The Genesis G70 sport sedan was introduced in 2019 to compete with respected nameplates such as the Audi A4 and A5, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Genesis, Hyundai's premium brand, had shown that it could mix with the major players with its larger G80 and G90 sedans. While it seemed unlikely that an upstart could produce a worthy contender for those European rivals with its first try, that’s exactly what happened.
The 2019 Genesis G70 earned praise for its sporty driving dynamics, stylish design, and attractive pricing, so it's an appealing alternative to the usual suspects. The first-generation model remains on sale today and hasn’t changed significantly over the years. Early versions offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine or a 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6.
Over time, the G70 gained fresh styling, upgraded technology, and a new four-cylinder engine. The model lineup has been simplified in recent years, but the G70 continues to go big on luxury features, advanced safety tech, and sporty driving dynamics. New and used prices generally undercut the G70's main rivals, which makes the Genesis G70 a premium sport sedan worth considering.
Genesis G70 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Genesis G70 years are the best?
There aren’t any bad years for the Genesis G70. This means that, on the whole, newer is better. Those who want a manual transmission will have to choose an older model, though, since the six-speed gearbox was dropped beginning with the 2022 model year.
Which Genesis G70 years are the worst?
J.D. Power gave the G70 an average reliability score of 79/100 in 2022, a great score of 84/100 in 2023, and a great score of 87/100 in 2025 and 2026. (No other years had enough data to rate.) CarComplaints.com says the 2023 model was the worst overall for issues. The actual number of consumer complaints was very low, though, and those that were raised were fairly minor. In other words, there aren’t any G70 model years that should be avoided outright based on the car’s reliability history. The Genesis G70 has been recalled a few times, most significantly for a faulty anti-lock brake (ABS) module on some 2019-2021 cars that could lead to an electrical short and even an engine bay fire. Another recall affected 2019-2022 G70 models with the 3.3T engine due to an oil leak that could also lead to a fire.
Is a used Genesis G70 a good deal?
Yes, a used Genesis G70 can be a good deal. According to CarGurus.ca pricing data, a used Genesis G70 is likely to cost less than a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class of similar vintage. While the Genesis badge may not carry quite as much cachet as BMW's propeller or the Mercedes three-pointed star, the G70 is a great sport sedan that’s fun to drive, reliable, and can save a savvy buyer thousands of dollars.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Fun to drive
- Easy-to-use technology
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy (V6)
- Cramped back seat
- Not much cargo space
Genesis G70 Generations
Genesis G70 First Generation (2019-Present)
Two years after producing its first car, Korean automaker Genesis introduced the G70 to go toe-to-toe with some of the most respected luxury sedans in the world. In addition to premium Japanese marques such as Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus, Genesis had the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in its sights.
Led by styling chief Luc Donckerwolke — who previously worked for Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi, among others — Genesis designed a premium sedan that looked luxurious and wholly different from its competitors. A crosshatched chrome grille was the 2019 G70’s most significant styling flourish, and the sedan’s traditional proportions were an outward display of Genesis’s front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis. Inside, Genesis did a solid job of crafting a premium cabin with lots of attractive detailing. Some parts are shared with lower-cost Hyundai products, however, and rear-seat space and trunk capacity are below average.
Genesis offered the 2019 G70 with two engines. When mated to an eight-speed automatic, the G70 2.0T’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 252 horsepower, while models with the available six-speed manual gearbox had 255 hp. A twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 engine with 365 hp and 376 pound-feet of torque in 3.3T models offered much greater acceleration and was mated solely to an eight-speed automatic. In Canada, the Sport 2.0T came with both the manual transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD), while all other trims had the automatic and all-wheel drive (AWD).
The base trim in 2019 was the G70 2.0T Advanced. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, faux leather upholstery, a sunroof, heated front seats with driver’s side power adjustment, a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. A 7-inch display in the gauge cluster joined an 8-inch screen that handled infotainment duties, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. Standard safety tech included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and lane keep assist.
The 2019 Genesis G70 2.0T Elite package added LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a Lexicon 15-speaker audio system, real leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat and steering column, and more.
Stepping up to the 2.0T Prestige or 3.3T Dynamic trim levels brought 19-inch wheels with performance tires, active headlights, front parking sensors, fancier seats with greater adjustability, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a surround-view monitor.
At the top of the lineup were the G70 2.0T Sport and 3.3T Sport. These trims gained 19-inch staggered-width tires, aluminum pedals, quilted Nappa leather and unique exterior trim that included copper headlight bezels, dark-tinted taillights, and a dark chrome grille. Buyers who opted for a RWD 2.0T Sport with the manual transmission got a limited-slip differential, a Brembo brake package, and a 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Genesis made a few minor trim changes for the 2020 model year, most notably a loaded 3.3T Prestige trim that replaced the 3.3T Dynamic.
The 2022 G70 was refreshed with revised styling that included new front fenders, an angular ‘Grest’ grille, and the brand’s latest split headlight and taillight designs. Inside, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen dressed up the cabin. All 2022 and newer G70 sedans were fitted with automatic transmissions and AWD as the manual and RWD options were dropped.
For 2024, Genesis replaced the G70’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a larger and more powerful 2.5-litre unit and changed the trim designations to 2.5T. Output jumped from 252 hp to 300 hp, and Brembo brakes were standardized for 2024. A 3.3T Advanced trim was added in 2025 to lower the price of entry into the more powerful engine, but it was promptly discontinued for 2026.
As of mid-2026, prices for a new Genesis G70 2.5T started at $56,000 including destination and stretched to $67,000 for the top-line model. In Canada, Genesis offers no-haggle pricing on new cars with five years of scheduled maintenance including at-home concierge service, a five-year or 100,000-kilometre comprehensive warranty, five years of map updates, and more. This can be a compelling reason to buy a Genesis new. Be sure to verify with the automaker which benefits are transferable if you plan to buy a used G70 that would still be covered.
CarGurus.ca pricing data suggests early, high-kilometre examples of the Genesis G70 start at about $17,000 in Canada. Buyers will pay another $5,000 or so for one with fewer than 100,000 kilometres, while the more attractive post-2022 models with similar odometer readings start at about $26,000.
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