The Genesis brand is Hyundai’s premium luxury division, much like Lexus is to Toyota. Positioned as a high-end alternative, Genesis vehicles combine the reliability and engineering expertise of Hyundai with more luxurious design and features, steadily building a reputation for producing vehicles that offer excellent build quality.

It’s important to note that Hyundai also owns Kia, and the Genesis G70 shares much of its platform and mechanical underpinnings with the Kia Stinger.

Beneath the stylish exterior, both cars feature nearly identical drivetrains, electronics, and engine options.

The main difference between the two models lies in the body style: while the Kia Stinger is a 5-door liftback, the G70 is available either as a sedan or a “shooting brake,” which is essentially a premium station wagon.

When considering a used G70, buyers will encounter two primary options: pre-update and post-update models. Genesis made subtle improvements to the G70 nearly every year, refining the vehicle to enhance its performance and appeal.

These updates influence not just the driving experience, but also the range of features available across different models, so it’s important to be aware of which version you’re looking at when buying secondhand.

The G70 comes with two main engine choices: a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6. Interestingly, the 4-cylinder engine is closely related to the one found in the high-performance Hyundai i30N, giving it a strong performance pedigree.

While international markets have seen manual transmission and all-wheel-drive variants, along with a newer 2.5-litre turbo four, Australian buyers have stuck with an 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and the original two engine options.

Before the update, both the 4-cylinder and V6 versions of the G70 were available in three different trim levels. However, even the base model came extremely well-equipped for its class, offering features that can rival those found in more established European luxury brands.

This high level of standard equipment has earned the G70 a reputation for being a value-packed option in the premium medium car segment.

Despite often being seen as an underdog compared to more prestigious European rivals, the G70 arguably offers superior build quality and fit-and-finish. Its reliability is also often compared to that of Lexus, one of the most trusted names in automotive durability.

However, potential buyers should still be aware of some common issues, which will be discussed below.

What goes wrong with a used Genesis G70?

Exterior

Some early pre-update Genesis G70 models reportedly had issues with paint durability, as the paint was prone to chipping. Interestingly, early Kia Stinger models shared this problem, likely due to the shared platform. However, post-update G70 models seem to have addressed this issue, with owners reporting more resilient paint.

Another uncommon issue reported by a few pre-update G70 owners, specifically those with black cars, was that certain panels experienced severe fading and became rough to the touch. Fortunately, Genesis covered this defect under warranty, and it seems to be isolated to a small number of vehicles.

Additionally, some pre-update owners were dissatisfied with the panel gaps and overall fit and finish. Although these issues weren’t as bad as those found on early Tesla models, they were considered subpar for a premium vehicle.

However, post-update models have shown noticeable improvement in these areas, bringing the G70’s exterior build quality up to the standards expected in the luxury segment.

There were also occasional reports of minor electronic glitches in pre-update models, such as slow keyless entry response and windows requiring recalibration. These issues were generally fixed under warranty or resolved themselves, indicating that they were not serious problems.

Interior

On the inside, a few pre-update G70 owners mentioned minor rattling in areas like the sunglasses holder and the plastic behind the rearview mirror. Fortunately, these issues are easily resolved, either through simple fixes or under warranty by Genesis.

In hotter climates, the sunroof can develop a slight rattle due to dried-out lubricant, but reapplying lubrication quickly resolves this problem. It’s a relatively minor issue, but something to be aware of, especially in warmer regions.

Pre-update infotainment systems had a few quirks, such as the Apple CarPlay interface occasionally reverting to the native system and occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues. Owners also found the system could be a bit slow to respond.

However, a software update appears to have addressed these issues, and post-update models seem to perform more smoothly in this regard.

Some pre-update owners also reported premature wear on the leather side bolsters, but this doesn’t appear to be a widespread issue. In fact, many other owners praised the interior’s durability, noting that it holds up better than the interiors of other premium-branded cars they had previously owned.

Mechanically

2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol:

The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder in the G70 belongs to Hyundai’s “Theta II” engine family, which has been notorious for bottom-end bearing failure in other models.

Thankfully, the G70’s engine seems to have avoided these issues, making it a reliable option thus far.

That said, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and not skimp on servicing, as this is key to long-term reliability with these engines.

3.3L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol:

The 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is generally considered reliable, but there have been a few isolated issues. Some owners have reported problems with high-pressure fuel pumps, though this isn’t a widespread concern.

More notably, there was a recall related to the left-hand turbo oil line, which could suffer heat damage from the exhaust manifold and cause leaks. Again, proper servicing is crucial, and it’s recommended to service the engine every 10,000 km to prevent issues related to oil consumption and other potential failures common in Hyundai and Kia models.

The G70’s 8-speed automatic transmission is generally reliable, but some owners have noted occasional “flaring” between gear changes. There have also been reports of heat-related issues affecting transmission performance, though these are not common. To ensure longevity, it’s advisable to service the transmission every 50,000 km.

In early pre-update G70 models, some owners, particularly in the U.S., mentioned that downshifts could feel slightly harsh. Additionally, some found that the shift calibration leaned more toward luxury than performance, meaning the car would upshift early rather than hold a gear during spirited driving.

This tuning choice might not appeal to all drivers, especially those seeking a more performance-focused experience.

One challenge some Australian owners have encountered is the limited after-sales support in regional areas, which stems from Genesis avoiding the traditional dealership model.

While customers in major cities generally have no issues, those in more remote areas may struggle to find service centres, and there have been complaints about Hyundai dealerships not being equipped to handle Genesis vehicles.

That said, after-sales support for premium brands like Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, and Audi can also be limited in regional areas, so Genesis isn’t entirely unique in this regard.

Should you buy a used Genesis G70?

The Genesis G70 is undoubtedly one of the most impressive cars in its segment, often exceeding expectations. Despite its relatively low profile in the luxury market, the G70 stands out for its blend of performance, refinement, and value.

It’s a car that punches well above its weight, making it one of the most underrated choices in the premium medium sedan category. If you’re in the market for a vehicle in this class, the G70 should not just be on your shortlist—it should be at the top.

When considering a G70, it’s important to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection or seek out a Genesis certified used car. This ensures you’re getting a vehicle in excellent condition, backed by Genesis’ impressive warranty and support network.

Given the brand’s attention to detail and build quality, a well-maintained G70 is likely to provide many years of reliable service.

The only area where the G70 might lag behind its competitors is in brand recognition. Genesis doesn’t yet carry the same prestige as long-established luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, or Audi.

However, if you’re not swayed by superficial brand image and marketing hype, the Genesis G70 represents incredible value, offering everything you’d expect from a luxury car—without the premium price tag for a badge.

In fact, its underdog status could be considered an advantage for those seeking a high-quality, under-the-radar alternative to the usual suspects in the luxury segment.