Just as the rear-wheel drive sport sedan was becoming an endangered species, Korean upstart Genesis unveiled the 2016 G70. The look was strong and the intention bolder: Unseat the old standbys from Audi, BMW and the like with an entirely new take on the genre that turns a blind eye to the ever-expanding SUV and crossover market. 

Though Genesis wasn’t quite a household name at the time—the brand was founded only a year before the G70 was born—the powers that be brought serious star power to the table, including engineers from BMW and designers from Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini. Style-wise, it shows: The G70 sits with a poise that suggests a masterful design that manages to look both aggressive and balanced. 

The 2021 Genesis G70 still looks fresh, but the model’s 2022 update will bring more dramatic G80-inspired styling.  Genesis

Climb inside, and the relatively low seating position suggests this is a seriously focused sedan whose most crucial seat is behind the steering wheel. There’s not a lot of legroom for rear passengers, which indicates its more driver-oriented intentions. The view up front is relatively purposeful, with a dashboard that’s more structured than it is sleek, a central 8-inch touchscreen, and an analog speedometer and tachometer with a 7-inch display nestled in-between. There are more conventional knobs and buttons on the G70’s center stack than its competitors, which take a more digital, menu-driven approach to the car’s controls. Genesis offers a fairly conventional arrangement considering the contemporary exterior treatment, though it does offer intuitive ergonomics. While the Elite package is required to introduce leather seating surfaces to the cabin, the Prestige package ups the ante with a fancier suede headliner, seats with greater articulation, and supple Nappa leather upholstery with quilting.

The G70 comes alive on winding roads, defying its size with nimble handling.  Genesis

Motivation comes from either a turbocharged four-cylinder producing 252 horsepower or a turbo six-cylinder that ups the output to 365 horsepower. Most will find the smaller engine delivers enough get-up-and-go for most conditions. But those who sample the V6 won’t want to go back: The acceleration comes on strong, providing a satisfying rush of thrust that inspires aggressive driving. While both engines are available in rear-wheel drive (and a manual is optional only with the four-cylinder), all-wheel drive four and six-cylinder models are auto-only. 

The G70 is the smallest and sportiest model in the Genesis lineup (and is a cousin to Kia’s aggressive Stinger), and its driving dynamics reflect that positioning. Accurate, agile, and easy to drive fast, both engine options deliver a satisfying response when the accelerator is buried. Handling is sharp considering the body size, and yet ride quality is surprisingly supple given the G70’s cornering capabilities and high amounts of grip.

 In its most upscale “Prestige” trim, the G70’s quilted leather and suede headliner bring a special feeling to the otherwise purposeful interior.  Genesis

As an overall package, the G70 succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be: a focused, driver-oriented sports sedan that brings a touch of plushness without going over-the-top in luxury. The sense of purposefulness comes across in its well-finished interior and no-nonsense functionality. However, the most compelling argument for the smallest Genesis comes from its roadgoing personality, engaging and entertaining for those who love to hit the open road and drive. 

The base G70 2.0T starts at $37,545 but opting for the manual ups the price to $40,145. All-wheel drive is a $200 upcharge but is not available with the manual. The $4150 Prestige package adds leather seating, heated front seats, navigation, an upgraded Lexicon audio system, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a sunroof and few other cosmetic details. An $8000 Prestige package brings a heads-up display, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, Nappa leather, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, and assorted niceties. 

 The 3.5T model’s large tailpipes suggest the brawny intention of its 365 hp V6.  Genesis

The Genesis G70 3.3T starts at $47,745 for rear-wheel drive and $49,745 for all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a heated steering wheel, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. From there, the 3.3T shuffles the equipment package content, the $2850 Prestige including a heads-up display, surround-view monitor, Nappa leather with quilted surfaces, heated rear seats (heated fronts are standard) and power trunk lid. The $4150 Sport package is our choice, including all the Prestige package items and adding an adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tires in front and 255/35 tires in the rear. Cosmetic tweaks include a dark chrome grille, dark tint taillight covers and copper headlight bezel accents.