2026 Genesis GV70 vs. 2025 Genesis GV70: What Changed, What Stayed, and Which Year Is Right for You
The Genesis GV70 has earned a strong reputation in Tampa Bay as a compact luxury SUV that doesn't compromise. Drivers from St. Petersburg to Sarasota have taken notice of its striking looks, strong performance, and a feature list that regularly outpunches its price tag. Now, with the 2026 model rolling into our lot at Genesis of Tampa, one question keeps coming up: is it worth the upgrade over the 2025?
The short answer is that it depends on what you're after. Both model years deliver everything Genesis stands for. But the 2026 brings a genuinely significant interior update, a sharper exterior refresh, and ride refinements worth knowing about. This page breaks it all down so you can make a confident decision.
About Genesis: Genesis builds luxury SUVs and sedans around four core principles: human-centered innovation, athletic elegance in design, refined and balanced performance, and a hassle-free ownership experience. Every upgrade across model years reflects those pillars, not just spec-sheet one-upmanship.
Quick Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026 GV70
Here's a side-by-side snapshot of the key differences between the two model years.
| Feature | 2025 Genesis GV70 | 2026 Genesis GV70 |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen | 27-inch OLED widescreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Separate digital unit | Integrated into 27" OLED panel |
| Climate Controls | Physical buttons/knobs | New touchpad interface |
| Front Grille | Standard Genesis crest grille | G-Matrix Crest dual-weave pattern |
| Headlights | Standard LED | Two-Line MLA technology |
| Exhaust Tips | Circular | Trapezoidal (sport-inspired) |
| New Paint Option | Storr Green Matte | Ceres Blue |
| Suspension | Standard tuning | Highway Body Motion Control + liquid-filled bushings |
| Forward Attention Warning | Not available | Available |
| Parking Assist | Standard (perp. + parallel) | Upgraded: adds diagonal parking |
| Engine: 2.5T (base) | 300 hp, 311 lb-ft (est.) | 300 hp, 311 lb-ft (est.) — unchanged |
| Engine: 3.5T (available) | 375 hp, 391 lb-ft (est.) | 375 hp, 391 lb-ft (est.) — unchanged |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD | Standard AWD — unchanged |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic — unchanged |
| Fuel Economy (est.) | 24 mpg combined (2.5T)* | 24 mpg combined (2.5T)* |
| Number of Trim Variants | 7 variants | 6 variants (3.5T Sport merged into Sport Prestige) |
| Starting MSRP | ~$47,650 (2.5T Standard)** | ~$49,480 (2.5T Standard)** |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 10 yr / 100,000 mi — unchanged |
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi — unchanged |
*EPA estimates. Actual mileage varies with driving conditions, options, and habits. Both engines require premium fuel.
**MSRPs are approximate and subject to change. Contact Genesis of Tampa for current pricing.
Exterior Updates: Sharper, More Purposeful
The GV70's silhouette didn't need an overhaul. That coupe-inspired roofline, those sculpted flanks, and the athletic stance already stand out in Tampa Bay traffic. For 2026, Genesis refined the details rather than reinventing the shape.
The front end gets the most attention. A redesigned G-Matrix Crest grille with a dual-weave pattern replaces the outgoing design, and the new Two-Line Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlights improve nighttime visibility with a more modern lighting signature. Walk around to the rear and you'll notice the exhaust tips shift from circular to trapezoidal — a small change that adds a noticeably sportier presence.
Wheel designs are updated for 2026 as well, available in 19- or 21-inch diameters depending on trim. Paint-wise, the 2026 introduces Ceres Blue, a rich, dimensional hue that catches Florida's year-round sunshine well. The 2025 added three matte finishes to its palette (including Storr Green Matte and Matterhorn White Matte), so buyers of either year have interesting color stories to tell.
One thing stays the same across both years: the GV70 carries Genesis's athletic elegance design identity consistently from front to rear. It's a cohesive, confident design that doesn't beg for attention but always gets it.
Interior & Technology: The 27-Inch OLED Changes Everything
This is where the 2026 GV70 makes its clearest argument. Sit in the driver's seat and the dashboard transformation is immediate.
2025 GV70 Interior
The 2025 GV70 features a 14.5-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen that floats above the center dash, paired with a separate digital gauge cluster. A rotary control knob in the center console handles media and system navigation. It's a polished, well-organized setup, and it impressed a lot of reviewers when this generation launched.
Standard comfort features on both model years include multi-level heated front seats, power lumbar support for the driver, and a choice between leatherette and genuine leather upholstery. Ambient interior lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available panoramic sunroof round out the 2025 cabin experience.
2026 GV70 Interior
The 2026 replaces the separate screens with a single 27-inch curved OLED widescreen panel that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system into one seamless display. Resolution is sharp, graphics are vivid, and the panel is both voice-command ready and touch-responsive. Climate controls move off the main screen entirely to a new touchpad interface lower in the console, which keeps the dash cleaner and more focused.
The steering wheel takes on a sportier flat-bottom design on Sport trims, and the center console sees a redesigned wireless charging pad and cup holder layout for better ergonomics. On higher trims, the Bang & Olufsen premium audio system remains available, and Nappa leather seating is still offered at the Prestige level.
Both years give you a genuinely premium cabin. The 2026 just feels several steps more current, and it aligns closely with Genesis's stated design philosophy: technology that serves the driver rather than demanding their attention.
Performance: Two Great Engines, Both Carried Over
If performance is your main concern, here's the direct answer: nothing changed between 2025 and 2026. The engines are identical, the transmission is identical, and AWD is standard on both. Genesis didn't touch the powertrain because there was no need to.
The base 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces an estimated 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That's more than most competitors offer at this price point with their base engines. Upgrade to the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and output climbs to an estimated 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic handles gear changes for both, and standard AWD is ready whether you're on I-75 near Sarasota or navigating side streets in Tarpon Springs.
The 2026 does bring two meaningful ride improvements. Highway Body Motion Control is now standard across all trims, upgrading front and rear damping for better composure on varied road surfaces. Liquid-filled bushings are also added throughout the suspension, which sharpens steering response and reduces vibration. These aren't headline-grabbing spec changes, but you feel them on Tampa Bay's mix of highways, surface streets, and the occasional rough patch near the Clearwater coastline.
Fuel economy for the 2025 GV70 2.5T is EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The 3.5T is rated at an estimated 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 mpg combined. Both engines require premium fuel. The 2026 EPA ratings have not yet been published, but the powertrains are mechanically identical to the 2025.
Safety Technology: Both Are Thorough; 2026 Adds Two Smart Features
Genesis takes proactive safety seriously across both model years. A full suite of driver assistance systems is standard equipment on every GV70, regardless of trim.
Standard safety tech on both 2025 and 2026 GV70 models includes:
- Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
- Highway Driving Assist
- Safe Exit Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality
For 2026, Genesis adds Forward Attention Warning, which monitors driver focus and issues an alert when attention drifts. That's a genuinely useful feature on long highway runs between Tampa and Crystal River or down to Sarasota. Parking Assist also gets upgraded in 2026 to handle diagonal parking maneuvers, not just perpendicular and parallel. In busy parking areas across Largo, Clearwater Beach, or downtown St. Pete, that makes a real difference. Highway Driving Assist also gains a hands-on detection upgrade for more responsive lane-centering behavior.
Trim Structure: What You're Choosing Between
2025 Genesis GV70 Trim Overview
The 2025 GV70 is available in seven variants built around two powertrains. All models come with standard AWD.
- 2.5T variants: Standard, Select, Advanced, Sport Prestige
- 3.5T variants: Sport, Sport Advanced, Sport Prestige
The 2025 lineup gives a wide range of entry points. The 2.5T Standard is an accessible starting point, while the 3.5T Sport Prestige is the fully loaded performer at the top.
2026 Genesis GV70 Trim Overview
The 2026 GV70 consolidates to six trim configurations. The standalone 3.5T Sport trim no longer exists. Those features merged into the 3.5T Sport Prestige, which means the 2026 Sport Prestige comes better equipped at its price point.
- 2.5T variants: Standard, Select, Advanced, Sport Prestige
- 3.5T variants: Sport Advanced, Sport Prestige
Every 2026 trim gets the 27-inch OLED display and the new climate touchpad as standard equipment. The key decision comes down to which powertrain fits your priorities and how far up the feature ladder you want to go.
Pricing Overview
Prices shown here are approximate MSRPs and subject to change. Contact our team at Genesis of Tampa for current figures, available incentives, and lease and financing options.
| Trim | Engine | 2025 Est. MSRP | 2026 Est. MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2.5T | ~$47,650 | ~$49,480 |
| Select | 2.5T | Contact us | ~$51,885 |
| Advanced | 2.5T | Contact us | ~$56,435 |
| Sport Prestige | 2.5T | Contact us | ~$59,795 |
| Sport Advanced | 3.5T | Contact us | ~$64,415 |
| Sport Prestige | 3.5T | Contact us | ~$71,545 |
**All pricing is approximate MSRP and subject to change without notice. Contact Genesis of Tampa for current pricing, available offers, and financing rates.
Warranty Coverage: One of the Best in the Segment
Across both model years, the Genesis warranty is a genuine competitive advantage. Every GV70, regardless of model year or trim, is backed by:
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic vehicle warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance (first 3 years or 36,000 miles)
- Genesis At Home service — available pickup and delivery for service appointments
That 10-year powertrain warranty is notably stronger than what most competitors offer at similar price points. It's a real ownership benefit, not just a marketing line.
Which Model Year Makes Sense for You?
There's no wrong answer here. Both the 2025 and 2026 GV70 deliver the same core driving experience, the same powerful engine options, and the same generous warranty. The decision comes down to priorities.
Choose the 2026 GV70 if:
- You want the most current technology. The 27-inch OLED display is a genuinely significant upgrade, and it's hard to unsee once you've experienced it.
- The new safety features matter to you. Forward Attention Warning and upgraded Parking Assist add real utility to everyday driving.
- You appreciate the suspension refinements. Highway Body Motion Control and the liquid-filled bushing updates make the 2026 ride noticeably more composed.
- You want the freshest exterior styling. The new grille, headlights, and exhaust tips give the 2026 a more assertive look on the road.
Consider the 2025 GV70 if:
- You're maximizing value. Remaining 2025 inventory may present pricing opportunities as dealerships make room for 2026 stock.
- The core GV70 experience is what drew you in. Same engines, same AWD, same exceptional warranty, and a cabin that still impresses on its own terms.
- A specific color or trim from 2025 (like the matte finishes) is what you want.
Either way, you're driving one of the most well-regarded compact luxury SUVs on sale today. Kelley Blue Book named the GV70 its highest-rated small luxury SUV, and Car and Driver's first-drive review of the 2026 noted that the chassis refinements improve an already-strong contender. That kind of recognition doesn't happen by accident.
Come See Both GV70 Models at Genesis of Tampa Today
We carry both model years at our Tampa showroom, and our team is happy to walk you through a real side-by-side comparison. Seeing the two cabins in person makes the 2026 OLED upgrade especially clear.
Ready to schedule a test drive? Give us a call at 813-851-4114, visit us at 801 East Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613, or browse our inventory online at genesisoftampa.com. We're also happy to help customers from St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Tarpon Springs, Crystal River, and Largo find the right GV70.