2019 Genesis G70

The midsize sedan class has a lot more variety of trims and models to offer, all ranging from the basic to advanced. While the base 2.0T Advanced with an AWD setup is a more economical approach along with getting all the latest features. Although we would recommend the mighty 365-hp twin-turbo engine which is also worth the money as well when its performance characteristics are taken into account.

So as per that, the recommended choice should be the G70 3.3T Advance trim level as it comes standard with most of the features of the 2.0T. It also has upgraded Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires. However, opting for an AWD setup switches back to 18-inch wheels and also adds a heated steering wheel.

The simplest of them all, the Genesis G70 lineup can be represented under two models only: 2.0T and 3.3T. However, the lineup offers five trim levels ranging from $34,900 to $52,250 comprising both types of engines and nine different configurations to opt from. 

Though the base 2.0T model is quite engaging and sporty to drive, the Genesis has made things even more interesting with their 2.0T Sport model that allows a more conventional six-speed manual transmission; a forever fan favorite. Some significant features of the car include lane keep assistance, power seats, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, alloy wheels, high beam assistance, and more. 

If you get the optional package, be it the sports package or the elite package, you get multiple upgrades such as ventilated and heated seats, a power sunroof, LED headlights, and enhanced audio.

Considering the variety of powertrain options, specifically, the manual 2.0T Sport and even more performance-oriented 3.3T trims add more spunk to the Genesis G70 lineup.

Which trim should you buy?.

The 2019 Genesis G70 offers two different engine options depending upon the trim levels. The 2.0T trims come equipped with a 2.0L Inline-4 engine and the 3.3T trims are equipped with a powerful 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 engine. While the 2.0L engine churns out a decent power output of 252 horses, the 3.3L engine produces 365 horses. 

Except for the 2.0T Sport trim level, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission unit. The power is governed by an eight-speed automatic transmission system that channels the power to either a standard rear-wheel-drive setup or an available all-wheel-drive setup (except for the 2.0T Sport trim level).

While the base engine allows the Genesis G70 to scoot from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.0 seconds, the beastly 3.3L engine does the same in just 4.5 seconds. The car is provided with five drive mode settings to choose from: Sport, Comfort, Eco, Smart, and Custom that tailors the overall driving experience as per the driver’s need. 

Either with the standard or the available powertrain options, the Genesis G70 offers both performance and practicality. And if you compare it with the rivals, then the G70 performs comparatively better in terms of performance as well as driving experience. 

How well does the 2019 Genesis G70 handle?

When it comes to ride and handling, Genesis G70 does not compromise even a bit on the suspension or the steering. Powertrain configurations are at par, providing you with an expert balance while on the ride. Smooth suspension evens out the surfaces for you and even on a thrift corner, the Sedan remains composed. 

The 3.3T allows you to avail yourself of adaptive dampers that keep your drive butter-smooth. And the best part is that the 2019 Genesis G70 leaves it to the driver; it’s your steering and you have to drive it right. But it will provide you with the prerequisite information. 

The steering is overall pleasant and simple. You can switch through the drive modes and make your work even easier. The Sports Package will allow you to get an athletic experience because it would give you better tire quality. 

When measuring the car’s road-holding ability, the Genesis G70 got 0.95 g which is an amazing number. The 3.3T comes fitted with Brembo brakes that let your car halt from 70 MPH within 164 feet. If the normal brakes are in use, the pedal is firm enough and the braking inputs are progressive. 

Braking Performance

Hyundai knows how to make a ride balanced such that it accelerates in a linear manner but should also put on a halt in an evenly effective fashion. 

The 2019 Genesis G70 is as good with its braking capacity as it is with its powerful engines and sharp handling. The overall braking mechanism is supported with ABS and driveline traction control and electronic stability control and if that is not enough. 

The upper trim levels are equipped with Brembo brakes that add much more effectiveness to the Genesis G70’s overall braking efficiency. And to testify the same, the G70 takes 109 feet to come upon a complete halt if brakes are being applied to 60 MPH. 

The Jaguar XE is even more effective with its braking mechanism than any of the small Sedan class cars here. However, with the Brembo brakes mechanism, the Genesis G70 offers an even more effective braking efficiency than any other competitor in the group.

With multiple powertrain and configuration options, the 2019 Genesis G70 reflects different MPG numbers depending upon which configuration has been opted in. Even after that, the EPA has rated the car for all kinds of configurations. 

Let us also stick to the basics as the 2.0T Advance model has earned a decent score under EPA and comes out with 22 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG as combined. 

The score is very much doable for the class. However, the same cannot be said for the 3.3T trim levels as they have comparatively fewer figures on the same chart. The overall fuel tank capacity is particularly low which is 15.8 gallons that barely helps the G70 to cruise for a combined mileage of 410 miles.

Even after offering a comparatively lower fuel tank capacity, the Genesis G70 does fine with its overall fuel economy. But when opting for the performance models, one has to compensate with the efficiency. 

Need an opulent experience inside your car? Well, the 2019 Genesis G70 gives you a perfect cabin layout, top-notch materials, straightforward controls, and a driver-centric layout.

Genesis does not give you plaster faux carbon fiber inside and also don't expect the steering wheel being flat bottom. Your passengers will feel comfortable in the Nappa leather upholstered seats, but in the rear seat, the legroom has been compromised a bit.

The front seats give you excellent headroom, legroom as well as shoulder room. The rear seat is a bit tight if you are tall. Only normal-sized adults can sit comfortably.

Adjustments are done generously, be it the steering wheel telescope or the height of the seat. Plus, get the sports package for a better driving feel. There is a low front glass that will keep you comfortable if you like to sit high.

The Genesis G70 offers an impressive build quality with its interior. Each bit of the car has been handled with care, be it the textures inside or the switchgear. Some areas inside might be made of cheaper plastics like the cup holder, mirror-chromed hollow plastic, etc. But all in all, you get a luxurious experience when you move inside the Genesis G70.

Standout interior features include:

• Nappa leather seats
• Driver seat memory function with 12-way power adjustability
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The entire lineup of the 2019 Genesis G70 comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which is user-friendly with fairly intuitive ergonomics just like any other Hyundai car. 

The list of desirable features adds Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HD Radio, and three USB ports. The available options include navigation and wireless charging for smartphones. The 7-inch digital screen in the instrument cluster is also there which shows all the vital information about the car. 

For music and entertainment, the base models of Genesis G70 come standard with a 6-speakers sound system including a subwoofer and six-channel internal amplifier; which can be upgraded in the upper models with 15-high-efficiency speakers including two subwoofers.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• HD Radio
• Bluetooth
• Navigation System
• SiriusXM 
• 15-speaker premium sound system

In terms of exterior looks, the 2019 Genesis G70 is certainly impressive. It has been given a fresh design unlike its sister brand Kia, which appeals to most buyers. However, you might see some impressions of other cars like the C-class; wherein the rear tail lamps look like it. The Kia Stinger’s front bumper seems to be copied to an extent. The sidelines might remind you of the character lines of the Alfa Romeo Guilia. The bumper at the front has sharp creases in places and some sharp cuts but with the LED fog lamps, it looks distinct. The headlamps also have LED units. The front fascia stays lowered in front of the large hexagonal grille.

Observe the two character lines running down the car along with the fake front fender vent. The mild diffuser, dual chrome exhaust tips, bulging boot lid and LED tail lamps like the C-Class on the rear further add character to the car. The 2019 Genesis G70 has dimensions of a typical sedan that are familiar to some of the other cars in the segment, yet at the same time distinctive. However, the Kia Stinger also shares the same dimensions but the G70 has the highest ground clearance when compared to any other competitors in the same group.

.Highlights of the 2019 Genesis G70 exterior are:

• Heated outer rear view mirrors
• LED Headlights
• Sports exhaust system
• Hands-free trunk opener
• Brembo brakes
• 18” or 19” alloys

The 2019 Genesis G70 is brilliant in terms of its safety quotient as well. The G70 has been crowned with Top Safety Pick+ title by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, which is the highest award the independent crash-test agency can honor a car with. Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Administration hasn’t evaluated the 2019 G70 under its crashworthiness parameters. Despite that, the 2019 Genesis G70 is absolutely safe, it boasts the most advanced safety features as standard only.

Some of the noteworthy safety features of the 2019 G70 are as follows:

• Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
• Surround-view camera parking system
• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot monitor
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Driver attention monitor
• Automatic high-beam headlights

2019 Genesis G70 vs 2019 Kia Stinger

Belonging to sister brands, the Genesis G70 and Kia Stinger are closely matched. While there are some differences in performance, the variations are only diminutive. Both midsize sedans look impressively well and like their striking fascia, both braking and acceleration performances are sharp. Even fuel efficiencies are eerily similar due to the mechanical builds. So, when it comes to choosing a winner, the decision is painstaking. However, considering that Kia’s vehicle suffers from jittery ride quality and restricted outward visibility, it is best to opt for Genesis in comparison.

2019 Genesis G70 vs 2019 Jaguar XE

The British sedan, the Jaguar XE, has not been the most popular choice in its class. With the introduction of the Genesis G70, it falls further in the pegging order. Compared to the Korean brand, the XE fails to establish itself as a viable contender due to its cramped rear seats, inferior quality of materials, and substandard electronic performance. While it does manage to excel in braking and fuel economy, Genesis’s lively nature and proven reliability make it worth its price. So, when pitted against Jaguar, the G70 makes for a sensible and effortless choice.

Should you buy it? Yes, most definitely. The variety of powertrains and configuration options are many. Sharp handling with good performance attributes and splendid braking efficiency are add ons. Performance credentials are confirmed, plus premium interiors are yours for a nominal price of below $40,000, with the 2019 Genesis G70. The new sports sedan on the block promptly leaps rivals.