Luxury compact sport sedans occupy an odd niche in the automotive marketplace. They are not as expensive as high-end sports cars, but the rear seats are so small they are not real family cars, either. Because affordable sedans tend to be entry-level vehicles, the small rear seats can at least be rationalized as a compromise for saving money. But if you can afford a luxury compact sport sedan, why not just buy the sports car or step up to a midsize?
Even a short drive in the compact 2024 Genesis G70 sport sedan reveals what a silly question that is. The upper level turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 version drives like a sports car but is easier to get in and out of. And the back seat has enough room for a couple of sacks of groceries or a pair of overnight bags if you don’t want to mess with the trunk. But if you really need a back seat, the slightly larger and more expensive midsize 2024 Genesis G80 sport sedan, which offers a more powerful 3.5-liter V6.
Offered by Hyundai’s luxury brand, the 2024 Genesis G70 mostly succeeds by costing much less than its European competitors. This is especially true of the entry level rear-wheel-drive model that has been upgraded this year with a much more powerful base turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four that produces 300 horsepower, starting at just $42,700. Stepping up to the base V6 RWD version adds 65 horsepower and increases the cost to $44,800, which is still a bargain for a genuine sport sedan. All-wheel-drive will add a couple thousand to either version, but is a smart decision in wet climates.
Aside from the new base engine, Genesis has not changed much about the G70 since it was first introduced a few years ago. That means it still has a relatively small upright display instead of the wide screens across the top of the dash that are so popular these days, but it is just as useful. The best continuing feature is still the drive mode dial on the center console that allows drivers to switch from Comfort to Sport and Sport+ modes, where the performance can be fully realized, at the expense of much stiffer rides.
My tester was the 3.3T Sport Prestige version. Although it lacked AWD, I can't think of anything more it needed to qualify as a genuine luxury sport sedan. The profile was long, low, and wide, highlighted by the large trademark Genesis shield grill that can’t be missed. The interior was lined with high quality leather and chrome trim, and controls included dash-mounted switches that reduced the need to keep diving into the infotainment screen. Safety features were comprehensive and effective, as I discovered late one rainy night on the freeway when the blind spot monitor kept warning me of vehicles in my, well, blind spots.
In a week of test driving, the 2024 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Prestige proved to a comfortable commuter that could get and go when pressed – and a genuine performance sedan when set in the Sport and especially Sport+ modes. It was easily the equal of equivalent models offered by the luxury brands of the Japanese manufacturers – Acura, Infiniti and Lexus – and very close to those offered by the legacy European companies, though costing far less.
The 2024 Genesis G70 should appeal to anyone looking for a genuine luxury sport sedan without paying too much, especially the lower trim levels with the new, more powerful base turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The 3.3T versions rival the performance of European competitors while costing much less. Check them both out before making a decision. You won’t be disappointed.
2022 Genesis G70
Base price: $42,750 (2.5 RWD)
Price as tested: $56,250 (3.3T RWD Sport Prestige)
Type: Compact luxury sport sedan RWD/AWD
Engines: Turbocharged 2.5-liter four (300 hp, 311 lbs-ft); twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 hp, 376 lbs-ft - as tested)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 21/25; 18/27 - as tested
Overall length: 184.4 inches.
Curb weight: 3700-4000 pounds.
Final assembly: Ulsan, South Korea
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