Genesis took its time finally entering the SUV market. Now, however, it’s racing to fill up that gap in a big way, the GV70 set follow big brother GV80 to market next year. And, after giving us a first, cursory look at its second utility vehicle back in October, the Korean carmaker is now filling in a few key information gaps too.
To start with, the compact GV70 will be offered in the U.S. with the same turbocharged engine options as the bigger GV80 which should make for some serious performance. That includes both the 300 horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4 and the spritely, 375 hp 3.5-liter V-6.
The 2022 Genesis GV70 also will introduce some intriguing new technologies, including a fingerprint identification system, as well as sensors that can detect both front- and rear-seat passengers. The fingerprint system will permit a motorist to start the car, automatically adjust vehicle settings to their personal preference and even use the new Genesis CarPay system to pay for things like gas or parking. Another new feature will help prevent parents and guardians from inadvertently leaving a child inside a vehicle.
(Genesis reveals its second SUV, the GV70.)
Until the formal sales launch of the GV80 this autumn, Genesis was in something of a holding pattern. Despite the strong reviews of its sedans – the G70 even being named the 2019 North American Car of the Year – it was competing solely in a declining market segment. Now, however, it is racing to catch up. The G70, when it arrives next year, will target such popular players as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, as well as offerings from Cadillac, Lexus and Lincoln.
As we discovered in October, there’s certainly a familial resemblance between the GV70 and the two most recent Genesis offerings, the GV80 and the G80 sedan. That starts with a positively huge take on the brand’s five-sided “crest shield” grille, as well as the quad front headlight design echoed at the rear.
The grille looks better integrated into the new SUV’s face and adds a little more depth to it, with the brightwork frame picked up elsewhere on the new GV70, including the chrome surrounding the side windows. Twin creases, including what Genesis dubs a “Parabolic Line” counter the coupe-like roofline. Meanwhile, the new ute adds a distinctive, triangular third piece of glass on either side of the cargo compartment.
The interior of the Genesis GV70 also picks up on key elements from the GV80, such as the knurled control knob operating infotainment functions, the instrument panel divided up into two separate zones – emphasized by a two-tone color scheme. Both versions of the new SUV will feature a 14.5-inch reprogrammable gauge cluster, along with a 12.3-inch display that can present a variety of apps simultaneously, such as a navi map and audio information.
The navigation system will introduce augmented reality capabilities that, for one thing, will clearly indicate where to make your turn by showing arrows superimposed over an image of the actual road.
As with the bigger GV80, the new SUV will offer multiple ways to control the infotainment system, including a controller knob on the center console. There will be traditional controls for many key functions, including those handling climate control mounted in a broad oval section of the IP, done up in piano black, where there’s also a smaller LCD display.
(Genesis CEO Mark Del Rosso talks about the brand’s future plans.)
Globally, Genesis will offer a range of powertrains for GV70 buyers. Americans won’t be getting the 2.2-liter diesel likely to be a mainstay option for European buyers. We will, however, see the new SUV share the same two turbocharged packages now available in the bigger GV80 and, much as is the case with the G70 sedan, the lighter and smaller GV70 could be the choice for those who want a truly sporty ride.
The 2.5-liter turbo-4 will punch out a solid 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, the 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 bumping things up to 375 hp and 391 lb-ft – enough to hit 60 in just 5.1 seconds. Models with the smaller engine will be available in both rear and all-wheel-drive. Like the GV80, the smaller SUV will come only in AWD with the V-6.
The automaker has developed a limited-slip differential that delivers torque-vectoring capabilities. It is unclear whether that will be available in the U.S. The same question arises about whether U.S. models will get the Launch Control system apparently set for the Korean market. There’s a good chance these will appear as part of the Sport Package, however.
Other good news is that some versions of the new Genesis GV70 will be available with an electronically controlled adaptive suspension.
The Korean love affair with things digital will extend to the GV70’s array of advanced driver assistance systems – including not only familiar features like active cruise, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, but Highway Driving Assist II tech, which uses that radar cruise and steering assist to help keep the vehicle in its lane and following the surrounding flow of traffic.
While most of these technologies are outward facing, the GV70 also will introduce the new Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. Each year, scores of children die in the U.S. alone when they are left, inadvertently, inside hot cars. Among other things, this radar-based system will be able to detect a rear occupant’s breathing. If a parent or guardian inadvertently leaves a child behind, it will quickly notify the driver.
(Genesis set to double line-up in next 12 months.)
The GV70 won’t be the last SUV coming to the Genesis line-up, incidentally. Several insiders have told TheDetroitBureau.com that the brand’s first all-electric model, set to be revealed in 2021, also will opt for an SUV design. Genesis, like both Hyundai and Kia, plans to roll out an array of all-electric models during the coming decade.
