The 2019 Genesis G70, the entry-level compact luxury sport sedan new to the two-year manufacturer morphed from Hyundai, has been named Car of the Year by MotorTrend.
Held in conjunction with the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the award is presented annually by the esteemed publication.
The Genesis G70 competed against more 19 vehicles in the publication’s determination of the most competent, desirable and capable vehicle to debut for the 2019 model year.
MotorTrend editors examine each contending vehicle in street and track testing.
Genesis to date in 2018 has won highest-ranked brand in the automotive industry awards for quality and owner satisfaction from industry experts such as J.D. Power, AutoPacific and Strategic Vision.
Hyundai launched Genesis Motors two years ago with the G90, a full-size luxury sedan. The Genesis lineup also includes the G80 as its midsize entry.
The Genesis G70 has infiltrated a competitive segment often dominated by the BMW 3 Series and including vehicles from Audi, Cadillac, Jaguar and the Alfa Romeo Giulia, last year’s recipient of MotorTrend’s top honor.
“The G70 proves you don’t have to compromise; you can have world-class driving dynamics and a smooth, comfortable ride. Power and efficiency can be found in the same luxury vehicle,” said Ed Loh, MotorTrend’s editor-in-chief.
“The Genesis G70 democratizes safety, technology, and luxury, with a price point that will surprise and delight everyone – but its competition.”
The 2019 Genesis G70 is the third of six new Genesis models to debut by 2021 and is the final sedan of the lineup. It’s the first Genesis model in the highly-competitive entry-level luxury segment.
In addition to the G70 finalists for the 2019 Car of the 2019 honors vehicles included: Audi A6, Audi A7, Honda Insight, Hyundai Veloster, Volvo S60 and V60
Other contenders included:
Buick Regal, Ford Mustang, Ford Transit Connect, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Clarity, Kia Forte, Lexus ES, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Nissan Altima, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Volkswagen Jetta.
Article Last Updated: November 27, 2018.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.