Since the rollout began in 2020, the Genesis GV70 has broken through as one of the world’s most popular compact luxury SUVs. For the 2023 calendar year, U.S. sales alone exceeded 25,000 units—more than the Volvo XC60, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, and many other well-known nameplates. With the introduction of the 2025 GV70, Genesis aims to write another successful chapter in this modern success story.
Perhaps the composite design is part of why the Genesis GV70 has struck a chord with drivers. While officially a compact crossover SUV, the Genesis GV70 drives more like a four-door sedan and has the look of an athletic station wagon. This combination has already racked up numerous awards, with the GV70 being named the 2022 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, earning a position on AutoTrader’s Best New Cars of 2022, and taking a spot among the 2024 Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs. Does the 2025 Genesis GV70 hit the right notes again for those who want performance luxury that they can drive anywhere? I decided to find out.
Powertrain: Powerful, Reliable Options Return
Over the GV70’s short but bright history, Genesis has offered two gasoline engine options, which the vehicle shares with its big brother, the midsize GV80. It’s a case of Genesis deciding not to mess with a good thing. The GV70 2.5T is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. That gives you plenty for daily driving and weekend cruising while still getting an EPA-estimated 28 MPG on the highway. If you want some more punch for sportier thrill rides, get the 2025 GV70 3.5T. Its 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 cranks things up to 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.
Each engine connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and both trims have a standard all-wheel drive system. This automatically adjusts the power to the front and rear wheels for maximum traction in all conditions. There are also six selectable drive modes. Choose Eco mode for maximum fuel efficiency, Comfort mode for balanced power and handling characteristics, Snow mode for winter weather, and Sport or Sport+ mode to send more torque to the rear wheels for an experience like that of a traditional high-performance sedan. Finally, there is a custom mode that you can set however you want.
Want to Go Electric? You Can!
How about drivers who want the most possible power from their compact SUV while being eco-conscious? The Genesis Electrified GV70 returns for 2025 to give you that choice. The dual motors generate an impressive 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, allowing the model to zip from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds! With the 77.4 kWh battery, the Electrified GV70 can go an estimated 236 miles on a full charge. When you buy a new model, you get three years of free 30-minute rapid charging sessions at any Electrify America location.
Performance: Get a Grip on Every Road
From the beginning, Genesis designed the GV70 to run with the best performance sedans on the road while still having a refined feel—and maybe handle some dirt roads if you’re feeling more adventurous. The 2025 GV70 continues this path. Each model has a multi link suspension to combine stability and responsiveness. The GV70 3.5T steps things up by using an Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview. This system uses the front camera to watch out for hills, sharp turns, bumps, and potholes, then pre-adjusts the suspension to give you a smoother journey.
Each Genesis GV70 also has vented front and rear disc brakes to keep them cool, with the brakes on the GV70 3.5T being slightly larger to help handle the added power. The base GV70 2.5T has standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels for all-around driving, while the GV70 3.5T has 19-inch wheels. However, 21-inch wheels are available for both versions to increase top speed and grip. They’re fitted with Michelin all-season tires to give you a firm hold on dry pavement, wet pavement, and even light snow.
Exterior: Eye-Popping Style and Functionality
The graceful yet sporty driving personality of the 2025 GV70 extends to its appearance. This is a crossover SUV that even the manufacturer acknowledges has an aesthetic more like that of an athletic coupe—complete with a hatchback for family outings. It’s like a young adult who wants to show some more sophistication but isn’t quite ready to fully grow up. Somehow, the combination works, with the G-Matrix Crest Grille setting the tone for the athletic lines to come.
This five-door crossover has all-LED lighting that features Genesis’ well-known two-line headlamps with high-beam assistance. You get a hands-free power liftgate for easy opening, heated side mirrors to improve rear visibility, and pre-wiring for towing up to 3,500 lbs. There are also handy features like roof rails, power-folding side mirrors, and a panoramic sunroof. Genesis has also increased the paint options for the 2025 GV70, with 11 shades now available, including three matte finishes if you want more of a glowing look that is better at concealing micro-scratches.
Interior: New Standard Tech Goodies Lead the Way
The biggest news for the 2025 Genesis GV70 interior is that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims. No longer do you need a cord to link your smartphone for everything from playlists to navigation. The Genesis Connected Services vehicle locator has become a standard feature, too, helping track down your GV70 if you lose track in a big parking lot or if it’s stolen.
These are added to a plethora of standard multimedia and comfort features, including a 14.5-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, a wireless phone charger, a nine-speaker premium sound system, a WiFi hotspot, heated front seats, a 12-way power driver seat, and a 90-day free trial of SiriusXM. Legroom and cargo room outpace many compact crossover rivals; you get 41.3 inches of legroom in the front, 37.2 inches in the rear, and 56.9 cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats down.
The 2025 Genesis GV70 also has one of the most comprehensive standard safety tech suites of any vehicle on the road. Here’s a full list of what comes with every GV70 trim:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Reverse Parking Distance Warning
- Safe Exit Assist
- Smart Cruise Control
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Highway Driving Assist
The GV70 3.5T adds an Advanced Rear Occupant Alert system and the more capable Highway Driving Assist 2 system. This vehicle is a past recipient of the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and the NHTSA five-star overall safety rating, and I’d be shocked if it doesn’t earn similar honors for the 2025 edition.
Slide Into a Leading Compact SUV
After bursting onto the scene in a big way, the Genesis GV70 has established itself as a top performer in its class. Whether it’s the strong power numbers, sport-inspired suspension, cozy seating, advanced tech, or controls made to look like jewelry, this is a sedan-coupe-crossover hybrid that gives you a healthy taste of luxury at an affordable price. It’s all backed by some of the industry’s leading vehicle coverage that includes the following:
- 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 7-year/unlimited-mileage anti-perforation warranty
- 3-year/36,000-mile free scheduled maintenance
- 5-year/unlimited-mileage 24/7 roadside assistance
From feeling the excitement of screaming down the backroads to hauling a small boat or some dirt bikes to the nearest trail, the 2025 Genesis GV70 offers something for everyone—all with upscale, refined style. If you’re looking for an alternative to classic luxury brands like Cadillac, Lexus, and BMW or are on more of a budget, you can’t go wrong with this machine.
