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If you’re in the market for a new luxury SUV, there are many models available depending on your personal wants. For a few years, Genesis SUVs have been winning awards as the best overall models. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have problems like any other vehicle. The 2022 Genesis GV70 and GV80 are top-rated options overall, but there are some issues you should know about. The luxury compact and midsize SUV segments are competitive, so knowing every little thing could sway your opinion one way or another.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 has a few problems

A red 2022 Genesis GV70 parked in a driveway. Consumer Reports doesn't recommend a single Genesis SUV in the luxury compact or midsize SUV categories.
2022 Genesis GV70 | Genesis

In the luxury compact segment, the SUV representing the Genesis brand is the GV70. There is plenty to like about it, but no vehicle is without its problems. For example, according to Car and Driver, the rear seats are more “snug” than most passengers would like. After all, sitting in the backseat is a big reason why SUVs are so popular.

Additionally, a few of the ergonomic choices made by designers of the luxury crossover are questionable to say the least. C/D says the interior is “comfortable and well-made” for the most part, but those small design pieces make it less attractive.

Lastly, the 2022 Genesis GV70 is not very useful when it comes to towing. Even compared to other models in its class, the paltry 3,500-pound capability falls short.

The Genesis GV80 is an award-winning luxury SUV but it still has problems.
Genesis GV80 | Genesis

According to Genesis, the 2021 Genesis GV80 won multiple awards, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Best Buy of the Year for Luxury Midsize SUVs from KBB, and AutoTrader’s Best New Cars of 2021. In addition, MotorBiscuit gave the GV80 the award for best overall SUV. However, Edmunds only gave the 2022 model a 7.9/10 in its review. Its dislikes for the luxury midsize model aren’t too different from the smaller GV70.

Just like Genesis’ compact SUV, the 2022 Genesis GV80 suffers from poor controls. Controls are confusing for the driver and take some getting used to. In addition, the physical knobs and buttons are silver on silver, which lack contrast. As a result, it can be challenging to see what you’re pressing or turning in the daylight.

Next, the midsize model’s fuel economy isn’t as good as the competition. While top-ranked models like the 2022 BMW X5 average 23 combined mpg, the GV80 only gets 18 mpg. As a result, the three-row luxury model is difficult to get behind when gas prices are as high as they’ve been.

Lastly, just as with the smaller GV70, the GV80’s rear seat could be larger. In such a competitive segment, each model has to get a leg up however they can. Unfortunately, one way other models beat the GV80 is with the roominess of the rear seat. This essential part of a midsize luxury SUV is challenging to look past when deciding on the best model for you.

Award winners still have some problems

In conclusion, there are a few, even if minor, problems with the two Genesis SUVs. Moreover, the luxury compact and midsize models have similar issues. For example, both vehicles have confusing controls that are difficult to use while driving. Furthermore, space in rear seats is a problem for the luxury brand’s SUV lineup. Hopefully, in the future, some of these problems will be ironed out as one of the newest luxury brands continues improving.

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Section Editor - SUVs

Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles, look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.