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Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury division. Hyundai produces some of the most value-packed SUVs on the market, including models like the Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Genesis produces several popular nameplates, including MotorTrend’s Car of the Year for 2023. Is the Genesis GV70 the best affordable luxury small SUV?

The 2023 Genesis GV70 comes with great standard features

A red 2023 Genesis GV70 luxury small SUV is parked.
The 2023 Genesis GV70 | Genesis

The 2023 Genesis GV70 starts at $42,900. It uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The luxury small SUV achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The GV70 comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic park assist. The Genesis GV70 also features rear and side cross-traffic alert, emergency evasive steering, and highway driving assist.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 includes a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with heated front seats, remote keyless entry, and a garage door opener. The GV70 includes rear parking sensors, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Genesis GV70 is one of the best luxury small SUVs in its segment

A gray 2023 Genesis GV70 luxury small SUV is parked on a beach.
The 2023 Genesis GV70 | Genesis

The 2023 Genesis GV70 is one of the best luxury small SUVs on the market, especially considering its affordable price. It’s considerably more affordable than most of its rivals. Car and Driver ranks the GV70 over the popular BMW X3.

It competes with the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60. The GV70 has an incredibly refined interior, powerful engine options, and an attractive exterior. Ultimately the BMW X3 is the GV70’s greatest nemesis in terms of pricing.

2023 Genesis GV70 vs. 2023 BMW X3

A gray 2023 BMW X3 small luxury SUV is parked.
The 2023 BMW X3 | BMW

The 2023 BMW X3 costs $2,500 more than the Genesis GV70. The BMW X3 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 23 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

The X3 comes standard with a keyless entry system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10.3-inch infotainment system with in-dash navigation. It also includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The luxury small SUV features standard lane-departure warning and standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning.

The 2023 BMW X3 comes standard with SensaTec upholstery, dark oak wood trim, and heated side mirrors. It also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dynamic cruise control.

The GV70 has only been in production since 2020. The X3, on the other hand, has been in production since 2003. BMW’s luxury small SUV has been around for almost two decades. The 2023 X3 has engaging driving dynamics, decent fuel economy for its segment, and a great V6 engine option. Car and Driver claims that it has the spirit of a sports sedan baked into a small SUV. The X3 is the better buy because it has a longer history of satisfying consumers. That being said, the Genesis GV70 is a clear competitor in the luxury small SUV vehicle segment that rivals should take seriously.