Genesis GV70 wins Best Medium SUV Under $90K

The last 12 months has seen plenty of activity in the luxury medium SUV class, the underlying sales segment that informs our Drive Car of the Year Best Medium SUV Under $90K award.

All three German brands injected new life into their respective models, the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

But, testing at this year's Drive Car of the Year programme saw all three usurped by its Korean competition.

The Genesis GV70 has again reigned supreme in this award category, for the second-year running. The nameplate was represented at this year's awards through the Genesis GV70 Signature Sport 2.5T, however a recent price rise has ruled this car ineligible due to its new $91,300 plus on-road costs list price.

Turns out, it needn't matter – the Drive judging team collectively recommends all GV70 variants over their competition, and the award applies summarily to the GV70 Signature variant.

The Genesis SUV impressed judges thanks to its driving character that felt like a luxury SUV from a much higher price bracket, and an equipment list that eclipses much of its European competition.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC200 put up a commendable fight, though judges felt its 150kW/320Nm outputs didn't feel as sprightly as other cars on test. Likewise, it's best represented with the optional AMG package, which would have pushed it beyond the price limit.

The Zeekr 7X won fans for its long features list and incredible all-electric powertrain, though some judges levelled complaints at its wafty ride quality and frustrating doors.

The Audi Q5 didn't rate as high as its peers due to a finicky mild-hybrid system that caused some concerns at low speeds. Judges found the powertrain to be hesitant, particularly at slow pace around town.

Drive's pick: GV70 Signature priced from $89,300 plus on-road costs.

The key behind Genesis's success at this year's Drive Car of the Year awards was its ability to mimic luxurious SUVs three times the price.

Despite the impressive power available through your right foot, the Genesis GV70 makes a quiet cabin and a soft suspension tune the primary focus of the driving experience.

Exuding luxury and quality while remaining practical and attractive – and silent. It's a relaxing place to spend time, whether on the daily commute or the weekly shop, and the GV70 feels like a reward each time you drive it. 

Much of the car was improved after an update to the model in 2024, which came with improvements to what the automotive industry calls NVH – noise, vibration, and harshness.

The Genesis team introduced running changes to the suspension, engine, and body construction to minimise the noise impacts heard during normal, everyday driving like wind and tyre roar.

Akin to its Bentley-esque design, the driving experience punches far beyond its price point.

Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 224kW/422Nm – those kind of outputs are expected from a sports car, much less a regular high-end medium SUV. Put into practice, the engine is smooth, powerful, and responsive to any request from the driver in the hot seat.

The only mark on an otherwise impressive driving experience is its relatively high fuel use – Genesis claims 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres from this variant, and it's a figure to be believed. We saw a figure pushing 11L/100km throughout Drive Car of the Year.

In a safety sense, the Genesis GV70 scores well, with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Although this rating is now years old and under different test protocols, the brand has continually made minor updates to its safety software. Hyundai and Kia owners should be able to appreciate this fact, too.

The cabin is beautifully appointed, even in entry-level specification, and owners will love the genuine spaciousness of the first and second rows. The super-wide infotainment screen contains all kinds of useful information and entertainment, and simply looks impressive placed neatly on the dashboard.

Another tick for the GV70 is its aftersales experience, thanks to a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five years of free scheduled servicing, and a concierge service from Genesis – in which your vehicle will be picked up from your home or office (within a set distance to a Genesis service centre), and you'll be left with a courtesy car while yours is being worked on.

For the time poor, it doesn't get much better.

Tom started out in the automotive industry by exploiting his photographic skills but quickly learned journalists got the better end of the deal. With tenures at CarAdvice, Wheels Media, and now Drive, Tom's breadth of experience and industry knowledge informs a strong opinion on all things automotive. At Drive, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.

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