The sports sedan is alive and well. The folks at Genesis build one that checks all the boxes. It’s hard to see how the G70 3.3T AWD could be better. This is a vehicle that offers a very high level of real-world performance, four-season usability, a back seat that can justify the name, and straight-up luxury.

Genesis is a brand you have to experience to understand. It’s hard to believe that a Genesis (once a model under the Hyundai brand) can be on par with Mercedes-Benz in luxury and BMW in performance. You really need to drive the vehicle to be convinced. We have, and we are.

The G70 is both comfortable and outstanding with regard to steering and handling—that’s rare, even among the best brands. With a whopping 376 lb-ft of torque at just 1,300 RPMs, the G70 3.3T pulls strongly in all situations. On public roads, it’s hard to put to use the full range of performance this vehicle offers—maybe impossible.

Beyond its scoot, the G70 is a true luxury vehicle. The tufted interior and ventilated seats elevate the G70 above anything offered by many of its competitors. Genesis gives you a choice of synthetic, leather, or Nappa leather seating materials. Who doesn’t like choice? The Lexicon audio is in the running with the ELS system Acura offers as the best we have ever experienced.

There are many little things you get with the G70 you won't find on competitive models. Such as compact spare tires, passenger seat controls facing the driver, and Apple CarPlay. Why don’t all the cars in this segment offer these simple things?

It’s hard to ignore the volume leader in this category. We have not tested the newly updated Model 3, but we bet it’s better than ever. Upsides include immense torque, a price point under $50K, and the electric aspects of the Tesla. The downsides include the fact that Tesla cars are not really luxury cars, and the infotainment system is very different from most cars. Also, Genesis has a much better warranty.

The Acura TLX is a direct comparison to the Genesis. We loved the most recent TLX we tested. These two are worth cross-shopping for sure. We like the Genesis infotainment system better, and the G70 has a spare tire. It’s no accident that the TLX and G70 have virtually identical prices.

We understand that many folks won’t see these two as direct competitors most likely because they underestimate the great luxury features on the Charger. If you want a larger vehicle at a similar price point, the Charger begs to be shopped against the G70. There were dozens new and ready for immediate delivery near us when we created this story. We’d opt for the V8-equipped Scat Pack RWD for about $60K if this is your fun car, or get the AWD GT for around $50K if you plan to drive it in all types of weather.

There is a compact sports sedan hiding in plain sight that begs to be compared to the Genesis G70 and it’s the Mazda3 Turbo. Available as a sedan or hatchback and complete with AWD, the Mazda3 offers more torque than the base G70 2.5 and it comes on at a lower RPM. Got your attention? If your budget has a hard cap at $39K, drive a Mazda3 Turbo and you will be very pleasantly surprised how well it can hang with the best sporty cars available today.

The G70 line starts with a 2.5-liter engine and rear wheel drive. The starting price point for that combo is about $43K. AWD adds about $2,100. The fully-loaded G70 3.3T AWD we tested had a consumer cost of $58,350, including the pricey $4,200 Sport Prestige package which gets an owner better wheels, a better sunroof, and better front seats. Our prices include Genesis’ $1,250 freight charge but do not include dealer Doc fees or added dealer content.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

2024 is a carry-over year for the G70. The 2.5T engine is now the standard base engine. Previously, a 2.0-liter turbo was standard. Every trim now features Brembo brakes. A frameless mirror and touch-type HVAC controls round out the model-year improvements.

Ride comfort is the big surprise in the G70. Who knew great-handling sports sedans didn’t need to rattle your teeth over bumps? Somehow, the G70 is both comfy and tight. It’s hard to explain. Even with 35-series tires, the car is not harsh.

The throttle response is ideal for daily driving and commuting if you use standard drive mode. If you want to get your ya-yas out, enable Sport mode, and the G70’s 3.3-liter twin-turbo engine will come alive and invite you to play. The G70 is very, very quick off the line and has the top-end power of a true sports sedan.

You sit low in the G70, and it handles and feels like a sports car. The brakes are not race-car-like, but they are firm and they are predictable. Overall, the G70 gives you the confidence to enjoy yourself without endangering yourself and others. We haven’t tracked this car, but we suspect it would be a hoot on a closed course.

Please note that we tested the AWD version with the larger engine. We can’t comment on the base engine.

IIHS tested the G70 and rated it a Top Safety Pick+. There is no higher safety rating. NHTSA hasn’t tested the G70 yet (surprise surprise).

The just-updated J.D. Power and Associates 2024 Dependability Study ranks Genesis close to average. Consumer Reports gives the G70 a 45/100 predicted reliability score. BMW’s 3 Series has better scores, but the Lexus IS is the highest in this pack.

From our standpoint, the up-powered engine and AWD seem to make sense in this vehicle. If you want a 2WD vehicle with a turbo four, there are many more affordable options. We’d suggest going all-in on the G70 and getting the best one. Otherwise, check out the Mazda3 Turbo for $20K less.

If there is one area where Genesis stands head and shoulders above the competition, it is with regard to value and warranty. The original owner of a G70 gets a 10-year warranty. That is twice what the competition offers. Genesis also offers three years of included maintenance. There really is no better ownership package.

• Basic: 5 years / 60k miles
• Powertrain: 10 years / 100k miles
• Included maintenance: 3 years / 36K miles
• Service valet services (pick up drop off) 3 years / 36K miles
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

Buying a used Genesis is a safe bet. However, just keep in mind that the long 10-year 100K-mile warranty is only for the first owner. We would expect many off-lease Genesis vehicles to be smart plays if they are certified pre-owned vehicles. That gives you a bit of warranty to ensure a good experience.

Editor's note and disclaimer: Car Talk is supported by our fans, readers and listeners. When you click on some of the links on our website, we may receive referral compensation. However, you should know that the recommendations we make are based on our independent editorial review and analyses.