Text by Tom Appel
2026 Genesis 3.5T Sport Prestige
Specs
Class: Premium Small Crossover
Seating Capacity: 5
Country of Manufacture: U.S.
Miles driven: 142
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| 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 | A- |
| Tall Guy | A |
| 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 | 375-horsepower 3.5-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Observed fuel economy: 20.8 mpg
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/25/21 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $70,095 (not including $1495 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($650), NFC Key Card ($30)
Price as tested: $&2,225
Audio-System Brand
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Classy, sporty, comfortable
The good: Long-trip friendly, spiffy new console design
The not so good: Gets expensive in top trim levels
Review
If you’ve listened to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, you’ve heard us discuss the common industry practice of freshening a vehicle three years after a redesign, and completely redoing it five years later. This is not a hard-and-fast rule, but it is very common.
New for 2026
I mention this update cycle to only to underscore how good the Genesis GV70 is; It really doesn’t seem to need an update. And to be honest, it is something of a modest refresh. Fun fact: The GV70 was rolled out for the 2022 model year, and tweaked immediately for 2023. For 2026, that small Genesis crossover enjoys a host of exterior styling updates—all pretty minor—and a new digital display inside.
Big Screen
As is trendy right now, the GV70 moves to a single-piece screen that includes both the instrument panel on the left, and the center touchscreen on the right. The implementation is tidy, and is nicely incorporated into the vehicle’s control layout.
Prices and Trim Levels
Otherwise, the GV70 returns pretty much as it was, which makes us happy. Here’s a trim-level breakdown:
- 2.5T ($50,480)
- 2.5T Select ($53,380)
- 2.5T Advanced ($57,930)
- 2.5T Sport Prestige ($61,290)
- 3.5T Sport Advance ($65,910)
- 3.5T Sport Prestige ($72,590)
Price Increases
As might be expected amid all the current tariff activity, the South Korean-brand GV70 would be subject to a price increase. Though assembled in the U.S., many of the ’70’s parts and systems are imported from the home country. So, for 2026, the base 2.5T has risen $2830, while the topline 3.5T Sport Prestige has been boosted $2740. All the other trim levels have seen similar price jumps, save for the Sport Advance, which, interestingly, sees a price decline for 2026 of $740.
Engines
The 2.5T models are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower. The line-capping 3.5T models come with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 rated at 375 horsepower. All GV70 trim levels are fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 GV70 in Sport Prestige trim in Mauna Red. All told, our test car came to $72,225. Note that our test car was built before a price increase which is reflect in the price list shared above.
Below please find a list of five cools things we appreciate about the 2026 GV70, specifically in Sport Prestige trim.
5 Cool Things About the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige
Secretly Sporty
The GV70 looks good, especially in high-zoot Sport Prestige trim, but it does not look overtly sporty. There is still plenty of bright trim accenting the ‘70’s exterior, and the wheels are only gray-tone, not full-on sinister black. And, frankly, we like the look.
And, as for sporty, the GV70’s potent V6 pulls like an angry bison when asked, and sounds great delivering that power. Likewise, this small crossover strikes an awesome balance of ride comfort and handling—like BMW good, but with a nicer cabin.
Bentley Cabin
And about that cabin…we’ve said this before, but cabin of any current-generation Genesis would not disappoint in a Bentley. Sure, some of the perforated leather may be a little over the top, but we appreciate the top-notch materials and overall premium feel. Genesis vehicles have gotten more expensive in recent years, but the brand’s interiors still make these Korean luxury cruisers feel like bargains.
Awesome Audio
A vehicle with a cabin this well appointed deserves a premium sound system, and the GV70 delivers on that front. The trim-level standard Bang & Olufsen setup lives up the to the cabin’s luxury promise with big, clean, clean, audiophile-quality sound. This author is a big fan of mid-century jazz (think Ray Bryant and John Coltrane), and found the GV70’s sounds system up to the task of reproducing that music in the manner it was intended to be heard.
Long-Haul Comfort
Though small overall, and built on a relatively short wheelbase, the GV70 settles in regally on the highway. Credit the quiet cabin and compliant suspension for the GV’s long-haul comfort, though the firm, supportive seats deserve a shout out, too.
Built to a Standard
We (the automotive media) don’t talk enough about assembly quality. Quality isn’t just classy parts; it’s also solid engineering and precision assembly practices. We frequently take note of Lexus assembly quality, but need to add Genesis to that conversation. Here’s why:
Exterior body-panel gaps are narrow and even, the GV70’s paint is smooth and deeply lustrous, and leather-seat stitching is even and tight. Plus, the doors close with a reassuring thud, and the control switchgear feels stout and reassuringly precise. Assembly quality may be one of the most-important luxury-vehicle attributes, and the most-difficult to quantify. That said, the GV70 feels as solid as the proverbial brick house.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
