23 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but in the 2020 Genesis G70 AWD 2.0L, it’s an acceptable trade-off for drivers who want sporty handling and all-weather capability instead of top-tier efficiency. This car isn’t about hypermiling, it’s about a fun driving experience in a luxurious package, and the fuel consumption shows that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the G70 AWD 2.0L at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go traffic demands more from the engine as it frequently accelerates, adding to the lower city figure. The all-wheel-drive system adds weight and friction, too. The highway number is respectable, but not exceptional, since the G70 isn’t designed for long-distance cruising. The 8-speed automatic transmission offers smooth and responsive shifts, but it’s geared for performance, not maximum fuel efficiency at constant speeds. Drivers who spend most of their time on the open road, or who are very sensitive to gas prices, might not find the G70 the best choice. However, for those who value a thrilling drive during their daily commute, the trade-off is often worthwhile.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,500 for the 2020 Genesis G70 AWD 2.0L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. While $2,500 is a large expense, G70 buyers often focus less on cost savings and more on the ownership experience. They’re willing to accept the fuel cost in exchange for the G70’s luxurious features, sporty handling, and premium brand.

You can view all Genesis fuel economy data here on FuelEconomyHub.com.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard test, but real-world fuel economy can change a lot based on driving habits, traffic, and weather. Hard acceleration, hard braking, and long idling will all hurt your fuel mileage. Owners who drive fast and use the G70’s responsive powertrain can expect numbers near that 20 MPG combined. On the other hand, drivers who are more relaxed and drive to save fuel may get better results, especially on long trips. Tire pressure and proper maintenance are critical for good, repeatable fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2020 G70 AWD 2.0L’s fuel economy is competitive in the compact luxury sedan class, but there are choices that save more gas. The BMW 330i xDrive, for example, gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, a noticeable improvement. The Audi A4 Quattro Ultra (a front-wheel-drive version) reaches 31 MPG combined, but it doesn’t drive as sportily. The Lexus IS 300 AWD gets around 22 MPG combined, so not all competitors are much better on gas.

Buyers looking at the G70 AWD 2.0L probably want its blend of luxury, performance, and value, accepting a small fuel economy compromise compared to rivals that are more focused on being efficient. See G70 MPG across all years on FuelEconomyHub.com for more context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the G70’s drive mode settings. “Eco” mode changes the throttle and transmission to focus on fuel efficiency. It may make the car less sporty, but it can reduce how much gas you use, mainly in the city. Remember to switch back to “Sport” or “Comfort” when you want more performance.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more gas. Check your tires at least once a month, and keep them at the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. A cheap tire pressure gauge can save you money at the pump.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart fast, and the fuel saved by not idling adds up. This is especially true in cities with lots of stoplights and traffic.

Accelerate smoothly. Avoid hard acceleration and hard braking, which use a lot more fuel. Look ahead in traffic and try to keep a consistent speed. The G70’s engine is responsive, but a more careful approach will maximize your fuel economy.

Think about using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a constant speed, which can improve fuel mileage on long, straight roads. Watch out for hills and traffic, though, and turn off cruise control when you need to maintain a safe following distance and avoid speeding up or slowing down too much.