Review: 2025 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Luxury
A Proper Posh SUV That Deserves More Attention
Let’s start with the elephant in the room – no, not the muddy dog in the boot, we’ll get to that later. I’m talking about Genesis. If you stopped random folk on the street and asked them what a Genesis is, chances are they’d say it’s either a band, a biblical reference, or the beginning of something. Very few would say “oh aye, it’s that fancy car brand that does a cracking job of rivaling the Germans.” And that’s a bit of a shame, really.
You see, Genesis – Hyundai’s posh cousin – has been quietly making very good, very plush motors for a few years now. The GV70, their mid-size luxury SUV, is a prime example. It’s got the looks, the comfort, and the cleverness to challenge the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Merc GLC. But unlike those, it doesn’t carry the same badge snobbery (or the same eye-watering price tag). So, what’s it like living with one in the real world – a world of potholed B-roads, soggy campsites, and back seats full of dog hair and flapjack crumbs?
First Impressions: Class Without Shouting About It
Visually, the GV70 is a stunner. It’s got that “I’m expensive, but I don’t need to shout about it” look. The large crest grille up front is pure Genesis, flanked by sleek twin-bar headlights that give it a kind of futuristic Aston Martin vibe. The side profile’s all smooth curves and subtle chrome, while the rear’s tidy and understated - though it does have a Porsche Macan look about it.
Our test model, the Luxury 2.5T AWD, came in a deep metallic green that looked absolutely mint in the sunshine – and just as smart when plastered in Lancashire and Cumbrian mud.
Interior: More Boutique Hotel Than Boring SUV
Step inside and the GV70 shows off its posh credentials with ease. The cabin is a lovely place to be – swathed in soft leather, brushed aluminium, and knurled knobs that feel properly premium. The design’s a bit out-there in places (the aircraft-inspired dials and oval themes, for example), but it works, and it feels special.
There’s a 14.5” infotainment screen sitting proudly up top, and unlike some other cars we’ve tested recently, Genesis hasn’t banished all physical controls. You get proper heater dials. Real, tactile, twisty dials. Thank you, Genesis. Not everything has to be on a screen the size of your nan’s telly.
That said, there are still a few quirks. The rotary gear selector is placed a bit too close to the infotainment control dial, which means if you’re distracted for even a second (say, trying to retrieve a rogue crisp from under the seat), you might end up accidentally putting it in Neutral when you just wanted to skip to the next song. Not ideal, but you do get used to it.
Overall, I reckon it has one of the nicest interiors in the business. There’s an awful lot of cars these days that appear to have left the interior design to the school work-experience kid - they’re boring and bland, not comfortable and relaxing as the GV70.
On the Road: Smooth, Serene, and Surprisingly Capable
Under the bonnet of the 2.5T AWD model is a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine pushing out a respectable 300bhp and 422Nm of torque. It’s not neck-snappingly quick, but it’s got enough poke to make overtakes brisk and hill climbs easy – even with a boot full of camping clobber.
On the motorway, it’s whisper-quiet and buttery smooth. The adaptive cruise control and lane assist systems work well – thankfully switching them off is quite easy.
Steering is light but precise, and visibility is excellent all round. Around town, the GV70 shrinks around you thanks to its smart parking cameras and sensors. It’s genuinely a doddle to manoeuvre, even into those stupidly small supermarket spaces.
Throw it down a twisty B-road and it handles itself with surprising confidence. Sure, it’s no hot hatch, but it doesn’t wallow about like some lardy SUVs. The suspension, especially in Comfort mode, soaks up potholes and speed humps like a pro. Switch it to Sport and things firm up nicely, making spirited driving a bit more engaging. There’s even a "Sport+" mode, which tightens everything to a level that feels a bit out of place in a luxury SUV, but it’s nice to have for bragging rights.
0-62 is 6.1 seconds and it’ll take you to 149mph - if that’s important to you.
Off-Roading: Soft-Roader, But Not Soft
Now, let’s not pretend this is a rock-crawling, river-wading beast. The GV70 isn’t built to conquer the Himalayas – but it’s more than up for muddy fields, gravel tracks, and snowy lanes.
The AWD system does a solid job of shifting power around to keep you moving, and there’s even a dedicated "Terrain" mode with settings for snow, mud, and sand. On a soggy weekend up in the Dales, it held its own admirably across slippery farm tracks and waterlogged car parks. With a decent set of all-seasons, it’ll get you where you need to go, provided you’re not trying to ford rivers or scale boulders.
Boot Space & Dog Loading
Open the powered tailgate and you’re met with 542 litres of boot space, which is more than enough for your standard issue camping gear, a couple of folding chairs, a fire pit, and a rather unimpressed Lurcher. The boot floor is flat, the opening wide, and there’s a handy underfloor storage area to hide valuables or, in our case, a charcoal and firewood.
There’s also a 12V socket back there for plugging in a fridge or air compressor, and the rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split at the touch of a button. Loading up the GV70 is a faff-free experience.
Cabin Practicality & Creature Comforts
Inside, there’s loads of room – especially for those up front. The seats are ventilated and heated, with power adjustment and memory settings that remember just how you like your bum positioned. Rear passengers aren’t left out either – there’s decent legroom and their own climate controls too.
Storage-wise, you’ve got big door bins, a decent centre cubby, and a handy space beneath the floating centre console for hiding snacks from your other half. Wireless phone charging, USB ports galore, and a proper volume knob (another win) make life easier.
I even like the Havana Brown and Ocean Waves interior colour scheme.
Fuel Efficiency: Better Than Expected
Given its size, AWD system, and punchy engine, we weren’t expecting miracles on the MPG front – but the GV70 surprised us. Official figures suggest around 30-33mpg combined, which is what I got on a mixed run of A-roads, B-roads and motorway cruising. It’s not a Prius, sure, but it’s not a guzzler either.
Stick it in Eco mode, take it steady, and you could stretch a tank over 400 miles without much effort. Just don’t expect to achieve that if you’re towing, climbing, or flooring it around every roundabout.
Tech & Tetchiness
We’ve touched on this already, but it bears repeating: not all tech is good tech. The GV70 is packed to the gills with clever stuff – adaptive cruise, collision avoidance, surround view cameras, head-up display, the lot. Most of it works brilliantly. Annoyingly though it does emit quite a lot of ‘bings and bong's’, and most of the time you have no idea why, though I’m reliably informed there’s a way to turn them all off.
The Verdict
I love it and I sooo want one!
The 2025 Genesis GV70 Luxury 2.5T AWD is a real peach of a car. It blends luxury, comfort, and capability in a way that should make German rivals very nervous. It’s a bit different, a bit cool, and feels genuinely special. More importantly, it’s not trying to be something it’s not.
It won’t climb Everest, but it’ll handle your outdoor lifestyle with ease. The boot fits your gear and your grubby pooch. It rides beautifully, handles well, and doesn’t break the bank at the pumps.
If you’re after something a little different from the usual crowd, something that makes you feel a bit posh without needing to remortgage, give Genesis a look. Just be prepared for the “What’s that, then?” questions at the petrol station. Overall it really is a truly impressive package.
Sadly, after a quick email to the Genesis Europe PR team they’re not willing to donate this particular GV70 to me, so I’ll have a look at those classifieds…
Website: Genesis UK
Price: from £44,100 as tested £57,375
