I welcome every opportunity to drive a Genesis vehicle with open arms. As Genesis provides son-nim by treating every customer as an honored guest. The 2026 Genesis GV70 embodies Korean hospitality with athletic and upscale features to shame luxury rivals. However, some things should still be improved. 

Four ways the 2026 Genesis GV70 dominates competitors

1. It has better tech 

I don’t want to throw too much shade at BMW, but it could benefit from cheating off the 2026 Genesis GV70. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a nerd, I was just a hobbit for Halloween. But the tech in BMWs like the XM and X5 is confusing and distracting. 

While some aspects of the GV70 have a slight learning curve, it’s much easier to figure out how to adjust customization settings. The intuitive dual 27-inch digital dash and infotainment system is intuitive. Plus, the system is fast. 

The head-up display allows you to focus on the road, and the voice commands are convenient. You can use your phone as a key, customize the interior ambient lighting, and relax to various themes such as the sounds of nature. 

2. The comfort can’t be beat 

I’ve gotten in a few different BMW SUVs, Volkswagen models, Land Rover SUVs, and Audi vehicles that were a little bit disappointing. The seats were stiff, and the interior materials were a little cheap. 

But the 2026 Genesis GV70 is there for you with plush, supportive, and spacious seats with the right amount of side bolstering to hold you in place. They’re available with heating, ventilation, and massaging features. 

The rear seats offer enough room for two average-sized adults and are just as comfortable. You can enjoy their relaxed, reclining angle. 

Plus, the GV70 can be quite peaceful. The interior is quiet at highway speeds, and the ride is silky smooth. Although the adaptive suspension with the 3.5T model makes a noticeable difference. 

3. It has a great performance 

The 2026 Genesis GV70 has a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. With the V6 engine, the GV70 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds. 

The tires provide plenty of grip, the steering is responsive, and the handling is direct. Plus, the brakes are strong without being overly sensitive. You have plenty of power to pass others on the highway. 

Also, the highway Driving Assist system is intelligent and relaxing. The advanced AWD system includes a Terrain Mode to confidently conquer snow, mud, and sand. It’s up for anything. 

4. Interior quality 

The 2026 Genesis GV70 is crafted with elegant, high-quality materials and intricate details for an attractive design. 

The available Nappa leather upholstery is tailored with eye-catching accent colors. Textured metal appliques tie everything together. You get a sense of luxury from the knurled glass shift knob. 

Plus, the panoramic sunroof allows natural light to filter in the cabin without being too bright. Best off all, the materials feel durable and ready for whatever families have to throw at it. The large windshield, rear window, and small pillars provide tons of visibility. 

Three ways the 2026 Genesis GV70 could improve 

1. It has limited cargo space 

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV to tote kids, pets, and tons of stuff around, consider moving up in size to the Genesis GV80. However, the GV70 does provide 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 56.9 cubic feet overall. 

Space for personal items is a bit limited. Sure, there are a fair amount of cup holders in the door pockets. But the glove box and center console are snug. Also, there aren’t very many trays or cubbies. 

2. There’s no hybrid engine 

There are a lot of luxury SUVs with hybrid engines to consider like the Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid, Volvo XC60 Hybrid, and Lexus RX Hybrid. But the Genesis GV70 has traditional gas-powered engines and an available fully electric powertrain. 

The Genesis GV70 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway with the standard engine. With the V6 engine, you get about 18 mpg in the city and up to 25 mpg on the highway. 

3. Not as athletic as others 

Rivals such as the 2026 Porsche Macan are viewed as having a better performance than the Genesis GV70. For example, the Macan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds. Also, the suspension seems better for handling hairpin turns at higher speeds. 

But athletic rivals aren’t as comfortable in some cases. The Macan often exhibits a firm ride and has overly sensitive safety tech. Plus, they’re more expensive. 

The Genesis GV70 starts at $48,986, the BMW X3 has an MSRP of $50,900, and the Porsche Macan rings in at $64,600.