocket rocket with nimble steering, a gorgeous interior (better than any of the above, although the GV70 sets a new bar), and the Bowers & Wilkins killer sound. Off lease in October so debating the GV70 or buy this out.

 

[PetevB]

Good summary here. I'm currently in a 3.3T G70 sedan and I have a second vehicle (old, large SUV) I use when I need to haul bikes and occasionally pull a small trailer (less than 2k lbs). I'm finding myself driving the SUV more and more on any trips where I'd end up on fun mountain roads and keeping the G70 as a local car... I'm considering selling them both and getting a fun SUV that can be my daily and trip car so I'll have something somewhat fast and enjoyable to drive every time I'm driving anywhere.

What were the used options you cross shopped?

The used market is obviously weird right now, especially for SUVs. Given that we don’t need a tow vehicle I was more focused on practical fun SUV alternatives. Limiting myself to more recent cars with warranties that was more like Audi S5/ S7, Mercedes E350 wagon (does tow, great warranty if CPO), VW R, etc.

In the SUV realm I was on the lookout for a Cayenne Diesel, 2015 or 2016. These were Dieselgate cars and many were not put into service until after they were fixed. In that case Porsche covered them with an unlimited mile bumper to bumper warranty that’s still in effect for a couple more years (depending on the date placed in service). There was a time you could find great deals on these cars… My other favorite used SUV is the Cayenne GTS- might be my recommendation to you if you can swing it (both the entry and maintenance) as I don’t think there’s a better “Swiss Army Knife” car in existence…

 

[PetevB]

The Volvo XC60 should be added, especially in T6 or T8 form with the Polestar performance software. Mine is a pocket rocket with nimble steering, a gorgeous interior (better than any of the above, although the GV70 sets a new bar), and the Bowers & Wilkins killer sound. Off lease in October so debating the GV70 or buy this out.

Great car interior wise, etc, but it doesn’t clear my personal driving dynamics hurdle. I get that it would for most people. I guess I should say that I have looked at and driven it, it just didn’t make my short list that I was more seriously considering.

 

[Backslack]

After seeing the contrived nonsense that Volvo has with their bizarre turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains, I wouldn't touch one with a ten-foot pole. And it shows in their reliability rankings, here's Consumer Reports 2020:

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[TBickell]

Wow look at Mazda up there above Toyota. I'll never understand why they don't sell more vehicles. Their cars are good looking, fun, efficient, reliable and affordable.

 

[tdinps]

After seeing the contrived nonsense that Volvo has with their bizarre turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains, I wouldn't touch one with a ten-foot pole. And it shows in their reliability rankings, here's Consumer Reports 2020:

Not sure what you mean, but my non-hybrid Volvo has been trouble free for 3 years. Most of the CR ratings are weighted to problems with infotainment tech, one of the reasons Acura is so far down (had a 2019 RDX, hated the interface) and a lot of people don't like Volvo's. Lexus is on top, but I would never own one. Mazda tech is behind, and Subaru's is archaic—but those drivers may not expect much. Hyundai-Kia-Genesis does a great job in that area.

 

[John Baxter]

Volvo doesn't fare much better on the JD Power chart either.

Shock car brand is most reliable

A newcomer has shocked the established car makers and risen to the top of trusted reliability rankings.

www.news.com.au

 

[Backslack]

Not sure what you mean, but my non-hybrid Volvo has been trouble free for 3 years. Most of the CR ratings are weighted to problems with infotainment tech, one of the reasons Acura is so far down (had a 2019 RDX, hated the interface) and a lot of people don't like Volvo's. Lexus is on top, but I would never own one. Mazda tech is behind, and Subaru's is archaic—but those drivers may not expect much. Hyundai-Kia-Genesis does a great job in that area.

Nope, CR weighs mechanical issues the highest. That's why Toyota/Lexus is on top of CR even though their infotainment systems are easily the worst out there.

You're probably thinking of JD Power.

 

[Backslack]

Wow look at Mazda up there above Toyota. I'll never understand why they don't sell more vehicles. Their cars are good looking, fun, efficient, reliable and affordable.

They're a very small company and don't have the production capabilities of giants like Toyota. There's some rumors out there that they'll soon merge with Toyota, but we've yet to see anything come from that.

 

[mythdoc]

In the SUV realm I was on the lookout for a Cayenne Diesel, 2015 or 2016. These were Dieselgate cars and many were not put into service until after they were fixed. In that case Porsche covered them with an unlimited mile bumper to bumper warranty that’s still in effect for a couple more years (depending on the date placed in service). There was a time you could find great deals on these cars… My other favorite used SUV is the Cayenne GTS- might be my recommendation to you if you can swing it (both the entry and maintenance) as I don’t think there’s a better “Swiss Army Knife” car in existence…

my current car is the Q5 TDI (diesel). Amazing engine. And yes, the warranty from the dieselgate settlement runs until 2024. Which is why I am willing to wait at least a year to see what comes down the pike. But I have issues with my wrists on long drives so the lane keeping features in new vehicles will be very helpful to me.

 

[mythdoc]

I drove a high spec GLC today for fun and to sample the HUD. Very nice car, even allowing for the fact that it is the last year or so of the outgoing generation. Ride is quiet, but of course this car had all the goodies….except for ventilated seats? Weird omission.

I was playing with the in house configurator with the sales rep when the sales manager basically told me to wait a year for the new generation. Because of the chip shortage issues, the cars with lots of tech are going to be extremely hard to find for a good 6 months still. At that point they are ramping up the factory for the next generation vehicle anyway.

The four banger will be quite adequate for my needs. A GLC 4 banger loaded almost to the gills tops off at about $60K. On the other hand a GV70 similarly configured is …..unavailable with the smaller engine.

Nevertheless, these are the two most promising cars for me. Lots to think about over the next 12 months.

 

[TBickell]

I drove a high spec GLC today for fun and to sample the HUD. Very nice car, even allowing for the fact that it is the last year or so of the outgoing generation. Ride is quiet, but of course this car had all the goodies….except for ventilated seats? Weird omission.

I was playing with the in house configurator with the sales rep when the sales manager basically told me to wait a year for the new generation. Because of the chip shortage issues, the cars with lots of tech are going to be extremely hard to find for a good 6 months still. At that point they are ramping up the factory for the next generation vehicle anyway.

The four banger will be quite adequate for my needs. A GLC 4 banger loaded almost to the gills tops off at about $60K. On the other hand a GV70 similarly configured is …..unavailable with the smaller engine.

Nevertheless, these are the two most promising cars for me. Lots to think about over the next 12 months.

Mercedes always seems to be a step behind with options and they ( like Porsche) nickel and dime you to death. Not having vented seats on a top trim is a huge omission these days. I'm sure the next gen GLC will be really nice but by the time it comes out the whole market will be very different as the effects of this chip shortage will be felt for a very long time. They will most likely offer a hybrid version or even all electric as we are all being pushed that way unfortunately.

 

[mlee]

Mercedes has gotten better with standard equipment, which says a lot about how bad they were before. When I custom ordered my GLC years ago it was north of $55k and did not have heated seats, heated wheel, navigation, active cruise control. A lot of the money I put in was to get option basics these days like LED lights (standard was halogen).

An E class 450 today is around $77k, and vent seats are not standard there either.

They are definitely pushing their customers to see how much they will pay, not how much it costs them to add an option. When I was building my GLC I also looked at the E Class and didn't go that route because the active cruise control option was $10k. Today that option is $1.7k.

It's good that companies like Hyundai are nipping their heels with vehicles just as good at much lower cost. It helps even those buyers who end with a Mercedes because it forces MB to sanity check their option prices.

 

[Rmsanger]

I'm currently shopping RDX A spec and Advance specs (2019 used models ~ $35k) and comparing to the lower trim GV70's. It does feel like Genesis missed the mark on pricing being a bit to high by ~$5k across the board. It's a great looking vehicle inside and out but based upon the initial reviews the handling, powertrain, and transmission performance leave a bit to be desired from at the $65k mark.