If you’re looking for a luxury car that perfectly blends sporty driving dynamics with a plush and comfortable interior, then the compact car segment is the way to go. While all of these options will deliver thrills and opulence, one model stands out by offering exceptional value for money.
The luxury compact car segment is full of sports sedans that will impress. While more budget-oriented options usually offer less features and performance to keep their price low, there is a model froma fairly young brandthat ticks all the right boxes without inflating its price, taking the fight to legacy automakers.
Exploring the luxury compact segment, we dive into a model that stands out for its exceptional value. We explore how much it costs and which trim offers the best value for money. Taking a look inside, we explore the details that help this sedan stand out. Finally, we peak under the hood and see how it stacks up when it comes to performance.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The Genesis G70 Offers Upscale Features While Undercutting Rivals
Genesis hasn’t been around all that long as a standalone brand, launching their first car back in 2003. It is incredibly impressive that such a young automaker is already challenging legacy luxury brands. The G70 is the perfect example of their recent dominance, delivering brilliant levels of luxury at a price point thatvery few of its competitors can match.
$42,500
$46,700
$50,950
3.3T Sport Prestige
$55,350
While some other more affordable luxury brands offer you lower prices by sacrificing equipment, refinement, or performance, it is really hard to see where Genesis has made cuts to keep the G70’s price down. Its exterior styling is brilliant, with aggressive curves that show it belongs in the compact sport sedan segment, and its interior is loaded with high-quality materials and a ton of tech features.
The G70 is divided into two distinct flavors, the 2.5T and the 3.3T. The former means that it houses an overachieving turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood and the latter means it has a silky-smooth twin-turbo V-6 instead. Obviously, the 2.5T Sport Prestige offers more luxurious equipment than the base 2.5T, with the same going for the 3.3T Sport Prestige.
Best Value Model
Regardless of which engine option you go for, you’ll be more than satisfied, with both offering excellent value compared to the G70s competitors. However, we would make the jump up to the 3.3T Sport Advanced model. If you’d rather save some money and go for the four-cylinder engine, we wouldn’t blame you, especially because Genesis has made it bigger and more powerful compared to the previous two-liter unit that used to sit under the hood.
The 3.3T Sport Advanced comes with a number of upgrades, both to performance and comfort. In such a compact body, the V-6 does a brilliant job of motivating the G70, offering tantalizing power. It also offers a plethora of equipment upgrades, including genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seating, a power-operated sunroof and an upgraded sound system. For the relatively small jump in price from the four cylinder, you get quite a lot.
The G70 Features a Plush, Tech-Filled Interior
As mentioned before, this is usually where cheaper luxury models fall short, with the lower price tag meaning a less inviting interior. However, the G70 has a cabin that could easily compete with top players like the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4. While it has the ability to be raucous when you put your foot down, you’ll find yourself more than happy while cruising on your daily commute.
Interior Design and Comfort
The Genesis G70’s cabin is beyond inviting. There is clear inspiration from ultra-luxury brands in the way that, with every inch dripping in class. The big Genesis logo on the steering wheel is enough to make you feel at ease. Beyond the soft, upscale materials layered over every inch of the cabin, ergonomics and a user-friendly approach make sitting in the driver’s seat an effortless affair.
The seating position lets you know that this is a sporty sedan, while offering a great deal of comfort. Dual-zone climate control is standard and a 16-way power adjustable driver’s seat is also on offer. One of the biggest criticisms we have, though, is the rear seats, which are far too cramped. The door pockets are also strangely small, meaning there isn’t all that much use for them.
Infotainment and Technology
Every Genesis G70 comes withstrong tech offerings, including a standard with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen poking out from the pristine dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, of course, on offer. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver, with you having the ability to customize it to your preferences. On top models you may also get yourself a heads-up display.
Most models come with a wireless smartphone charging pad and the 3.3T models come with a Digital Key, allowing you to use your phone to control a number of the vehicle’s functions. Audiophiles will be pleased with the sound system on offer, with a 15-speaker Lexicon system being available. You can also get ambient lighting, customizable with 64 color variations.
Both Engine Options in the Genesis G70 Will Leave You Smiling
When you are buying a luxury car on a budget, you often have to stick with the base powertrain. This can sometimes be a disappointing affair, with the most affordable engine not quite living up to the car’s potential. In the G70, though, both the four-cylinder and the V-6 offer excellent performance, with the smaller of the two definitely delivering power above its station.
300 HP
368 HP
311 LB-FT
376 LB-FT
RWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
155 MPH
160 MPH
The standard four-cylinder engine pushes out a pretty impressive 300 horsepower, coming with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While not quite as quick as a BMW 330i or an Audi A4, it is quick enough for most. This model definitely prioritizes comfort over speed though, with a well-balanced ride and smooth power delivery being its best tricks.
If you’re looking for thrills, the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6is the way to go. Again, it isn’t as quick to 60 miles per hour as the segment’s most spirited options, but it expertly balances ride and handling. This model comes with adaptive dampers as well, allowing you to firm up the suspension when you’re looking to carve up some corners. Steering feedback is also exceptionally precise. It may not be the quickest, but its driving experience is exceptionally rewarding.
2.5T RWD
21 MPG
29 MPG
24 MPG
2.5T AWD
20 MPG
28 MPG
23 MPG
3.3T RWD
17 MPG
25 MPG
3.3T AWD
19 MPG
While fuel economy isn’t the most important factor in the world when it comes to compact sports sedans, when you’re talking about a car’s value it certainly plays a role. The G70 doesn’t quite deliver numbers that impress, but they aren’t outright horrible either. The Genesis sits somewhere near the middle of the pack. At least there isn’t a massive penalty for opting for an all-wheel drive model over a rear-wheel drive model.
Genesis Offers Brilliant After-Sales Support, Bolstering the G70’s Value
If you’re a buyer looking for a deal, you’ll take all the additional value that you can get. Something that buyers of luxury vehicles don’t often think about is warranties and maintenance plans. When going with such a young brand, though, a strong warranty plan is definitely a factor that would help turn you away from well-established legacy brands.
Warranty and Maintenance
Genesis covers the G70 with one of the most comprehensive warranty plans on the market. This is especially true of its powertrain warranty, which no other luxury brand can match, showcasing Genesis' confidence inthe vehicle’s reliability. You also get your first three scheduled maintenance visits for free. Genesis offers a valet service where they collect your vehicle for maintenance visits and provide you with another Genesis vehicle as a loaner.
