New vs Used: Genesis G70

The Genesis G70 was quick to make a major impression. Is the newest version the one to buy, or is a used G70 the better bargain?

Refreshed and Refined

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When it debuted in 2018 (as a 2019 model) the Genesis G70 put the German luxury carmakers on notice. Hyundai demonstrated impressive chops with its new sports sedan. The G70 delivered both spirited driving and an impressively refined interior space. And, ranging between $35,000 and $50,000, it was one heck of a bargain, too.

Jump to 2021 and the new 2022 G70 has received a mild refresh, including updated exterior styling, improved safety technology, and a crisp new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Yet most of the mechanicals have stayed the same and thus, the question arises: which is the better value, a new or used Genesis G70?

Specs

Both the 2019 and current 2022 Genesis G70 carry the same two engines. The “base” engine is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four making 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard with an option for all-wheel drive. Fuel economy isn’t great for the segment with the automatic RWD getting 22 city and 30 highway mpg, the AWD at 21/28, and the manual at 18/28.

The next is the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 making 365 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. paired with the eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, again with the option for all-wheel drive for extra grip. Fuel economy runs 17 city and 26 highway for the RWD version and 17/25 for the AWD version.

Again, the 2022 G70 features the same engines but the manual transmission option has been dropped. The addition of a variable exhaust system adds 3 horsepower to the V6 when it’s activated, not actually appreciable but it’s there. Fuel economy improved slightly to 21/31 for the 2.0L engine and 18/27 for the 3.3L; AWD dips both those stats downward by roughly one mpg.

Driving & Performance

The used Genesis G70 wouldn’t have been nearly as impressive were it not for its terrific on-road characteristics. The turbo four-cylinder does provide enough power for most driving situations, but the lively twin-turbo V6 add considerably to the experience. With a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, the V6 equipped G70 can hold its own against the Audi S4, BMW M 340i, and Mercedes C 43. Cornering is also impressive, with the RWD version eager to kick out the back end given the slightest provocation.

The 2022 isn’t much different from the 2019 beyond a few minor tweaks. The new variable exhaust only adds three total horsepower when engaged, but it does make the car sound incrementally more aggressive. Oddly, Genesis still pipes in some amount of engine noise to amp things up further. There are also new performance bits like Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and paddle shifters.

True in either version, the 2019 and 2022, the G70 offers some of the sharpest steering of any sports sedan on the market.

While the G70 delivers on driving engagement, but it also excels when you want a more laid-back experience. Its lane centering function is arguably the best in the industry, keeping you in your lane without any of the ping-ponging of other systems.

Interior & Comfort

The interiors of the new and used Genesis G70s are nearly identical, with a few exceptions we’ll get to momentarily. First and foremost, the G70 offers a stylish and comfortable cabin that rivals anything from Germany. Mercedes may have a slight advantage, but the G70 compares favorably to comparable BMWs and Audis. The 14-way adjustable front seats are exceedingly comfortable and well-bolstered; perfectly attuned to the dual roles of the G70 as highway cruiser and sporty runabout. The optional quilted pattern, which extends to the door cards, adds an extra level of extravagance. Materials are uniformly of a high-quality and make the G70’s price tag perhaps the most impressive part of the vehicle.

What sets the new 2022 model apart from the 2019 include the following. There’s new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with crisper graphics and faster response. This is complemented by a new digital gauge cluster. Genesis made the unusual decision to split this display between analogue gauges for the speedo and fuel and a smaller digital display for the tach and other information such as fuel economy and the car’s blind spot camera. The 2022 also adds a heated steering wheel to the mix but still lacks ambient lighting, a popular feature available on most other luxury sports sedans.

Trims & Features

Not much has changed either, when it comes to trims and features for the 2019 and 2022 G70. The two principal trims remain the 2.0T (with the 2.0L I-4) and the 3.3T (with the 3.3L V6). There are four options packages available which add features along the way.

For the 2022 model, the “base” 2.0T comes standard with synthetic leather, satellite and HD radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control.

The Prestige package adds features like wireless charging, a sunroof, and front and rear parking sensors.

The only significant difference between the new and used Genesis G70 are the additional standard safety features of the newer car. The 2019 came standard with forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, a rear camera, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alerts. The 2022 adds intersection assist (accident avoidance), forward collision warnings, and vehicle exit warnings to the list. Options include a heads-up display, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.

In the 3.3T you’ll find an upgraded sports suspension and real leather upholstery. The Advance Package adds items like ventilated front seats, a 15-speaker lexicon stereo, and wireless charging. The Prestige Package adds performance features like Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, a heads-up display, and Nappa leather upholstery.

A Crazy Used Market

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Under normal circumstances, we’d be recommending the used 2019 Genesis G70 as the better bargain. It’s so close to the newest version that the minor upgrades and fewer miles would pale in comparison to the cost savings you’d get from buying a lightly used version. But these are not normal times in the used car market. Prices are up all over, and that includes used G70s. An extensive search of the nation’s used G70 listings reveals this: the normal cost savings of buying used just aren’t there, at least not to the typical degree.

A new 2022 Genesis G70 starts at $37,525 and tops out at around $50,000 for the Prestige package equipped 3.3T. A used G70, at four-years old typically carries fewer than 30,000 miles, is well taken care of, and is listed for $5,000-$8,000 less than the new 2022 model. Prices vary by mileage and location, but on average, you’ll only be saving a few thousand on the older car. You do stand to save more if you’re opting for the V6, but many listings for used 2.0Ts were very near the same price as a new 2022 versions.

In the case of buying a used Genesis G70, it’s the age, rather than the milage or wear-and-tear, that really matters. For insurance, financing, and resale, it is, on average, better to buy and own a newer rather than an older car. This makes the argument for the new 2022 Genesis G70 all the more persuasive when the price of a new one is so close to a used one. And once you consider the updated exterior styling, making an already attractive car even prettier, and the minor upgrades to fuel economy and standard safety tech, it’s not even all that close.