There’s a pecking order within the luxury-car enterprise. Excluding area of interest corporations that promote ultra-high-end automobiles, European manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo typically reign supreme. Then come the Japanese, who’re a rung or two above America’s Cadillac and Lincoln. This hierarchy is effectively established however beneath siege. South Korean upstart Genesis is on the warpath and its 2022 GV70 is poised to depose section leaders and usurp the small luxurious SUV throne. That sounds a bit hyperbolic, however after driving the Sport Prestige-trim GV70 I’m satisfied it is the section chief, or on the very least among the best choices in its class. Sharing the identical primary underpinnings with the superb G70 sedan, the GV70 SUV is dressed to impress. With that shield-shaped grille, quad lamp assemblies at each ends and sweeping physique strains, this SUV appears upscale with out essentially resembling any of its rivals — effectively, until you take into account the Porsche Macan a competitor, then there’s positively a resemblance.

The GV70’s bodywork is distinctive and athletic, however its cabin is what actually wows. At least in top-of-the-range Sport Prestige kind, this inside units a brand new customary. The seats are trimmed with luxurious Nappa leather-based and suede, there are gorgeous carbon-fiber accents that function a singular woven sample that appears like nothing else within the automotive world, after which there’s the crystalline management knob for the infotainment system, which feels nearly as good because it appears (even when it is related in dimension and mounted too intently to the rotary gear selector so that you always seize one as an alternative of the opposite).This inside incorporates a delicate oval theme that is recent and fashionable. A big, curving piece of brightwork spans a lot of the dashboard, encircling the local weather and lighting controls. The door handles are surrounded by oval-shaped bezels and plenty of different accents are equally rounded. 

There’s no different method to put it: This luxurious SUV’s inside is gorgeous. 
Genesis
Further setting the GV70’s cabin aside from different luxurious SUVs is its shiny coloration palette. Aside from boring beige and black, it’s also possible to get Ultramarine Blue, which appears just like the deep ocean. Havana Brown and Pine Grove Green are as distinctive as they’re eye-catching, however for these with even bolder tastes, a shiny crimson referred to as Sevilla Red can be supplied and it is significantly eye-catching.

Overall, this Genesis’ inside is hotter and extra welcoming than what you get in lots of German automobiles and it is much less robotic than the stuff Japanese corporations provide today. Basically, Genesis has discovered the way to push boundaries with out going overboard.Standard gear features a broad and slender 14.5-inch show that elegantly pops up from the dashboard, although it is not so tall it obstructs ahead visibility. Normally, you navigate the GV70’s speedy and intuitive infotainment system with a console-mounted management dial, however the panel can be a touchscreen. Yeah, it may be a little bit of a attain, particularly whereas driving, but it surely’s good to have each enter choices. Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary fare, and also you additionally get a wi-fi charging plate and a nine-speaker audio system, although an array with 18 sound emitters is obtainable.The GV70’s styling is distinctive and enticing. 
Genesis
Included in each GV70 is a nifty fingerprint reader on the dashboard. It helps you to entry driver profiles, begin the car with out a key and offers valet mode entry. Digital key performance is obtainable, too. This function presently solely works with Android handsets, although I’m advised help for Apple units is beneath growth. Similar to Lincoln’s Phone As A Key, this function permits you to lock or unlock the car, load driver profiles or share a digital key with different folks, all from the comfort of your cellular gadget.Other no-extra-charge facilities embody blind-spot monitoring, computerized excessive beams and rear parking sensors. Heated entrance chairs, a 12-way energy driver’s seat and keyless entry with pushbutton begin are customary, too, as is Highway Driving Assist — Genesis’ identify for adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality and lane centering. Depending on mannequin, Highway Driving Assist II can be accessible. It consists of the aforementioned performance plus lane-change help. In testing, Highway Driving Assist II works seamlessly. It does a wonderful job preserving the GV70 within the middle of its lane and attentively adjusts the velocity to match that of the car forward. The system is especially helpful in heavy congestion, gently stopping the GV70 when issues grind to a halt and robotically beginning it once more as soon as visitors begins transferring.Speaking of driving, two engines are supplied within the GV70. A 2.5-liter turbo-four serves base responsibility and is nice for 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The elective unit is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks out a stout 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. This engine delivers sturdy acceleration and is loads refined, but it surely would not really feel significantly particular.It’s too straightforward to confuse the infotainment management dial for the rotary shifter as a result of they’re mounted close to one another on the middle console. 
Genesis
An eight-speed computerized transmission is customary within the GV70 and it’s very seamless about 90% of the time, although often you will really feel — and listen to — upshifts at decrease speeds. Enhancing traction in a wide range of circumstances, all-wheel drive is customary gear. With that V6 beneath the hood, anticipate 19 mpg metropolis and 25 mpg on freeway drives. Combined, the GV70 ought to return 21 mpg. The four-cylinder engine is extra environment friendly, however not by a lot.The steering is properly weighted and unusually crisp for an SUV, although the GV70’s experience is a bit too agency for my style, even in consolation mode. This stiffness would not beat you up, however neither does it present a lot of a dealing with profit. Nonetheless, this Genesis drives effectively, even when it feels a bit bigger than it really is and it by no means encourages you to do irresponsible issues. Dynamically, this SUV is competent however not excellent..You may do loads worse than the Genesis GV70. 
Genesis
All this excellence will price you, although not as a lot as you may anticipate. An entry-level 2022 Genesis GV70 begins proper round $42,000 together with $1,045 in supply charges, undercutting the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 by a pair grand every. Naturally, the Sport Prestige mannequin I’m evaluating here’s a bit steeper, however nonetheless, it checks out for proper round 64 grand, which, truthfully, looks like a cut price given how luxurious this SUV appears and feels. If you are still not satisfied to provide the GV70 a strive, all Genesis fashions include free scheduled upkeep and at-home pick-up for 3 years or 36,000 miles. This little perk ought to make residing with one in every of these automobiles an almost seamless expertiseWith an opulent inside, avant-garde design and competent dynamics, the 2022 Genesis GV70 is an excellent car. Put it on the high of your buying record in case you’re out there for a small luxurious SUV, it will not disappoint.Editors’ observe: Travel prices associated to this story have been coated by the producer, which is widespread within the auto trade. The judgments and opinions of Roadshow’s employees are our personal and we don’t settle for paid editorial content material.