The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand’s best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn’t sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change.
We chose the GV70 as Australia’s best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title.
“While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021,” said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah.
“Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment.”
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This update didn’t mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension.
Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before.
“The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand’s best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains,” said marketplace editor James Wong.
“It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It’s also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades.”
Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated.
As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package.
Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles.
If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company’s concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car.
This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market.
Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can’t haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate.
With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3.
It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models.
Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX’s hybrid or Audi Q5’s diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here.
We’d also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network.
But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling.
That’s why it’s our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs.