Over 2 dozen models live in the land of luxury small cars, a place in which performance and power often run parallel to style and sophistication. Shaking up that field of punchy peak-performers is a pair of relative newcomers from South Korea: Genesis G70 and Kia Stinger.
Both the Stinger and G70 hit the U.S. market around the same time—2018 and 2019, respectively—and have since climbed the ranks toward that coveted #1 position. Offering everything that's expected of a premium small car, and then some, these Genesis and Kia models have been substantial contributors to their respective brand's success in recent years. Genesis, for example, had record U.S. sales in 2022 and finally appears to be gaining that sweet, sweet luxury market share. (Still a long way to go, but we're breaking through!)
Yes, in many respects the 2023 G70 and Stinger are quite similar in structure—they share the same Hyundai genetics—though they're certainly not carbon copies of each other. How do they differ? Let's pull back the curtain and get to know each one a little more intimately.
Power, Performance & MPG
First, let's get to the juicy bits: Specs.
G70: By the Numbers
Underneath the hood of each base-level 2023 Genesis G70 2.0T RWD and AWD (optional) model is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-banger that makes 252 horsepower and churns through 260 lb-ft of torque like it's 17th-century butter. In terms of fuel economy, the RWD G70 returns 21 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, while the AWD G70 gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.
Want more? Slide your tuchus into the driver's seat of the G70 3.3T RWD or AWD model. It's equipped with a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 that creates 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph, the V6-equipped G70 crosses the line in about 4.5 seconds. The 3.3T G70 RWD gains 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg at highway speeds, while the AWD version pulls in 1 fewer mpg (17 and 28, respectively).
Genesis's amazing Sport+ drive mode really outshines and outpaces the competition. The system disables traction control and retunes the suspension to "uber-firm," ultimately delivering a spirited on-road experience for all within the car's cabin.
"...with the assistance of launch control and all-wheel drive, [G70's] grip is capable of putting down a 0-to-60 MPH time in the mid-4s. There’s enough thrust here to really shove you into your seat." - Steven Hammes, TopSpeed
Stinger: By the Numbers
Stinger's base model, the GT-Line, does have a sweet 300-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder that makes 311 lb-ft of torque, which is hard to compete against. RWD and AWD return 22 city/32 highway and 21 city/29 highway mpg, respectively.
Although the entry Stinger may outclass a comparably equipped G70 (at least on paper), the G70 3.3T evens the playing field when pitted against Kia Stinger's top-of-the-line GT2 trim. That range-topping GT2 features a twin 3.3L V6 turbo that makes 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, and it can break 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. Fuel economy for the GT2 RWD and AWD models eke out 18 city/25 highway and 17 city/24 highway mpg, respectively.
The difference between the G70 and Stinger's "big boy" trims is most evident when comparing stickers. The G70 3.3T AWD model is priced approximately $5,000 less than the Stinger GT2 RWD, and that gap extends further when you opt for the Stinger AWD package. That's what we call "good sticker shock."
New Technology
"Alongside its steep and well-established competition, the G70 is a beautifully styled, great driving sport sedan with all the luxury and modern tech you'd want." - MotorTrend
Just a few years removed from its North American Car of the Year award and MotorTrend Car of the Year win, the latest Genesis G70 models have upped the ante and delivered even more noteworthy features.
For 2023, the G70 swapped out its old wheels in favor of newer, bigger 19-inchers, and there's been a reshuffling of paint colors. The 2.0T Sport Prestige package gains a healthy combination of new interior and exterior trimmings, vented seats and glistening alloy pedals. A power trunk was added to the G70 3.3T's Sport Prestige package.
Those changes come a year after a complete G70 refresh, which included a radically redesigned front- and rear-end, a newly standard 10.25" touchscreen, and significant adjustments to the aforementioned Sport+ drive mode.
"The brand’s smallest luxury sedan, the G70 doesn’t simply mimic the status quo; instead, it blends elements from its European, Japanese and domestic competition to create a persona of its own. Lithe styling, a strong turbocharged V6 engine option and a high level of standard equipment make it a genuine value." - Forbes
For all intents and purposes, the G70 and Stinger have the same (or close to) features, so picking one over the other may feel like choosing your favorite child. Again, it all comes down to price tag. In the G70, you get a luxury car with all the proverbial fixin's and at a price you won't gawk at. On the other side of the ring, the 2023 Kia Stinger earns you many of those features and characteristics, just for $5,000 or even up to $10,000 more.
So, which is it? A small luxury sedan with traditional styling and a pleasant sticker price? Or a comparably equipped fastback hatch that ups your monthly lease or financing payment by $100-$200? We think we know your answer...
Contact Braman Genesis at (786) 574-3093 to request a quote for a new 2023 Genesis G70 in Miami. We have a variety of G70 deals as well as Genesis leasing and financing options, too, so be sure and ask your Genesis salesperson for assistance. You can also visit our Miami luxury car dealership at 2001 NW 2nd Ave to view our selection and take a test drive. We serve customers throughout South Florida, including Aventura, Hollywood, Coral Gables and Kendall.
