In North America, the most popular vehicle in the entire Genesis lineup is the two-row GV70 SUV. One in three Genesis vehicles sold is a GV70, and for good reason: it’s a beautiful, solid SUV with two engine options, well-designed interior touches, and a 10-year warranty. That’s hard to beat. The 2026 Genesis GV70 takes its popularity a step further, integrating improvements customers have been asking for.
For instance, the automaker heard customers say the cup holders were hard to use because the front console was uneven and the cup holders weren’t flexible enough to hold different sizes and types of vessels. The 2026 model addresses that, and more. From the moment you pick up its elegant key fob, the GV70 oozes elegance.
What’s New In The Genesis GV70?
The 2026 Genesis GV70 includes a new dashboard-spanning 27-inch display, upgraded cabin lighting, an enhanced skid plate to protect the underbelly, and a more streamlined hood emblem. Other design element updates focus on the rear spoiler, wheels, and distinctive grille.
Six trims are available, with subtle differences between them. For example, the standard trims feature a hidden muffler and chrome details, while sport variants include dark chrome molding and an exposed exhaust pipe. If you’re someone who likes to drive on varied types of roads in all weather, you’ll like the new terrain knob with options for snow, mud, or sand.
Nine exterior colors are available, including the new Ceres Blue, a celestial blue-gray inspired by the dwarf planet Ceres. I’m a big fan of the contrasting orange seat belts with the Ultramarine Blue interior. Inside the cabin, I appreciated the new touch-operated HVAC controls that are easy to reach and use.
How Is The Ride And Handling In The Genesis GV70?
The 2026 GV70 retains its two very capable engines from the previous year, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 making 300 and 375 horsepower, respectively. Both versions are all-wheel drive, and the SUV accelerates quickly and smoothly, giving the driver plenty of confidence to pass or merge onto a highway. Its dual exhaust has been revamped, and the cabin is serenely quiet due to the updates and a new electronic noise-canceling program makes it even better.
Fuel efficiency is decent, as the GV70 is good for between 26 and 28 miles per gallon combined.
Genesis GV70 Technology
For the 2026 model, Genesis enhanced its voice recognition controls, improved its software update capabilities and the GV70 includes a Smart Key that now opens the door to the second row too.
The GV70 SUV is equipped with a generous set of driver-assist features like rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent speed limit assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot collision warning. Genesis also updated the steering wheel function with a capacitive sensor that gives you more grace on long drives, requiring just a light touch instead of frequent squeezes. Remote Smart Parking Assist also has the ability to help you navigate into diagonal and perpendicular parking spots.
Listen up, audiophiles: the available Bang & Olufsen surround system with Beosonic technology is an option you don’t want to skip. Sixteen speakers push out high-quality sound, and I’d highly recommend something upbeat and new in this SUV, like music by Benson Boone and Teddy Swims.
Luxury Inside The Genesis GV70
Genesis has taken cues from some of its concept vehicles and integrated its creativity into each vehicle. Glass knobs, supple leather, and metal trim accentuate the cabin even in the base trim; working up the trim line offers amenities like a panoramic glass roof, brushed aluminum, suede, and a “mood curator” that includes a scent cartridge. This Korean brand under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella values the balance of white space, balancing technology with elegant lines. Nothing looks fussy or overdone.
From a practical standpoint, the GV70’s rear cargo space is plentiful at 28.9 cubic feet. Whether you’re hauling golf clubs, luggage for a family getaway or a weekend with friends, or kids’ sports equipment, it all fits in the back. Plus, the rear seats can be folded flat from the back.
The Bottom Line: The GV70 Continues To Be A Star
The GV70 should be on your list if you’re in the market for a two-row SUV. It competes with luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, but with a better warranty and pricing. Plus, the GV70 built in Alabama, which means tariffs are less likely to affect this model. And that, these days, is welcome news. The 2026 Genesis GV70 starts at $47,985, plus $1,450 for destination fees.