This post is content created with a test drive opportunity provided by GENESIS KOREA.
Test Drive of the Genesis GV70 3.5 Gasoline Turbo
Hello, I’m Double Look, an automotive influencer.
Recently, I went on a two-day golf trip to Gunsan CC.
On that day, the country experienced record-breaking snowfall,
thanks to the Genesis GV70 3.5 Gasoline Turbo AWD, I was able to drive long distances with confidence.
Due to the heavy snowfall, the lines on local highways were barely visible,
When I experience days like this, I can’t help but choose the AWD model over the 2WD.
Had I been in a 2WD model, I might have found myself stranded due to the snowfall.
From my home to Gunsan CC, I had to drive 143 miles (230 km) one way.
On that day, visibility was poor, and there were talks of canceling the round, but
since it was a two-day golf trip, we decided to relax at the resort if the first day’s golf got canceled.
Fortunately, the next day, temperatures rose above freezing with no snow expected,
so we decided to set off on our long-distance golf trip.
We left early in the morning and hit the highway,
I drove the fully-loaded GV70 3.5 Gasoline Turbo model, which allowed me to fully experience Genesis’s driving assistance systems.
When speed monitoring began, I set the speed and kept my hands on the steering wheel.
Once I set the speed and the distance to the car ahead, the car drove itself, making it feel even more stable than if I were driving.
When I connected Apple CarPlay wirelessly, I could conveniently use the apps I normally use.
I connected Tmap for navigation, and since it had been a while since I visited Gunsan, it guided me along the newly opened highway.
By avoiding congested areas, it provided optimal navigation, allowing us to arrive at Gunsan CC earlier than scheduled.
On the highway, I utilized the smart cruise control feature linked to the navigation system,
which I used for over 90% of the journey.
Thanks to this, I felt less fatigue during the long drive, and the round trip distance of nearly 311 miles (500 km) felt entirely manageable.
When changing lanes, simply turning on the blinker allowed the car to assess surrounding traffic and proceed automatically,
and this is why I believe people opt for fully loaded models despite their higher price.
In Korea, it’s true that Genesis’s semi-autonomous driving is more stable and superior compared to Tesla.
While opinions on the interior design may vary,
Genesis enhances its value as a premium brand, appealing with a luxurious space comparable to German imports.
The recent facelift has amplified the luxurious feel compared to before.
Thanks to this, the Genesis GV70 has become the only domestic model my wife has approved.
The dial gear shifter is designed with a crystal interior,
and it has received praise for adding value as a premium SUV through its emotional ambient lighting.
The Genesis GV70 has sparked debates over its high price, but
when compared to similar imported models, it actually feels like a good value.
The rear of the GV70 features tail lamps designed with double lines, and
the lower design incorporates black high-gloss materials, adding a sporty feel,
emphasizing a youthful and sophisticated vibe that has garnered strong support from the MZ generation.
The sports package design is impressive, but
my personal preference leans towards the standard design.
The trunk capacity is 542 liters, optimized for a two-person golf trip.
In the photo below, you can see that I folded down the second row, fitting two golf bags vertically on one side,
and placed two suitcases and a golf shoe bag in the remaining space.
You can fit two golf bags diagonally in the pure trunk space, but
to accommodate two additional suitcases for the two-day golf trip, I had to fold down the second row.
If it’s a one-day golf round, you can fold down just 60% of the second row and manage a round with three people,
and if you squeeze the driver into the golf bag, you can challenge a round with four people.
Test Drive of the Genesis GV70 3.5 Gasoline Turbo
I personally preferred the 2.5 gasoline turbo model for its fuel efficiency, even if it lacked power, but
after driving through rough terrain and on the highway this time,
I now recommend choosing the 3.5 gasoline turbo engine, even if it means sacrificing a bit of economy.
First and foremost, the driving stability and satisfaction increase significantly.
The GV70 3.5 gasoline turbo boasts a powerful performance with a maximum output of 380 ps and a maximum torque of 54.0 kg·m.
Of course, the fuel efficiency is not high, averaging around 18.8 mpg (8 km/L),
but the stability and strong driving feel during high-speed driving are attractive.
My wife usually suffers from motion sickness, so she tends to prefer sedans over SUVs,
but she was quite satisfied with the driving feel of the 3.5 gasoline turbo engine.
She commented that the reduced road vibrations and the stability of driving closely on the highway were particularly appealing.
Moreover, experiencing the fully loaded model allowed me to try out all of Genesis’s latest driving assistance systems,
and I found it incredibly convenient...
This is why I think it’s worth earning more money to buy a fully loaded model.
In particular, for the safety and convenience of families, I recommend choosing the Popular Package II option, which includes the Driving Assistant Package, the 2nd Row Comfort Package,
and the Convenience Package.
For couples like us who enjoy listening to music,
I also recommend the premium sound system, the Bang & Olufsen Sound Package.
The Genesis GV70 3.5 Gasoline Turbo AWD fully loaded model provided stable driving even in heavy snowfall,
and on the highway, it showcased its powerful driving performance without any hesitation.
As positive reviews about its design continue,
in the second half of 2024, it has consistently recorded sales of over 3,000 units.
Despite the high price controversy surrounding this premium SUV, it seems that the positive evaluations from existing owners have contributed to its success.
The more I test drive the Genesis GV70, the more attractive it becomes!
With options like the 2.5 gasoline turbo and 3.5 gasoline turbo, as well as sports package and standard design,
it offers a variety of choices, allowing you to make the best selection based on personal preferences and driving environments.
Today, I shared my experience of the Genesis GV70 3.5 Gasoline Turbo AWD during my golf trip to Gunsan CC.
In the next installment, I plan to share my experience visiting camping spots, and if you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll share my firsthand experiences.