2025 Genesis GV70 review: A quiet contender

Typically, automakers install a shiny new grille, tweak the lights, and call it a facelift while trying to convince us it’s a revolution and not a reheated leftover special. Of course, behind the scenes, the car is often as familiar as yesterday’s news. However, the 2025 Genesis GV70 is a little different.

You see, the Hyundai Motor Group-owned luxury brand has made a series of major improvements to its best-selling SUV that not only make it better than the pre-facelift model, but elevate it to a level even the Germans can’t match. It will be difficult to compete with that. So, what exactly makes the updated GV70 stand out, and does it have what it takes to upset the old guard?

To find out, we packed our bags and headed to the bohemian resorts of Australia’s sun-drenched Gold Coast and Byron Bay, then got behind the wheel to find out if the GV70 lives up to its word, or if this is just another time. An overpromised makeover. Underdelivered.

quick overview

Visually, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the 2025 GV70 and the model it replaces. It retains the same overall shape as the GV70 that Genesis has been selling for several years. Upon closer inspection, some differences become more apparent.

For example, the narrow headlights have been updated with new LED modules, making them even more effective. The brand’s designers also changed the front grille to give it a more refined look. Like most other facelifts of this type, the front and rear bumpers have been changed, but the changes are a bit hard to notice.

What interests us most are the updates happening beneath the surface. Genesis engineers strengthened the body-in-white and improved the damping of the gearbox and steering wheel. The improvements don’t stop there. All 2025 GV70 models come standard with revised springs and stabilizer bars, as well as newly designed bushings on the control arms and rear crossmember. According to the Koreans, this reduces impact intensity and improves comfort for rear-seat passengers.

We’re also committed to making the GV70 quieter than ever. For example, there are new sound-absorbing materials on the side sills, carpets and even the rear wheel guards. Additional insulation was added to reduce noise. Active Noise Control is designed and works in the same way as ANC-equipped headphones, canceling out road noise through out-of-phase sound waves. New double-glazed acoustic glass is also standard across the range.

Read: Genesis GV70 facelift gets electric entry, features big dashboard screen and minor styling updates

Genesis has also overhauled the trim levels and GV70 variants it offers in Australia.

First, the 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine previously offered is gone, leaving only the familiar 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. The base four-cylinder engine develops 224 kW (300 hp) at 5,800 rpm and 422 Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque between 1,650 and 4,000 rpm, while the 3.5-liter turbocharged engine develops Rated power is 279 kW (374 hp) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) between 1,300 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Both models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 3.5-liter model adding an electronic limited-slip differential.

There are three trims to choose from. The entry-level model, called Advanced, is only available with the 2.5-liter engine and starts at AU$78,500 (approximately US$51,600). The Signature sits in the middle of the range, priced at AU$87,500 (approximately US$57,500) to order, with the 2.5-litre or 3.5-litre priced at AU$98,000 (approximately US$64,400). It adds a range of additional equipment, including a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, indoor mood lighting, UV-C disinfection console and air diffuser. Perhaps the most important additions are High Ride Motion Control and Advanced ECS, which use the SUV’s cameras and radar to pre-tune the suspension.

The flagship model is called the Signature Sport and is also available in 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter versions, with the 2.5-liter priced at AU$89,500 (approximately US$58,800) and the 3.5-liter at AU$100,000 (approximately US$65,700). It has most of the same features as the Signature but has unique 21-inch wheels, unique exterior and interior styling and alloy running boards.

Advanced and Signature are available in five interior color configurations, while Signature Sport is available in four interior colors, three of which feature bright orange accents. The range is available in twelve exterior finishes, including four matte options.

Korean

The highlight of the updated GV70 is the cabin. marvelous.

When I first drove the GV70 in 2021, I was impressed by its interior. It’s built with high-quality materials and feels much more luxurious than the SUV’s price tag would suggest. This new model is even better.

The highlight of the new interior is the screen. Genesis ditches the old model’s 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 14.5-inch infotainment display in favor of a single 27-inch screen. Large screens like this are becoming more common across the industry, and while we’re not always a fan of them, the Genesis screen is lovely. It’s very clear and the narrow bezels make it feel premium.

Perhaps my only criticism of the display is that it’s completely flat rather than curved. That’s a shame because brands like BMW, Hyundai and Kia all have curved screens. This is convenient as it helps the infotainment display tilt slightly towards the driver. In the GV70, the far edge of the screen feels like it’s curved due to the angle.

Several other updates have also been made. Depending on the model, there are two different steering wheels available. Genesis also moved the touch-sensitive HVAC controls from an oval on the dash to an area beneath the console. Where the old controls were were the vents. The gearbox tunnel has also been changed and the wireless phone charger has been relocated behind the gear lever.

Read: 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Is Great, But Is It Worth the Premium?

Sitting behind the wheel of the GV70 is a pleasant experience. Not only does it feel luxurious, but every curve and material is pleasing to the eye and, more importantly, comfortable to the touch. I particularly like the silver finish on the transmission tunnel instead of the piano black plastic that many other automakers continue to use.

The seats are very comfortable and all models come with heating and ventilation. Signature and Signature Sport add an excellent massage feature. Genesis hasn’t neglected those sitting in the back either, as they’ve also featured every imaginable finish material, as well as plenty of space. This is an ideal premium product for families with one or two children. For larger families, choosing the larger GV80 is a wise choice.

Genesis at its best

The Genesis GV70 has always been great to drive, and the 2025 model is even better than before. After learning about the experience with the new model, I wondered how it could be improved, but the Genesis has already done that.

The first version I drove was the base GV70 Advanced. It may be at the bottom of the range, but it doesn’t feel like an entry-level model at all. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine packs an impressive punch and gets you up to speed quickly. It’s also very quiet and doesn’t interfere with the driving experience. For the vast majority of buyers, it ticks all the boxes.

It’s clear that Genesis has prioritized comfort with this model, although it does respond quite well on winding mountain roads. There’s plenty of grip and the brakes are enough to bring it to a stop. However, this isn’t a car that encourages you to push it to its limits, and it does a great job in gentle driving, leaving you feeling like you’re floating on a cloud of Korean comfort.

I also had the opportunity to drive the GV70 Signature Sport with the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It feels noticeably more nimble than the smaller engine thanks to the extra horsepower and torque. The biggest difference is the low-end torque, giving it more pulling power. That said, the GV70 doesn’t offer the same punch and instant response as the smaller G70 sedan, even though it’s powered by the older 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6.

As I mentioned, the 3.5-liter model also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential. Most owners would never push the GV70 hard enough to notice the LSD, but I did, and you can definitely feel its effect, making the SUV much more enjoyable to drive and corner hard. What’s particularly impressive is that the GV70 remains incredibly comfortable at all speeds and in all driving scenarios. Nothing can mess with it, no matter how bad the road surface is or how stupid you are driving it. All 2025 GV70 models come standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing their versatility.

judgment

The Genesis GV70 has always been the brand’s strongest competitor to European brands, and it’s now better than ever. With a competitive price and an impressive list of features, it should be at the top of anyone’s list in the premium SUV market.