2024 Genesis G70 retains sport sedan value

Enthusiasts feeling like BMW has lost its way can take comfort in knowing Genesis seemingly remains committed to the compact sport sedan cause and at a value to boot.

The 2024 Genesis G70 may have a lower TCC Rating of 6.5 out of 10 than the BMW 3-Series’ 7.2 out of 10 rating, but it scratches where enthusiasts claim they itch. With a slightly tweaked design that remains elegant, revised tech that still isn’t a wall of screens, and powerful powertrain options, the G70 is an enthusiasts’ choice that still feels like a value. But it’s thirsty, the trunk is tiny, and Genesis still lacks the brand cache of BMW or Mercedes-Benz, for people that measure that stuff.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of the 2024 Genesis G70.

Pro: Genesis delivers strong value with the G70

Hot out of the gate we have to discuss the value proposition the G70 presents in the segment. The G70 costs $42,750 including a $1,250 destination charge, which is roughly $2,000 less than a base BMW 3-Series. The BMW has a smaller engine with 45 less horsepower. My loaded all-wheel-drive 3.3-liter turbo-6 Sport Prestige test car cost $57,700, which is nearly $2,000 less than the starting price of an all-wheel drive turbo-6 3-Series before any options are added. Those options add up quickly and can turn the 3-Series into a $68,000 affair. The G70 is a downright steal.

Con: Genesis remains the new kid on the block

Lot of people look at the winged Genesis badge, which kind of feels like a Bentley rip off, and don’t know what the name or badge is. A handful of Super Bowl ads have failed to address. Pulling up to a valet at a fancy restaurant in a Genesis doesn’t hit the same as the BMW or Mercedes-Benz badge, yet. I’d argue it’s only a matter of time.

Pro: G70 features strong turbocharged powertrains

Every G70 has a turbo under the hood. Base models feature a new, larger, more powerful 2.5-liter turbo-4 with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. That replaced the outgoing 2.0-liter turbo-4 and upped total output by 48 hp and 51 lb-ft. My tester had the more powerful 3.3-liter turbo-6 rated at a healthy 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It snarls like it hails from Germany, hooks to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, and unlocks a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.5 seconds. It’s a gem of an engine despite arranging its cylinders in a V and not inline. 

Con: G70 can drink gas

There’s no electrified G70 in sight, though its GV70 crossover SUV sibling can be had with gas or electric power. My tester’s turbo-6 carried EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 26 highway, and 20 combined. In about 150 miles of mixed suburban driving the G70 actually averaged its EPA rating hitting 19.8 mpg. But that’s still thirsty for a compact sedan. Power comes with thirst.

Pro: Genesis keeps it elegant and integrated

Outside it’ll take a pretty keen eye to spot the 2024 updates. Spoiler: The Genesis logo was tweaked. Almost had you going there for a second with a game of Where’s Waldo. My tester’s Vatna Gray color is one of two new color options; the other new color is Kawah Blue, which is lovely. The Superman shield grille, twin slit headlights, and bulging fenders all remain. 

Inside things got updated with all G70s featuring an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster sitting to the right of the watch-like analog speedometer. The 10.3-inch touchscreen is separate and there’s no wall of curved screens just slapped onto the dashboard under a pane of glass (looking at you, BMW). The climate control buttons were replaced by a small touchscreen, but it’s functional, not confusing, easy to operate at speed, and best of all augmented by real buttons and knobs.

Con: G70 won’t carry lots of junk in the trunk

The G70 soldiers on with a petite 10.5 cubic foot trunk. The 3-Series slaps back with a trunk that can carry 17 cubic feet of stuff. Genesis owners will need to pack lightly for the weekend.

For buyers not seeking brand cachet while being laser focused on a sharp, understated luxury sport sedan, it’s hard to top the Genesis G70. That is, as long as a hybrid or electric variant isn’t on the shopping list.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2024 Genesis G70AWD 3.3T Sport Prestige

Base price: $42,75, including $1,250 destination

Price as tested: $57,700

Powertrain: 365-hp 3.3-liter turbo-6, 8-speed automatic transmission, AWD

EPA fuel economy: 17/26/20 mpg

The pros: Strong powertrains, absolute value, understated design, integrated interior with real buttons and knobs

The cons: Kind of thirsty, no electrified options, lacks brand cachet, tiny trunk