Genesis has certainly made a name for itself in the premium market recently. And its products, from its sedans to the GV80 luxury SUV, back up that hype with stylish substance. However, while the GV80 can hang with the segment’s best, it’s no longer the only Genesis SUV. It’s now joined by the compact 2022 Genesis GV70. And from what YouTube teams Throttle House and The Straight Pipes can see, the new GV70 won’t be hiding in the GV80’s shadow. Because it’s more than capable of causing a segment stir on its own.

How much is the luxury in a 2022 Genesis GV70?

Genesis offers the 2022 GV70 in seven different trims, divided roughly along powertrain lines. While each 2022 GV70 has an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, buyers can pick between two different engines, both found in the G70. Though that’s understandable given that the compact Genesis SUV rides on that sedan’s platform.

The standard 2022 Genesis GV70 engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. And it’s available on the following trims:

• Standard 2.5T ($41,500)
• Select 2.5T ($45,500)
• Advanced 2.5T ($49,650)
• Sport Prestige 2.5T ($53,250)

Meanwhile, the optional engine is a 3.5-liter turbocharged six-cylinder rated at 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. And choosing it mixes the trim availability up somewhat:

• Sport 3.5T ($52,600)
• Sport Advanced 3.5T ($57,600)
• Sport Prestige 3.5T ($62,500)

What kind of luxury features does the compact Genesis SUV offer?

Even if you don’t go for the higher trim levels, the 2022 Genesis GV70 comes fairly well-equipped. The Standard trim offers features like heated front seats, a power liftgate, wireless charging, an 8” digital gauge cluster, and a 14.5” touchscreen with navigation. And speaking of the touchscreen, it comes standard with fingerprint recognition and over-the-air updates. Plus, it comes standard (no pun intended) with LED lighting, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Those looking to maximize their upscale experience, though, will find the higher trims offer quite a bit. For example, the Select adds ventilated front seats, aluminum interior trim, a panoramic roof, and a Lexicon audio system. The Advanced has real leather upholstery, wood trim, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360° camera system, MotorTrend notes. And the upholstery is available in a riot of colors, as is the Genesis GV70 itself.

Stepping up to the 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport nets you more than a bigger engine, though, Roadshow says. In addition to leather upholstery, it offers adaptive suspension and the 2.5T Sport Prestige’s dark-chrome ‘Sport Appearance’ Package. The Sport Advanced adds quilted Nappa leather, a suede headliner, Lexicon audio, and blind-spot monitoring to that. And the 3.5T Sport Prestige offers real carbon-fiber trim, an electronic limited-slip differential, a 3D gauge cluster, and heated second-row seats.

Throttle House calls the 2022 Genesis GV70 “an absolute win”

When Genesis revealed the 2022 GV70, there seemed sufficient reason for the Korean brand’s luxury rivals to be nervous. And based on The Straight Pipes’ and Throttle House’s impressions, those suspicions are validated.

Going with the higher trim levels, especially on the 3.5T Sport ones, means the 2022 Genesis GV70 gets bigger wheels. Normally, that’s a recipe for degrading ride quality. But the GV70’s adaptive suspension means that even on 21” wheels, the Genesis SUV rides comfortably, Throttle House says. It’s not quite on the level of the GV80’s air suspension, but it’s very close to it, The Straight Pipes muse. And the seats themselves are comfortable, too.

That comfort, though, doesn’t come at the expense of handling. True, the Genesis GV70 isn’t as sporty as the G70 sedan, but it’s reasonably fun to drive. And the steering is accurate and well-weighted; and, it delivers a decent amount of feedback. It’s arguably better than the steering in some of the GV70’s German competitors, Throttle House reports. Plus, while the GV70 isn’t quite as fun as, say, a BMW X3 M40i, it’s more fun than the Audi SQ5, Throttle House says.

But the 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV’s killer app is its design and layout. While visual appeal is in the eye of the beholder, Motor1 repeatedly described the GV70’s interior and exterior as “attractive.” The infotainment is also “brilliantly simple” to use, Throttle House notes, as is the rest of the interior. And the GV70 has more rear cargo space than the X3, AutoGuide reports.

To quote The Straight Pipes, “Genesis nailed [its] first GV70.”

What flaws remain?

That being said, the 2022 Genesis GV70 isn’t perfect.

Besides the fact that its highest trims can get pricey, the compact SUV’s engine might leave some potential owners wanting more. The 3.5-liter engine is adequate, but some of the GV70’s competitors offer more power, Throttle House says. And it doesn’t sound particularly pleasant.

Also, the center console holds two rotary controllers: one for the transmission and one for the infotainment. But while they’re separate, the two ‘dials’ are fairly close to each other. And Throttle House and The Straight Pipes both found that can confuse some drivers.

However, these issues aren’t necessarily deal-breakers. The 2022 Genesis GV70 might not be the sportiest compact luxury SUV, but as an overall premium package, it shines.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.