Compared: 2023 Genesis G70 vs. 2023 Genesis G80
Between these two, Genesis offers a relatively affordable luxury sedan to suit almost any need.
Genesis | G70 (top), G80
QuickTakes:
European brands once ruled the luxury sedan segment, but Genesis, a relative newcomer from South Korea, has made some headway with its compact G70 and midsize G80. The models' broad feature sets, striking exterior designs, and reasonable prices appeal to value-minded buyers seeking a premium experience.
The two are so similar, the choice may well come down to size considerations and whether any of the G80's exclusive features are must-haves. (Note: This comparison does not include the Electrified G80.)
Genesis
The G70 Undercuts the G80 by About 10 Grand
The base G70 employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and goes for about $41,000. Genesis also offers a 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 in its smallest sports sedan for $46,000. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can pair either powertrain with all-wheel drive (AWD) for an extra $2,100.
The next-size-up G80 starts at $51,000, undercutting rivals such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class by thousands of dollars. The entry model features a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and rear-wheel drive. Buyers can option AWD if they have at least $54,000 to spend.
Those wanting more power might be served by the 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, matched exclusively with AWD. It'll set you back some $67,000.
Genesis
The G80 Offers More Features Than the G70
Both the G70 and G80 come standard with leatherette seats (heated up front), embedded navigation, two-zone automatic climate control, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance tech: blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go operation, lane keeping, and more.
Of the two, Genesis blesses the G80 with a few more standard goodies, including rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors. The midsizer also has the larger tech setup, with a 14.5-inch infotainment screen versus the G70's 10.3-incher.
The G80's basic sound system comprises 12 speakers, whereas the G70 makes do with six, and while both models boast an 8.0-inch display between analog gauges, buyers of the V6-powered G80 can spec a 12.3-inch digital cluster for extra coin.
Genesis
Other options exclusive to the G80 include real wood trim, three-zone climate control, and a fatigue-reducing Ergo Motion — aka massaging — driver's seat.
Neither model offers much trunk space. The G70 has only 10.5 cubic-feet of cargo capacity, and the G80, 13.1 cu-ft. For reference, the compact BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class boast 17.0 and 12.6 cu-ft, respectively. On the plus side, the G80 has ample rear-seat legroom compared with the competition.
Genesis
The G80 Can Actually Get Better MPG Than the G70
The G70 provides its best fuel economy — 21/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined — in rear-drive four-cylinder configuration. The addition of AWD cuts the score to 20/28/23 mpg. The V6 model returns 18/27/21 mpg in rear-drive form and 17/26/20 mpg with AWD.
Despite its larger-displacement four-cylinder, increased dimensions, and additional weight, the entry-level G80 manages to outperform the base G70 in fuel economy, with 22/32/26 mpg. AWD knocks that down to 22/30/25 mpg. However, efficiency drops dramatically with the 3.5-liter V6's 16/25/19 mpg.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
