Text by Tom Appel
2027 Genesis G70 3.5T Prestige Graphite RWD
Class: Premium Compact Car
Country of manufacture: South Korea
Seating capacity:5
Color: Ceres Blue
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | C |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | B- |
| Value | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C |
| Tall Guy | B- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 365-horsepower 3.3-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
Miles Driven: 133
Observed fuel economy: 21.3 mpg
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 17/25/20 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $56,900 (not including $1395 (destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: None
Price as tested (2025): $58,295
Audio-System Brand
Lexicon
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Sporty character, plenty of power
The good: Upscale cabin appointments, relaxed highway operation
The not so good: Cramped for larger drivers, limited rear-seat legroom
Review
The muscle-car era ended after 1971, this due to rising automotive insurance prices, safety concerns, and low-lead gasoline. Just like that, the days of the Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda and Pontiac GTO came to a halt. Though those vehicles did live one for a while, just in new, emasculated states of trim.
The muscle-car concept was simple enough: Stuff a large-car engine into a midsize car, and sell it with just enough brake and suspension upgrades to prevent drivers from killing themselves.
Korean Muscle Car
And, in the muscle-car spirit, Hyundai’s luxury division Genesis rolled out the G70 sedan in 2019 with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or, a largish, twin-turbocharged V6 borrowed from larger brand offerings.
At 3.3 liters, the G70 V6 was—and is—the largest turbocharged engine offered in a premium-brand compact coupe or sedan, and at 365 horsepower, serves up compelling off-the-line power and passing muscle.
G70 Sales History
But, though V6 models make of two of the four available G70 trim levels, they represent just 25 percent of actual sales. Sales, unfortunately, which have been in decline since 2022. Have a look:
- 2019: 11,900
- 2020: 9400
- 2021: 10,700
- 2022: 27,600
- 2023: 13,200
- 2024: 12,300
- 2025: 11,100
Though well regarded and well-reviewed, the G70 suffered a sales decline when the mechanically similar GV70 small crossover was added to the Genesis lineup in 2021 for the 2022 model year.
The Last V6
In response to declining sales, Genesis will be dropping V6 variants of the G70 for 2027, leaving the 2.5-liter engine as the small sedan’s only available engine.
But, fear not G70 intenders, there are still V6 examples on dealer lots, and, the 4-cylinder engine is a fine powerplant in its own right.
Also, to send off the V6 engine, Genesis has added a new top trim level to the lineup, the G70 3.3T Prestige Graphite. The Graphite comes in a single color, fully loaded, and equipped with the now discontinued V6.
Prices and trim Levels
Here’s a look at the 2026 G70 trim-level lineup:
- 5T ($44,845)
- 5T Prestige ($49,845)
- 3T Sport Prestige ($54,995)
- 3T Prestige Graphite (58,295)
The G70 is offered only as a sedan.
Engines
The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 300 horsepower, and as noted above the V6 is rated at 365. Both engines mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board. Going AWD adds either $2000 or $2100 to the price, depending on model.
One sad note: The G70’s available adaptive suspension disappears for 2026, regardless of trim level.
Prestige Graphite
Exterior elements exclusive to the Graphite include a slightly lowered sport suspension, Ceres Blue matte-finish paint, dark-finish 19-inch allow wheels, black outside mirror caps, and front and rear Brembo-brand brakes.
Cabin upgrades include Ultramarine Blue Nappa leather upholstery with orange contrasting stitching, orange trim accents, and a microfiber suede headliner. Oh, and the seatbelts are orange. Whether or not that’s cool is up to you (see pics below). We rather like them.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a rear-wheel drive 2026 Genesis G70 in 3.3T Prestige Graphite trim. Including destination charge, our test car came to $58,295.
Room and Comfort
This author is a big guy, and he often struggles to enter and exit cars in this class. Indeed, the G70 is actually somewhat more accommodating in this regard than the BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS are. The blame falls mainly on the smallish door openings. Once inside, even bigger folks will find a decent amount of space in the front seating row.
Typical of the class, the G70 runs a little shy on rear-seat legroom, meaning that taller passengers are unlikely to enjoy longer stints in the back row.
Cabin Décor
Cabin décor is Genesis typical, which is to say fabulous. We’ve said it before, but the interior materials and design of most Genesis vehicles would feel appropriate in a Bentley, and the G70 is no exception. Credit premium feeling leather, and soft-touch surfaces. As for the orange trim in our Graphite edition, we like it.
Controls and Connectivity
The control layout is simple and logical. Not having been redesigned since its inception, the G70 has yet to make the move to a single-pane screen setup, but we’re cool with the current arrangement. While the infotainment center screen is small by contemporary standards, it works just fine, and we appreciate the classy, fun, easy to understand graphics.
And, as we like it, the G70 employs physical switchgear for climate functions; they’re located lower on the console, and are easy to reach.
Ride and Handling
Underway the G70 feels solid, with reassuring steering feel, and a firm but compliant ride. The Graphite’s lowered sport suspension doesn’t seem to compromise ride quality, nor does it contribute to any additional road noise filtering into the cabin. Indeed, the G70 makes for affine, relaxed highway hauler, though one with athletic moves.
Power and Performance
The turbocharged V6 serves up plenty of seamless power, and sounds good doing it. The G70’s rich, baritone exhaust note entertains at lower speeds, but is squelched nicely in relaxed cruising.
Fuel Economy
In routine driving, our G70 returned just over 21 mpg. Though unexceptional, our fuel economy showing is more than reasonable given the little luxury sedan’s sporty character and brisk acceleration.
Value
Maybe the G70 V6 isn’t the best example of a modern muscle car, but it does represent a dying breed, and we’re sad to see the six go. While the similar size and similar mission Lexus IS is still offered with a V6, that motor isn’t turbocharged, and is rated at only 311 horsepower. It is, however, ultra smooth.
If the turbocharged V6 appeals to you, don’t hesitate to start shopping. Once the V6 models run out, that’s it. The Genesis G70 is all 4-cylinder moving forward. We like this bold Korean “muscle car,” and will mourn its passing.
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2026 Genesis G70 Prestige Graphite Limited
Click below for enlarged images
