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Pros
Cons
While the brand’s bold — but much needed — performance aspirations have yet to erupt into anything more than a couple concepts, the 2026 Genesis GV70 Sport can be considered part of the groundswell that comes first.
In particular, the one pictured here — with its bright orange seat belts and stitching, and its ambient lighting set to match — hints at the Magma performance program that’s supposed to be just around the corner. In the meantime, this subtly revised crossover offers ample giddyup to go with more standout styling for this sporty trim, and a new user interface across the GV70 lineup.
Styling 9 / 10
The 2026 GV70 Sport might be short of the prestige of some of its rivals, but it doesn’t lack the panache. Beyond the bits of orange hidden away inside, this tester’s steel blue exterior — done up with a matte finish, no less — pairs nicely with the mesh grille treatment that’s new this year to give off a vibe that may be short of sinister, but only just.
There’s no shortage of character kicking around the outside, whether it’s this Sport version or any of the others to choose from (including a trio of all-electric trims), with the signature split lighting front and back and boldly sculpted crease lines spanning the sides. However, the way the window trim sweeps down and under the rear quarter glass instead of continuing along the top catches the eye for all the wrong reasons.
The shade of blue inside this tester matches the exterior to near perfection, while its seats feature a satisfying combination of suede and leather. (Opting for nothing but the latter comes with cool quilting, including more orange stitching.) Meanwhile, the doors as well as the centre console feature genuine carbon fibre inlays, although inquisitive minds would like to know what they would look like with a bare finish instead of gloss.
User-Friendliness 7 / 10
The combined display that sits on the dash is new this year, as is the software that’s been updated to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections that now fill out the entirety of the touchscreen on the right side. (Previously, those smartphone-mirroring interfaces occupied most but not all of the infotainment screen.)
Lower on the dash is a full complement of touch-based controls for infotainment and climate, while the console features a pair of similarly sized dials just as it did before — one for gear selection, the other for infotainment. That they’re closely placed means it’s easy to mix them up when attempting hurried moves; say, when parking. Otherwise, the switchgear throughout the cabin is easy to identify, while programmable shortcut buttons can quickly call up favourites.
Practicality 8 / 10
The GV70 finds itself firmly entrenched in a competitive class of compact crossovers that includes the likes of the Audi Q5, which was recently redesigned, as well as the equally new BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. All four of them split the difference between the slightly smaller Lexus NX and the Lexus RX that’s still going strong after effectively establishing the segment in the late 1990s. (Both Lexuses are made in Canada.)
Packed inside dimensions that aren’t dissimilar to those of X3, for example, is a reasonable amount of room for both people and stuff. The cargo area spans 818 L, which is more than the X3’s 570 L, although they look similar, and it might come down to different measurement standards used for each. If anything, the GV70 could use more small-item storage in the cabin, with limited space for everyday items — especially with both front seats occupied.
Comfort 9 / 10
Those seats are all-day supportive, with just enough bolstering and all kinds of adjustability. Both coalesce nicely for the driver, with that chair hugging just a little tighter with either sport or sport+ modes selected — a subtle but special nod to this crossover’s performance intentions. That seat also features pseudo-massage functionality, with selectable actuation via inflatable air pockets that aims to improve posture and reduce fatigue.
The GV70 Sport is the only one in the lineup to feature an electronically controlled adaptive suspension that uses a camera, navigation data, and sensors to read the road ahead and adjust accordingly. The system works by spotting uneven surfaces and adjusting damping rates in real time, and the results during this test were impressive enough to make the 21-inch wheels shroud in low-profile tires an afterthought around town and on the highway.
Driving Feel 9 / 10
Regardless of trim, the 2026 GV70 features new hydraulic bushings designed to reduce road vibrations, while the spring rates have been adjusted to cut down on how much the nose pitches and dives during acceleration and braking, respectively. Along with tweaks to the stabilizer bars and electric power steering system, this Genesis is a delight to drive regardless of what’s under the hood.
Power 10 / 10
That there’s a stout six-cylinder between the front fenders makes this particular version something of a firecracker. No, it doesn’t have what it needs to take on the highest performing iterations of its rivals, but it’s right there with the likes of the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M50i in terms of the output it generates, not to mention how it’s used.
The twin-turbocharged 3.5L spins up 375 to go with 391 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which kicks in at just 1,300 rpm. While it’s routed to all four wheels, a limited-slip rear differential ensures it makes it to the road reliably when driven with enthusiasm, including when cornering by sending more torque to the inside wheel to reduce understeer or the outside wheel to reduce oversteer.
Fuel Economy 6 / 10
While both the SQ5 and the X3 M50i use turbo engines in conjunction with mild-hybrid technology to improve performance and reduce emissions, the GV70 Sport relies on turbocharging alone. The result is a heartier appetite for fuel, with a combined rating of 11.5 L/100 km compared to 9.8 for the Audi and 8.6 for the BMW (although both require premium-grade gas, whereas it’s merely recommended by Genesis).
Worse still is how elusive that number proved to be during this week-long test. Even with the drive mode selector set to eco the vast majority of the time, and plenty of highway driving, the indicated average stood at 12.8 L/100 km. A test of a mechanically identical 2025 GV70 Sport last year finished with a strikingly similar combined consumption rate of 12.5.
Value 7 / 10
Beyond paying at the pumps, the 2026 Genesis GV70 Sport carries a price premium that puts it beyond competitors with similar performance pedigree. At $84,000 before extras — which are limited to premium paints like the matte finish seen here ($1,700) — it’s more than the 2025 BMW X3 M50i, which starts at $78,455 before options and taxes. Then there’s the 2025 Audi SQ5 that’s priced at $81,550 or $84,050, depending on trim.
Features 9 / 10
Unlike both of those rivals, there aren’t any packages available here — the GV70 Sport comes as a fully featured range-topper. From tri-zone automatic climate control to a heated steering wheel and rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 16-speaker stereo, there’s little left to be desired.
While there’s no Wi-Fi hotspot, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, subscription-based satellite radio, and digital key functionality that allows the GV70 to be locked and unlocked using a paired smartphone; plus, a biometric scanner on the console that allows it to be started with the touch of a fingertip — no fob required. There’s also a panoramic sunroof and acoustically laminated windows all around.
Safety 9 / 10
The advanced safety and driver-assistance suite is similarly well featured, with everything from forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with keeping and following assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There’s also a so-called blind-view monitoring system that shows live views of either side of the vehicle in the instrument display when the corresponding signal is activated.
Other helpful features include surround-view cameras, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. The GV70 Sport also features the latest version of the Hyundai Motor Group’s Remote Smart Park Assist system that includes self-parking functionality whereby the vehicle can be parked in parallel or perpendicular spots from outside the vehicle using the fob.
The Verdict
What exactly the Magma sub-brand has in store remains shrouded in mystery; however, the 2026 Genesis GV70 Sport should leave no doubt about what the team behind it is capable of whenever it finally comes to fruition. It might not be the bargain it once was — even last year, the same vehicle cost $4,000 less — and it isn’t the most efficient crossover of its kind, but this GV70 is unquestionably capable of delivering a dynamic punch that’s on par with its rivals.
