If you go back five years, the idea that a spin-off from Hyundai would be rattling executives in Stuttgart and Munich seemed laughable. Yet here we are. The Genesis GV70 stormed into the luxury compact SUV segment in 2022 and hasn’t looked back, offering a vehicle that feels like a Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Macan had an illicit love child, all for the price of a mid-spec Lexus. The 2026 model I tested brings a major mid-cycle refresh. In most cases, that means a new bumper and a slightly larger screen. Genesis went further, overhauling the interior tech so the previous model now feels almost analog, and refining the exterior styling to align with its flagship, the G90. Powertrain and Engineering: 7/10Under the hood of the 3.5T Sport sits a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that resists the downsizing trend. While competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 have swapped a V6 for a hybridized four-cylinder, Genesis sticks to its guns. The engine produces 375 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque. On paper, this is delivered across a broad plateau from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm thanks to the twin-turbo setup. Power is sent through an 8-speed torque-converter automatic to an all-wheel-drive system. Beneath it all, the GV70 rides on a rear-biased RWD platform, giving a near 50/50 weight distribution. MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear handle suspension duty, augmented by the Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview. The system reads the road via a forward-facing camera, adjusting damping milliseconds before a bump hits to isolate the cabin. Driving Experience: 6/10Fire up the V6, and it comes to life with a refined and distant purr. There is plenty of power on tap, and the GV70 feels genuinely fast when you step on it for a highway pass. However, the way power is delivered falls short of that of the class leaders. The 8-speed transmission is often lazy with its shifts and can feel hesitant when pushed, lacking the telepathic response of the ZF units found in competitors. This results in power delivery that feels less linear and slightly disjointed compared to rivals' smoother operation. The steering is tuned strictly for isolation, feeling disconnected from the road. It prioritizes comfort to such a degree that it filters out almost all feedback, leaving you with little sense of what the front tires are doing. The ride itself is quiet and compliant, handling rough pavement with composure, but the overall experience is clinical. It simply does not engage the driver. While it is a quick SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5 all offer a superior level of engagement and a distinct character that the Genesis lacks.Dirty Car? Shop Chemical Guys Specials: Up To 40% OffDisclaimer: If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Exterior Design & Features: 8/10Genesis’ “Athletic Elegance” design language shines on the refreshed 2026 GV70. The cab-backward proportions give the SUV a long hood and short front overhang, echoing classic sports sedan styling. MLA (Micro Lens Array) headlights project a bright, precise beam, allowing for slim, futuristic housings. At the rear, split taillights integrated into the bumper maintain a clean look. The Sport Prestige trim’s 21-inch wheels fill the arches, and the dual exhaust tips are functional rather than decorative. Overall, the GV70 projects an undeniable presence, standing out in a crowded segment.original-5298-gv70htx276 Interior, Tech, and Ergonomics: 8/10Inside, the GV70 delivers an interior that feels far beyond its price. The centerpiece is a 27-inch OLED wide display that delivers seamless, vibrant graphics with infinite contrast. The next-generation Connected Car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC) keeps menus intuitive, and a rotary knob allows control without touching the screen. Materials are top-notch. The quilted Nappa leather, knurled metal knobs, and optional carbon fiber trim feel premium. The steering wheel is thick and comfortable, reinforcing the “Sport” feel. The only real drawback is the touch-based climate controls, which sacrifice some usability for aesthetics. Pricing, Fuel Economy, and Practicality: 7/10The GV70 3.5T Sport Advanced starts at around $64,415, while the fully loaded Sport Prestige tops out at $71,095. This is competitive with similarly equipped BMW X3 M50 or Porsche Macan S, which can exceed $80,000, while comparable features are included as standard in the Genesis.Fuel economy is less impressive. EPA estimates 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; in real-world driving, especially with spirited driving, the city numbers are likely to drop into the mid-tens. Practicality is a mixed bag. The front seats are generous, but the rear seats are cozy, with limited head and legroom due to the cab-forward design. Cargo space is competitive at 56.9 cubic feet with seats down, though the sloped rear glass reduces usable volume for bulky items.original-5307-gv70htx407 Final Verdict: 7/10The 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport is a triumph of design and perceived quality. The interior feels far more expensive than its price, and the exterior commands respect with its distinct presence. We particularly love the interior updates, which offer cool orange accent stitching and a great, beefy sports steering wheel. However, it is not a razor-sharp sports SUV like the BMW X3 M50, which remains the benchmark for aggressive driving dynamics in its class. The GV70 needs to tighten up its driving dynamics before it can be considered a truly "sporty" SUV.