Luxury Refined: First Drive of the 2026 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige
- Cory Fourniquet
- May 6
- 5 min read
Updated: May 13
Highs
✅ Quiet Confidence Noise-reducing tires, active noise canceling, and suspension upgrades make every drive whisper-quiet and smooth.
✅ Tech That Delivers 27-inch OLED screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and thoughtful control placement make everything easy and intuitive.
✅ Style That Speaks Ceres Blue paint, new grille, and premium interior color options like Ultramarine Blue and Savilla Red Nappa leather bring the drama inside and out.
Lows
👎 Barely-There Refresh From the outside, changes are minimal—many won’t notice it’s a new model at a glance.
👎 Overeager Lane Assist Center lane tracing can be annoying until toggled off.
👎 Luxury Comes at a Price Fully loaded trims like the Sport Prestige climb into the $70K range.
What’s New in 2026
New 27-inch OLED display combining gauge cluster and infotainment
Updated center console with repositioned wireless charger and improved layout
Redesigned multi-lens array headlights and geometric tailpipes
New exterior paint options, including Ceres Blue
Enhanced steering wheel sensors for better driver engagement detection
Redesigned rear spoiler
Refreshed ambient lighting design and new interior color options
Updated 21-inch Sport Prestige wheels with noise-reducing Michelin tires
Same Look, Smarter Heart
You’d be forgiven for thinking the 2026 Genesis GV70 looks nearly identical to last year’s model, especially in the all-new Ceres Blue paint. But upon a closer look, you’ll find several thoughtful updates designed to make the brand’s best-seller even better.
One out of every three Genesis vehicles sold is a GV70, and with good reason. This luxury SUV balances sleek design with a plush interior, performance, and tech, all things we got to experience firsthand during our test drive recently through the curvy roads of the Houston area.
Power That Moves You
Under the hood of our fully loaded Sport Prestige model is the same potent 3.5L twin-turbo V6 as prior year models, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Sure, the powertrain hasn’t changed, but Genesis knows not to mess with a good thing. The power was there when we needed it, and the transmission was never noticeable shifting through gears.
The big updates come in the form of ride and handling. Thanks to Genesis’ road-preview suspension (which preps for bumps using front-facing cameras) and new hydraulic dampers, the GV70 glides over rough roads, railroad tracks, and even surprise potholes with ease.
New Outside Details
From the geometric tailpipes to the redesigned rear spoiler and the multi-lens headlights up front, there are just enough exterior tweaks to keep it feeling fresh. We’re especially fond of the new dark-finish 21-inch Sport Prestige wheels. Giving a more athletic aesthetic than the “waffle cone" design of the 2025 models, these 21-inch wheels are wrapped in Michelin tires, engineered with noise-reducing tech that complements the vehicle’s already quiet cabin.
Tech Overhaul Inside
Here’s where Genesis really showed up and showed out.
The new 27-inch OLED screen spans both the gauge cluster and infotainment system, blending seamlessly into the dash. It’s crisp, clear, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The redesigned center console moves the wireless phone charger to a more convenient spot and ditches the bulky two-level design from previous years.
Buttons are back where you want them: volume, HVAC, and even tuning. It’s clear Genesis listened to customer feedback and fine-tuned the driver experience.
Comfort Fit for Royalty
The vanilla beige interior with orange accents was nice, but once we got into the Ultramarine Blue Nappa leather with matching orange seat belts and ambient lighting? Game over. It’s like they made this SUV just for me!
Our favorite creature comfort features included the reclining and heated rear seats with sunshades (hello, car seat parents!), ambient lighting you can customize, tri-zone climate control, and an Ergo Motion driver seat that gives you a subtle massage to keep you comfy on long drives.
When it comes to comfort, Genesis is definitely a top competitor!
Driving Impressions
As the self-proclaimed “sporty driver,” I loved the Sport+ mode and how the transmission held gears for more spirited corner carving. Holli, the passenger princess (her words, not mine), appreciated the smooth, floaty ride, especially on the winding forest roads.
The updated steering system is smarter too. Instead of nagging you with “jiggle-the-wheel” prompts, it now detects your grip and adjusts accordingly. And the optional lane tracing assist can be easily toggled off for a more natural drive feel.
Final Verdict
Genesis took a “don’t fix what isn’t broken” approach with the 2026 GV70 and instead refined nearly every touchpoint: steering, tech, comfort, and sound insulation to make an already great SUV even better. (And that was hard to do because we think the previous model is outstanding!)
Whether you’re into performance, want to turn heads with custom colors and Napa leather, or just need a comfy ride for your family, the GV70 delivers. Starting around $47K and climbing into the $70Ks for the top trim, it’s not cheap, but for what you get, it’s still a serious value in the luxury SUV space.
If you’re shopping for a luxury SUV that blends style, comfort, and capability, the 2026 Genesis GV70 deserves a test drive.
Category | Specifications |
Powertrain | 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Engine |
375 Horsepower | |
391 lb-ft of Torque | |
8-speed Automatic Transmission | |
All-Wheel Drive | |
Electronically-controlled Suspension with Road Preview | |
Drive Mode Selector (Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Custom) | |
Wheels & Tires | 21-inch Sport Alloy Wheels |
255/40 R21 Michelin Primacy Tour All-season Tires | |
Interior & Comfort | Seating for 5 |
Heated & Ventilated Front Seats | |
Heated Second Row Outboard Seats | |
Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces | |
Power Driver's Seat (4-way Lumbar, Adjustable Bolsters, Thigh Support) | |
Power Passenger Seat with Lumbar | |
60/40 Manual Folding/Reclining Second Row | |
Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control | |
Suede Headliner | |
Panoramic Sunroof | |
Technology | 27-inch OLED Digital Gauge Cluster & Infotainment Screen |
Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ | |
Bang & Olufsen® Premium Audio System | |
Qi Wireless Charging | |
Proximity Key with Push Button Start | |
Safety & Assistance | Lane Keeping Assist |
Lane Following Assist | |
Driver Attention Warning | |
Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist | |
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist | |
Parking Distance Warning - Reverse | |
Rearview Camera | |
Safe Exit Assist | |
Advanced Rear Occupant Alert | |
360º Camera System | |
Blind Spot Cameras | |
Cargo Space | 28.9 cu ft (Behind Rear Seats) |
56.9 cu ft (Behind First Row) | |
Fuel & Efficiency | EPA Estimated: 18 City / 25 Hwy / 21 Combined |
Premium Unleaded Fuel | |
17.4-Gallon Fuel Tank | |
Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty |
10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty | |
7-year/Unlimited-mile Anti-perforation Warranty | |
Pricing | Starting MSRP: $47,985 (2.5T AWD) |
As-Tested Price: $72,195 (Incl. Destination) |
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