Thanks to GoodCarBadCar, we now have a concrete idea of car sales by model for 2022. One of the most surprising results on the list is that the GV70 has the highest year-to-date sales for the brand at 19,141. Despite being relatively new to the market, it has outsold the sales of nameplates such as the G80 and G80 which have been around for several years.
So what makes it so attractive to buyers?
it was available for a starting price of $41,500. It also came in two trims that reflected the available powerplants: the 2.5T and the 3.5T. Since it’s too early for a redesign, these are the same refinements buyers will receive for the 2023 model year.
It features exterior carriage styling with a bold dual-strip headlamp cluster on the front fascia. It also offers space for up to five passengers.
The 2.5T models feature a turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine capable of delivering up to 300PS and 311Nm of torque. Fuel economy is 22 mpg and 28 mpg for city and highway driving for a total of 24 mpg. According to , this powerplant pushes 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
On the other hand, the 3.5T models boost performance with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine whose stats are 375PS and 391Nm of torque. Naturally, this trim is quicker, running the same 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds on the reviewer’s test track. It’s also less fuel efficient averaging 21 mpg thanks to gas mileage of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highways.
Both options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A dynamic interior
As for the interior, there’s plenty to impress, including the 14.5-inch infotainment screen on the dashboard. It features a fingerprint scanner that gives access to preloaded settings for drivers and passengers. Also included are , Apple CarPlay and even a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.
As you’d expect from a Genesis luxury SUV, the materials in the cabin are pretty high-end, not to mention the extra features like heated seats. That said, these are determined by the package you choose. On the low end, the standard package comes with 18-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, a motion-activated power liftgate, and power-adjustable heated front seats.
The top-end Sport Prestige package offers extras like 21-inch wheels, alloy sport pedals, three-zone climate control and a larger cluster display.
What the critics have said about the 2022 Genesis GV70
According to , it was listed among Autotrader’s best new cars of 2022. Edmunds had equally high praise for the vehicle, as it won the critically-rated luxury SUV award for the year.
Car and Driver may have some complaints with rear-seat space—a sentiment most others disagree with—but overall, they praise the GV70’s entry into the segment. Among the known positives are the powertrain options and the interior design.
MotorTrend, on the other hand, does make a valid point about the vehicle’s fuel economy, while much like the rest, it seems to have a high opinion of the car.
Reasons why the Genesis GV70 has become the brand’s best-seller
Besides most critics having nothing but good things to say about the SUV, it’s comfortable, powerful, relatively fast, offers a decent ride, and has a ton of tech features. Plus, it was awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, meaning it’s one of the safest cars of the year.
Another possible reason it was so attractive was the price. It’s cheaper than most other competitors in the segment and more affordable than the larger Genesis GV80 that preceded it in the manufacturer’s range.
