Compact luxury sedans like the Genesis G70 and Audi A4 are engineered to deliver a blend of refinement and sportiness. These two deliver on both counts. They’re entertaining to drive and have quality cabins that befit vehicles at starting prices of around $40,000.

After many miles of test drives, which do we think is the winner in this comparison? Let’s examine some of their highlights to find out.

2024 Genesis G70

The G70 was introduced for the 2019 model year, though it received a significant refresh in 2022. The 2024 Genesis G70 gets a few updates, including a new standard drivetrain and stronger Brembo brakes. Rear-wheel drive remains standard and all-wheel drive is optional for about $2,100 extra. 

Pricing for the Genesis G70 begins at $42,750, including delivery charge, and tops out at around $55,000 for the 3.3T Sport Prestige trim.

Genesis G70 Highlights 

Stronger base engine: Gone is the 252-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that previously served as the standard drivetrain. In its place is a 300-hp turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This gives the G70 plenty of verve in city and highway driving; acceleration is always smooth and effortless. It’s so good it tempers our appetite for the optional 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6. 

Class-leading warranty: The Genesis G70 outshines almost every direct rival in terms of warranty coverage, including the A4. A 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan is complemented by 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.  

Playing it safe: Genesis loads the G70 with driver assistance features, which is why it has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every G70 comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitor, and more.

Smart cruise control: The smart cruise control adjusts speed according to a given road using both the adaptive cruise control system and navigation. If it senses a sharp bend is approaching, for example, it will slow the vehicle to an appropriate speed. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G70 models near you.

2024 Audi A4

We’ve gotten to know the Audi A4 very well since this generation arrived all the way back in the 2017 model year. That’s a long time in the competitive compact luxury car segment, though we think the A4 continues to be competitive with the best of them. 

Updates for the 2024 model year focus primarily on more standard features. Every A4 now has a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and active lane-keeping assistance. 

Pricing starts at $43,950 for the A4 40 TFSI Premium trim with a destination charge, and the top-of-the-line S4 Prestige model starts at around $63,000. 

Audi A4 Highlights

Interior quality: Audi crafts some of the classiest and highest-quality cabins in the luxury vehicle arena. Everything looks and feels finely engineered, and all major controls are within easy reach of the driver. Even the base model comes with real leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a 10-speaker stereo.

Fuel economy: The A4 delivers excellent fuel economy when fitted with its standard drivetrain. This 201-hp turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder returns an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined. If you prefer more pep at the expense of a few MPGs, a zestier 268-hp version of this engine still returns a solid 27 mpg combined. 

Sporty S4: For those craving the ultimate A4 performance, the S4 is fitted with a turbocharged V6 that sends 349 hp to all four wheels. Step on the gas pedal, and the S4 requires only 4.4 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph. 

Standard all-wheel drive: Another thing we like about the A4 is that AWD is standard. This added grip can be invaluable when roads turn slippery with rain, snow, ice, or mud. AWD can be had on the Genesis G70, but it’s an extra-cost item.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the A4 models near you.

Similarities

They are smooth in how they drive and relaxing for daily driving or long highway jaunts. The Genesis G70 and Audi A4 are excellent examples of the compact luxury sedan segment. They have sharp handling, attractive cabins, supportive seats, and good outward visibility. 

Conclusion

You can’t go wrong with taking the Genesis G70 and Audi A4 for a test drive and then pricing them according to your budget and what you want most in your new luxury sedan. 

The Genesis earns points for its high degree of standard equipment, outstanding warranty, and strong base drivetrain. However, cargo space is below average for this segment, and so is fuel economy with either of the two available engines.

It’s true; the Audi A4 has been around for a pretty long time now. Yet it still makes us smile when we’re behind the wheel and enjoying its crisp steering, supple suspension, and elegant interior. 

While we love fewer stops for refueling, the base 201-hp engine can feel underwhelming in acceleration. Trunk space and cargo volume best the G70’s, if only by the slimmest of margins.

In the end, it’s the Genesis G70 that sits higher atop our ranking of the Best Compact Luxury Cars.