This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter.Genesis is a relatively new brand in the luxury world: Mercedes began in 1886, Cadillac in 1902, Lincoln in 1917, BMW in 1928, Lexus in 1989 and Genesis launched in 2015. Yet in a relatively short time, the automaker has developed vehicles that compete with the best offered by those other brands, models like the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige, which is one of the 2026 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX awardees.Clearly, if you are going to be a challenger brand you have to be willing to do what it takes. And then some.AdvertisementAdvertisementCategorically, the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige, a compact luxury SUV, faces a considerable number of competitors, ranging from the BMW X3 to the Mercedes GLC-Class, with entries from other brands in between.Thanks to the care and attention paid throughout the cabin — from overall design to colors and materials — the GV70 is a standout.The approachThe interior design theme for the GV70 is the “Beauty of White Space.”What this means is that the instrument panel, in particular, doesn’t overwhelm the driver with technology for what often seems like technology’s sake.Rather, there is a horizontally oriented 27-inch OLED gauge cluster/infotainment screen that provides a wide field of view without overdoing it.AdvertisementAdvertisementNotably, the designers also recognized the importance to the driver of having physical knobs, buttons and switches for regularly used functions (e.g., knobs for volume and tuning the radio and adjusting the HVAC) rather than requiring a search through multiple screens. But this isn’t some sort of retro approach to interfaces: there are touch-based controls, as well, for those inclined.A word about the switchgear: They are actual aluminum elements that are knurled, which makes them functional (i.e., easy to grip) and aesthetic (they could have been simple smooth surfaces but the knurling shows additional design intent).Authentic materialsAnd when it comes to materials, authenticity is the name of the game. In the Sport Prestige interior, not only is the aluminum the real thing, so are the abundant carbon fiber accents. Of particular note is serious slab of the composite material on the center console, which features two dials, one for infotainment control and the other for gear selection, both aluminum. (The GV70 features shift-by-wire, which facilitates the use of the dial for gear selection.)Also on that surface, which might be overlooked, is a round inset button, which is a fingerprint authentication system. A driver sets up the system (two can be programmed) and then once in the vehicle can operate it without the need for a fob. Not only does it turn on the vehicle, it also automatically initiates the driver’s preferences.AdvertisementAdvertisementWithin the Sport Prestige model there are performance-oriented, Nappa leather seats (heated and ventilated in the front; heated in the rear) with quilted seating surfaces. Notably, when either the “Sport” or “Sport+” drive modes are selected the well-bolstered seat tightens to keep the driver in position while driving. The driver’s seat also features what is called an “Ergo Motion” function. While some vehicles offer massaging seats for purposes of relaxing the driver, the Ergo Motion seat is based on air cells, not motors. Consequently, the air cells, as they tactically inflate and deflate, are meant to address pressure points and increase blood flow to not only reduce stiffness, but to maintain the driver’s spine in a neutral position.And sticking seat-adjacent: the seatbelts in the Sport Prestige model are orange, which pops against the black leather on the seats.HushThe Genesis GV70 is not just show, but go: with its 375-hp 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6, it operates with alacrity when the aluminum-style accelerator is depressed (a flat-bottom steering wheel helps with making the quick maneuvers).But being a luxury model, the sounds outside the cabin seem curated, not overwhelming.AdvertisementAdvertisement“I’m impressed with cabin isolation,” noted Robin Warner, a Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX judge. “Even at interstate speeds, everything stayed hushed. Genesis did an excellent job to keep out wind and road noise.”After all, you want to take advantage of the Bang & Olufsen audio system (which locates subwoofers under the driver and front passenger seats to let you “feel” the sound).“It oozes style and luxury. The GV70 strikes all the right chords,” said Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Judge Dave Zoia.Genesis may be a comparatively fresh luxury brand. But when it comes to delivering on interior and UX, it brings remarkable capability.Recommended Reading2026 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Winners: OEMs look to redefine the in-cabin experience
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