I drove the 2026 Genesis GV70 for a week — here’s my pros and cons

Last year I got to drive the all-electric Genesis GV70, which packed a lot of premium features while still delivering a modest 3.2 mi/kWh average efficiency. For this year, I opted to drive its all-gas powered version in the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD.

You would think the all-gas equivalent would be cheaper, which it is with the base trim (GV70 2.5T at $47,985), but the 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD trim I drove for a week balloons to a whopping $72,225 — whereas the all-electric equivalent (2026 Genesis GV70 Prestige AWD) comes in at $75,350. I was expecting the gas version to be much cheaper.

I’m really emphasizing the price difference here because normally there’s a huge spread between all-gas and all-electric. Yet, it’s minimal in this case. Here’s my pros and cons for the 2026 Genesis GV70.

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2026 Genesis GV70: Specifications

2026 Genesis GV70: Testing summary

If there’s one thing that annoys me, it’s the cost of gas because of how much it fluctuates over the summer. After driving a total of 218.9 miles, the GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD achieves an average fuel economy of 24.8 mpg. That’s about average for a mid-size SUV and certainly much better than the 21.7 mpg average I got from the Genesis GV80. I'll admit I haven't driven as many all-gas vehicles this year. However, its fuel economy pales in comparison to other hybrid SUVs I've tested.

Even though it practically reaches its EPA-estimated ratings, you’re going to end up paying in the long run for gas. Last I checked, it costs $3.85/gallon for premium gasoline. Therefore, it would cost about $67 to fill up its 17.43 gallon tank — giving you a range of about 432 miles to work with.

The electric GV70 Prestige AWD packs an 84 kWh battery, which would yield about 243 miles of range. Based on the $0.22/kWh rate that my electric company charges, it would cost $18.48 to completely charge the battery. The calculations show that you’ll be paying way more with the all-gas version, especially in the long run.

Costs aside, I will say that the Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD drives very easily. The acceleration is a little underpowered while in comfort driving mode — but it’s way more responsive and fun in sport mode.

2026 Genesis GV70: What I Like

Gorgeous 27-inch OLED display

Instantly as I get into the driver’s seat, I’m greeted by a sprawling 27-inch OLED — one giant panel that stretches along the dashboard. I really love how it looks way more seamless than last year’s all-electric GV70 I tested. And unlike other ultrawide screens, this one isn’t broken up into two panels. It’s just one long display that’s detailed, bright, and pops with color.

Sporty meets luxury style

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I’ve got to admit, Genesis never ceases to amaze me with its designs — and the GV70 is no exception. I would argue that it goes over the top with its styling, with a more aggressive sporty design that’s showcased by its orange colored seatbelts, two-line LED headlamps, and 21-inch sport-style alloy wheels. Honestly, it doesn’t make me feel like an old man driving a luxury vehicle.

Generous premium features

Out of all the luxury car makers out there, no one’s more generous with premium features than Genesis. The GV70 makes other luxury vehicles I’ve tested look stingy by comparison. I’m talking about blind spot camera monitors, a head-up display, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic roof, auto lane change assist, Nappa Leather seats, Bang & Olufsen speakers, Ergo seats that massage, and adaptive cruise control.

I also love the fact that it has lane keep assist by pressing on the corresponding button on the steering wheel, which will try to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane — regardless if it’s on the highway or a local road.

Brilliant ambient lighting

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Likewise, Genesis is also king in my opinion when it comes to ambient lighting. The interior cabin space is littered with ambient lights everywhere and certainly makes it feel way more luxurious than the average vehicle. At night, it feels like the inside is bathed in a sea of glowing lights.

Quiet ride

I could barely hear the other cars on the highway while I was driving because the sound proofing is incredible. Even at about 65mph on the highway, the engine’s noise is muffled enough to make it a quiet ride.

2026 Genesis GV70: What I Don't Like

It’s really expensive

Despite all of the premium features, I find it hard to recommend the GV70 over the all-electric equivalent. There’s about a $3,000 spread between the MSRPs of both Prestige trims. I’m not too critical about the 24.8 mpg fuel economy I was averaging during my week’s worth of testing, but the price is another.

I’ve already pointed out how you’ll end up paying way more in the long run with fuel costs with this all-gas version. While there’s no range anxiety with this all-gas model, you’re certainly going to be paying more by driving the same distance against the all-electric version. If it were perhaps $10,000 less, then it would be enough justification to recommend — but it isn’t.

The base trim is better priced with its $47,985 MSRP, despite a less powerful engine, smaller 19-inch wheels, and fewer premium features. For example, it doesn't have ventilated seats, no blind spot camera monitors, and not as many assist features.

2026 Genesis GV70: bottom line

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