2026 Genesis GV70 First Drive Review
Genesis GV70 Driving Experience: Drive Modes for Every Arizona Adventure
With Genesis GV70 performance considered excellent, Genesis focused on improving the driving experience. 2026 chassis refinements --such as new suspension bushings --- work together to make handling a dream. We particularly liked the effect of road-scanning tech which makes the adaptive dampers so effective on the new Genesis GV70 3.5T models.
A new steering-wheel damper actually reduces kickback. It handles understeer and oversteer without challenging the driver’s authority. Meanwhile, other alterations have refined the GV70’s composure when taking corners and curves.
Part of the sharper steering feel comes from improved wheel control. This is most noticeable when handling varied surfaces, making it a good fit for our roads.
Special terrain modes now snow, mud, and sand. While snow might be rare in Chandler, these modes highlight the GV70's versatility for any adventure you might seek beyond the city limits.
Shoppers still have a choice between the efficient 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo four and the potent 375-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. Standard AWD inspires confidence in all conditions.
Modern Design Updates
While our Genesis GV70 First Drive Review starts with performance, we have to talk about the other chances to this ride. The handsome, athletic shape has been subtly enhanced. Up front, Genesis designers revised the grille texture, tweaked the headlights, and restyled the front bumpers. Attention to detail is evident in the subtle changes to the hood emblem.
In the rear, restyled bumpers and trapezoidal exhaust finishers lend a premium touch. From the side, new 19-inch and 21-inch wheel designs lean into this luxury SUV's sportiness. Sport models wear their own distinctive fascias and accents.
Clearly the 2026 GV70 designers respected what was good and looked for ways to make appropriate updates without altering what was already working. Continuous improvement is important even for highly praised models.
High-Tech Connectivity
Even if no other changes were made, the remarkable 27-inch OLED display would win over any driver. This seamless surround puts everything important in the 2026 Genesis GV70 driver’s line of sight. Designers were careful to ensure seamless integration of the new digital instrumentation and the infotainment screen. Future-proofing your investment, there are over-the-air updates for software.
The new dash is fun, sporty and high tech, but the real impact is on the driver’s perception of data and information. These screens promise crisp graphics with an intuitive layout. There’s excellent visibility even when the bright desert sun is beating down.
Emphasizing driver ergonomics, Genesis retains physical buttons and knobs. A separate capacitive touch panel is on hand to regulate the air conditioning system.
Improved voice recognition helps drivers use natural speech to make requests. Infotainment rotary knobs have been altered as well as the gear selector to make sure that drivers can instantly spot the difference.
The goal is to make the system as intuitive as possible, reducing the learning curve. Our product specialists at Genesis of Chandler will walk you through every feature of this incredible new display.
More Improvements: What's New in the 2026 Genesis GV70 Interior
Elegance is in style with the changes made to the 3.5T Sport Prestige trim. Rich leather is enhanced by quilted stitching. The front seats now offer a driver massage, A new electronic noise-canceling feature ensures a quieter cabin for Arizona's long desert highways.
Luxury lovers will enjoy getting their hands on GV70 cabins with the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Genesis digital key has been updated to make this smartphone-based interface even easier to use.
Ambient lighting, one of the favorite aspects of the GV70 interior, has been improved through higher placement on the doors panels. Cupholders and the center console have been revised to match consumer suggestions.
Genesis designers moved the smartphone charging pad under the armrest. This makes it very close at hand, but still out of the way. Sport models provide a chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
One reason to test drive the 2026 GV70 is to check out the remote-parking assistance. This feature has been upgraded to include diagonal and perpendicular parking – a real convenience in crowded Chandler parking lots!
Is the 2026 Genesis GV70 Worth the Price?
Typical of a new model year, a price hike is inevitable. The question is: is it worth it? Our first impression says yes, absolutely.
Tailoring each package to meet a diverse customer base, the 2026 changes apply across various trims, offering significant value. This ensures that shoppers are getting their money’s worth, whether they purchase the 2.5T, the 3.5T, or one of the trim levels. After all, luxury shoppers expect a lot for their money.
The Genesis GV70 price is an investment in a truly premium and updated vehicle. From the first days of the Genesis brand with just one car to the current lineup with a variety of cars, SUVs, and SUV coupes, the emphasis has been on value. That’s still true for the 2026 models. New GV80s are rich with the technologies that will carry us into the future.
If you are looking for the right luxury SUV under $60k, you should compare the Genesis GV70 vs BMW X3 or Audi Q5. You’ll find that the Genesis price is probably lower and the value definitely higher for what you spend.
Visit Genesis of Chandler to explore the various trims and options, and let us help you find the perfect 2026 GV70 for your lifestyle and budget. Schedule a test drive.
FAQs
What are the new features in the 2026 Genesis GV70?
A new digital cockpit features a 27-inch OLED display. In addition, remote parking now applies to perpendicular and parallel spaces. New luxury materials have been added, and the driver’s chair now offers massage.
Is the 2026 Genesis GV70 worth it?
Considering the many technology improvements and material quality enhancements, the Genesis SUV definitely earns its price tag. If you consider value important, you’ll appreciate the long list of standards that make this SUV a better buy than the BMW X3 or Audi Q5.
How does the 2026 GV70 compare to other luxury SUVs?
You can compare the Genesis SUV to any rival, and you’ll find that it earns its price tag with more standards and technologies. This value packaging, combined with the longest luxury warranties, makes it one of the best buys today.
Most new vehicles include a “Protection Package” inclusive of highly-demanded, popular items designed to protect your investment such as lifetime window tint, door-edge guards & handle-cup guards. Price of the “Protection Package” is $998 at this dealership for Cars, CUVs and SUVs.
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