2021 Lexus IS vs Genesis G70: Battle of the Compact Luxury Sedans
By Brett Foote

The segment may not be what it used to be, but it's still full of excellent choices.

 

Patiently waiting for the 2022 G70 to come to NA. Looking like a worthy replacement for my IS. Not a sedan, but i also like the GV70

 

Just traded in my 2017 IS 350 Fsport for a Genesis g70 3.3 Sport two weeks ago. Got a smoking deal on the 2021 and I personally like the exterior styling better than the upcoming 2022 model. I Will miss my 350, but I'm quickly falling in love with the 3.3t.

 

it’s a Hyundai though

 

Lexus is a toyota though

 

Lexus is Tier 1 Luxury. Genesis is on the same playing field as Acura, Infiniti, Buick...Tier 2.

 

Eaxactly. Toyota is one of the most decorated companies in automotive history with one of the highest resale and reliability scores in the world. Their dedication to their craft, history, craftsmanship and quality is second to none.
Are u actually comparing a Hyundai to a Toyota??? No way. Some Hyundai’s may perform well but come on...the quality, craftsmanship, reliability, residual value is no where near Toyota.

 

lol i don't care if it's Tier 0, i drive whatever i like. I don't keep cars forever, so as long as i enjoy driving them during that period, that's all that matters to me.

 

I was very impressed with the G80 5.0 Ultimate that I rented through Turo. Definitely felt like it was a half-step above something like Acura of the time and a very nicely put-together vehicle. I'd say it was significantly quieter and smoother than a Lexus ES 350 of the time. I need to get behind the wheel of the newer ones.

If the G70 really is similar to the Stinger, but a sedan, it's probably one heck of a vehicle. The Stinger is great.

 

Congrats on the new car! I love the G70, and also slightly prefer the ‘21. Would love to hear your comparison on engine performance/sound, steering weight, braking and seat comfort after you spend some time with the car.

 

For comparatively priced cars, the G70 is the better performing car. I wouldn't be surprised if the G70 3.3T can keep up with the IS500.

A lot of people don't trust the brand yet so it has to be priced lower.

 

That has yet to be seen. Hyundai's problem has always been with reliability and parts availability. The G70 3.3T is an impressive car no doubt, but i'd rather have a V8 than a V6 turbo.

 

The V8 is better for sure but will probably be $10-15k more expensive comparatively equipped. Genesis is the value brand in the luxury segment so they have to undercut on price to move units. I don't know about the 3.3T reliability but I've run a Stinger in my IS350. He annihilated me.

 

Lexus brand is more prestigious than Hyundai (Genesis was introduced 5 years ago so I'm not going to even count it as it's own brand). Toyota / Lexus reliability beats out all car brands. But, I have noticed people who own Germans who ****** on Lexus owners saying "Lexus is a Toyota". Can't imagine what they would say about a Hyundai.

That being said, Hyundai is known for quality control issues, reliability being terrible. Everyone who is supporting Hyundai, do you see any 2 year old + Hyundais on the rode? I certainly don't. I don't see any old Elantras, Sonatas, etc -- but I do see old Corollas, Camrys, IS, ES, GS, etc. Let's not compare apples and oranges, because that's what this is. Lexus is a fruit while Hyundai is McDonald's fast food.

To stay on topic-- the 3 year old IS looks way better than that G70. If one really cares about power, you can pop a supercharger into a 350 (buying a 2015-2020 used IS + supercharger) which would probably be more reliable and cheaper than a 2021 G70.

 

Can't tell if this was serious or just misinformed. I have a 3 year old elantra sport turbo. Before that, I had a veloster for 5 years. Barely payed anything for either one of them other than maintenance. I see plenty of previous gen hyundais in every state I visit (I'm assuming you live in Beverly Hills?). I have never had a recall on either car. I came here because I'm debating an awd IS (I blow by the turbo ones in my hyundai to easily for it to be considered, seriously, those drivers in MD need to stop trying) vs a G70/ stinger. 8 years and neither car has fallen apart on me. Yes the Lexus has the prestige, but fortunes change drastically in this car game, and now its a game of the slow and reliable vs the guys that make leaps forward.The difference with Genesis is that they are offering the warranty to go along with the power. Before they jumped out, you had to choose one or the other. I get it, you're a toyota/lexus guy, but that doesn't mean you should make stuff up because you like one more than the other. Be happy that someone else is getting those "car of the year" awards. Without Genesis' success, you might not be getting that is500 this year. Competition is a great thing.