Genesis GV70 vs Infiniti QX55: Premium Crossover Battle for Saudi Drivers

Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia’s premium car market, German brands have always had an advantage thanks to their real elegance and solid engineering. This is clear when looking at top sedans and SUVs, where most buyers prefer brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, or BMW. But there is competition from Korean and Japanese luxury brands that offer equally compelling alternatives. In the luxury SUV crossover segment, the Genesis GV70 and Infiniti QX55 are two distinct choices that offer different takes on the segment. Both promise brand status without the traditional German price premium, but a closer look reveals the significant differences in philosophy between Hyundai and Nissan. The GV70 is Genesis's confident pitch to buyers wanting genuine sports sedan dynamics in SUV form, whereas the QX55, Infiniti's style-first coupe-crossover, has a clear focus on design over practicality to cater to the both SUV vs Sedan buyers. If you're shopping for one, it's important to know which one suits your needs, which means looking beyond marketing and into what you actually get for your money in Saudi Arabia.

Essentially, both crossovers serve buyers who want luxury but are not necessarily looking for German brands. The choice between them depends on what you value: the GV70 is known for its essence, space, and performance; the QX55 promises style, uniqueness, and elegance. We take a closer look at both, comparing them on key parameters to help you decide.

The Genesis GV70 and Infiniti QX55 are competitors in the premium compact crossover segment, yet they approach it from distinct perspectives. The GV70 is a proper compact luxury SUV that just looks sporty. The QX55 is stylish and appealing first, a crossover second. Keeping this in mind right at the beginning helps you think clearly. 

Here's what matters for Saudi buyers: the GV70 gives you real performance, greater space, and real multipurposeness. The QX55 gives you a coupe-like body style and a distinctive look that stands out. If you are choosing between these two, you are essentially trying to decide whether you care more about form or function. The pricing overlaps, but what you get for that money is entirely different, which makes the comparison truly unique and intriguing. 

What Makes Each Crossover Different

The GV70 arrived in 2021-22 and has established itself quickly in Saudi Arabia, despite being the newest player. Genesis launched the GV70 as its entry into the compact luxury SUV segment, directly taking on the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes GLC. The brand’s strategy is simple: offer comparable features and better styling at lower prices than the Germans. The current second-generation model gets a massive 27-inch OLED display, refined styling, and enhanced driving dynamics. Genesis wants you to feel like you are getting a near-premium experience without traditional luxury pricing, and it does so nearly perfectly. 

The QX55 runs a different race entirely, as Infiniti revived the coupe-crossover formula that worked with the original FX series but applied it to the QX50 platform. The result is divided opinion; some like it, others don’t. It is subjective. The fastback roofline makes a statement, and that means you either love the extreme proportions or find them too compromised for daily use. Infiniti believes that enough buyers want something distinctive in a sea of generic crossovers. The QX55's USP is not multipurposeness but clearly its visual appeal. 

Undoubtedly, both crossovers share Japanese-brand DNA, but they serve different buyer profiles. The GV70 appeals to judicious buyers who want luxury features without German depreciation. The QX55 appeals to more passionate buyers who want their vehicle to reflect personal style. 

Look at the positioning, and the challenge becomes clear: the GV70 competes directly with established German rivals and just handsomely wins on value. The QX55 competes with what exactly? One can’t be sure, but maybe the BMW X4 or  Mercedes GLC Coupe, but keep in mind both of those are far pricier. The QX55's real competition is perhaps with style-conscious buyers considering the QX50 or those who want something different from conventional SUVs. That's a smaller pool.

Price and Variants Comparison

The GV70 comes in five variants, while the QX55 keeps it simple with three levels. This reveals each brand's market approach.

Genesis GV70 Variants

Variant	Price (SAR)	Key Features
Prestige Plus 2.5T	233,398	Base model, 300 hp 2.5L turbo, 19-inch wheels, 27-inch OLED display, leather seats
2.5T Premium RWD	265,225	RWD, ProPilot assist, heated/ventilated seats
2.5T Premium AWD	275,834	AWD, electronic suspension, premium audio
Sport 2.5T	284,111	Sport styling, 21-inch wheels, performance tuning
3.5T Royal Sport AWD	331,812	375 hp twin-turbo V6, Bang & Olufsen audio, all premium features

Every GV70 gets that massive 27-inch OLED display, wireless Apple CarPlay, LED headlights, and a well-appointed interior as the modern Chinese Car Interior. The base Prestige Plus at SAR 233,398 is genuinely well-equipped. You get 300 hp, AWD, leather seats, and most tech features standard. That's a serious value.

The 2.5T Premium RWD at SAR 265,225 adds rear-wheel drive for those who prefer the driving dynamics, plus Highway Driving Assist 2, which is Genesis's semi-autonomous system. Worth the extra money? If you do highway miles, yes. If not, the base should be fine.

The 2.5T Premium AWD at SAR 275,834 brings all-wheel drive back with electronic suspension and premium audio. Most buyers find this to be the ideal balance between capability and affordability.

The Sport at SAR 284,111 is for buyers who want the look. You get 21-inch wheels, sport styling cues, and a D-cut steering wheel. Performance is identical to other 2.5T models. Pay the premium only if aesthetics matter.

The 3.5T Royal Sport at SAR 331,812 is the range-topper with 375 hp. The 3.5T Royal Sport is swift and opulent, yet it is inching closer to the BMW X3 M40i, an area where the German badge still holds significance. At this price, you need to really want the Genesis.

Infiniti QX55 Variants

Variant	Price (SAR)	Key Features
Luxe	242,400	Base model, 268 hp 2.0L VC-Turbo, 20-inch wheels, leather seats, AWD
Essential	252,500	Adds leather seats, adaptive lighting, and the ProASSIST package
Sensory	272,700	Semi-aniline leather, climatised seats, 16-speaker Bose system

The QX55 strategy is simpler: three trims, one engine, and consistent features. The Luxe at SAR 242,400 costs SAR 9,000 more than the base GV70 but gives you less power, a smaller interior, and fewer standard features. What you do get is the fastback coupe styling and Infiniti's unique design. That's an expensive styling price you shell out. 

The Essential at SAR 252,500 has adaptive lighting and the ProPILOT Assist safety package. A decent value step if you're already buying the QX55.

The Sensory at SAR 272,700 is where Infiniti adds luxury materials and the excellent Bose audio system. This trim costs nearly as much as the GV70's 3.5T variant but delivers significantly less performance. You're paying for interior refinement and audio quality, not power.

Variant Value Breakdown

The GV70 Prestige Plus at SAR 233,398 compared to the QX55 Luxe at SAR 242,400: the GV70 saves you SAR 9,002 and gives you 32 more horsepower, more interior space, and better standard equipment. The only reason to pick the QX55 here is if you genuinely prefer its coupe-like styling.

The GV70 2.5T Premium AWD at SAR 275,834 sits between the QX55 Essential and Sensory. At this price point, the GV70 offers more power, more space, and more features. The QX55 Sensory at SAR 272,700 offers better materials and audio. If you spend more time appreciating interior quality than driving dynamics, the QX55 has merit. Most buyers won't make that trade.

The variant spread tells the story: Genesis positions the GV70 as a performance luxury crossover with clear value. Infiniti positions the QX55 as a style-focused alternative with premium materials. These strategies differ, and this distinction is important when making a purchase.  

Dimension Comparison

The GV70 is bigger in every meaningful dimension except cargo space.

Dimension	Genesis GV70 (mm)	Infiniti QX55 (mm)
Length	4,715	4,685
Width	1,910	1,903
Height	1,630	1,560
Wheelbase	2,875	2,706
Ground Clearance	183	210
Fuel Tank Capacity	65L	70L
Boot Space	582L	505L (31L without rear seats folded)
Wheel Size	19-21 inches	20 inches

The GV70 is 30 mm longer and 70 mm taller than the QX55. That translates directly into more headroom and better rear visibility. The 169 mm longer wheelbase means noticeably more rear legroom. Three adults in the back of the GV70 are comfortable; three adults in the back of the QX55 are acceptable but tighter.

The QX55's fastback roofline cuts into headroom, and taller passengers notice it immediately. The trade-off is that dramatic coupé exterior design. If you rarely have rear passengers, this won't bother you. If you frequently carry people, it will.

As far as the boot goes, cargo space shows the compromise clearly. The GV70 gives you 582 litres with seats up, expanding to 1,678 litres with seats folded. The QX55 offers 505 litres with seats up but only 1,531 litres with seats down. The numbers look close, but the GV70's more squared-off design means easier loading of bulky items.

The ground clearance is similar at around ~180 mm. Both handle speed bumps fine; remember, neither is built for serious off-roading. If you need genuine ground clearance, neither of these coupe-like crossovers is right for you.

Exterior design highlights each philosophy clearly. The GV70 uses Genesis's Athletic Elegance design language. The Crest Grille dominates, the two-line LED headlights create recognition, and the muscular stance suggests performance. It looks expensive without being ostentatious.

The QX55 uses Infiniti's signature double-arch grille and fastback profile inspired by the legendary FX. The piano-key digital taillights are distinctive. The overall effect is dramatic and divides opinion. You either think it looks fantastic or find it overwrought. Frankly, there is no middle ground.

You can clearly notice that both crossovers sit on large wheels. The GV70 goes up to 21-inch alloys on Sport variants, which look aggressive but ride harder on Saudi roads. The QX55's 20-inch dark-painted alloys strike a better balance between appearance and ride quality.

Powertrain Comparison

This is where the differences become significant, not hard to find out. 

Engine Type	Genesis GV70	Infiniti QX55
Engine Displacement	2.5L 4-cylinder turbo / 3.5L V6 twin-turbo	2.0L 4-cylinder VC-Turbo
Power Output	300 hp / 375 hp	268 hp
Torque	422 Nm / 530 Nm	380 Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic	CVT
Drivetrain	RWD / AWD	AWD
0-100 km/h	5.3s (3.5T) / 6.1s (2.5T)	7.0s
Fuel Economy	11-13 km/L	12-14 km/L

The GV70's 2.5-litre turbo makes 300 hp and 422 Nm and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 gives 375 hp and 530 Nm, dropping that time to 5.3 seconds. Both pair with an excellent 8-speed automatic, smooth, responsive, and properly calibrated. The V6 is genuinely fast and sounds satisfying. The four-cylinder is more than adequate for daily use.

The QX55's 2.0-litre VC-Turbo is Infiniti's engineering showcase, the world's first mass-production variable-compression engine (something notable). It makes 268 hp and 380 Nm, reaching 0-100 km/h in around 7 seconds. It's fine – moderate, just reasonable. You might feel the CVT transmission has a little problem, because Infiniti tuned it well, but under hard acceleration you still get that characteristic CVT drone. It lacks the crisp engagement of the GV70's conventional automatic. But if you drive gently, you are unlikely to notice. If you push it, you will.

The drive experience separates them clearly, and once you take them for a test drive, it is quickly apparent. The GV70 feels athletic with its precise steering, tight body control, and confidence-inspiring chassis. Not BMW X3 sharp, but closer than expected. The QX55 focuses on comfort, a plush ride, light steering, and refined character. It's a relaxed cruiser. If you enjoy driving, that's a weakness. If you want comfort, it's a strength.

Features Comparison

Exterior

Feature	Genesis GV70	Infiniti QX55
Headlights	LED with MLA technology	LED adaptive headlights
Wheels	19-21 inch alloy	20-inch alloy
Design Philosophy	Athletic Elegance	Dramatic Coupe-Crossover
Signature Element	Crest Grille, Two-line LED	Double-arch grille, fastback

The GV70 looks expensive and modern. The QX55 looks distinctive and dramatic. Genesis aims for broad appeal; Infiniti targets niche buyers who want to stand out.

Interior

Feature	Genesis GV70	Infiniti QX55
Display	27-inch OLED integrated	Dual 8-inch and 7-inch screens
Seats	Nappa leather, 12-way power	Semi-aniline leather (Sensory)
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic	3-zone automatic (Sensory)
Space	Generous, especially rear	Adequate, rear headroom compromised
Steering Design	Modern, flat-bottom (Sport)	Traditional round
Interior Philosophy	High-tech, driver-focused	Asymmetric, driver-centric

The GV70's 27-inch OLED display dominates the dashboard, with responsive graphics and interface, crisp graphics, and seamless integration. It makes the interior feel more expensive than it is. The QX55's dual-screen setup is competent but dated. An 8-inch upper screen and a 7-inch lower screen. It works, but it's not exciting.

Material quality at higher trims is excellent in both. The GV70's nappa leather is luxurious. The QX55's semi-aniline leather in the Sensory trim is even better – softer, more supple, and genuinely premium.

Space favours the GV70. The rear seat comfortably fits three adults for long trips. The QX55's fastback roofline cuts into headroom, fitting three adults for short trips only. Cargo space suits the GV70 for practical loading. The QX55's sloped rear glass limits larger items.

Safety

Feature	Genesis GV70	Infiniti QX55
Airbags	9 airbags standard	6 airbags standard
Forward Collision Assist	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Available
360-degree Camera	Available	Standard
Parking Assist	Standard	Standard

The GV70 includes Highway Driving Assist 2 on higher trims, semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control, and lane centring. It works well but requires hands on the wheel. The QX55 includes ProPILOT Assist on Essential and Sensory trims. Competent but less refined than Genesis, with more intrusive warning chimes. Both earn strong safety ratings with high-strength steel construction. Genesis makes more driver-assist features standard across the range.

Infotainment

Feature	Genesis GV70	Infiniti QX55
Screen Size	27-inch OLED	Dual 8-inch and 7-inch touchscreens
Smartphone Integration	Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto	Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Audio System	Lexicon/Bang & Olufsen (16 speakers)	Klipsch / Bose (16 speakers)
Voice Control	Advanced	Standard

 The GV70's infotainment is a generation ahead—massive OLED screen, crisp graphics, seamless smartphone integration. The Lexicon/B&O system in Sport and Royal variants sounds exceptional. The QX55's dual-screen setup feels dated, though the Klipsch/Bose system in the Sensory trim is excellent—rich bass, clear highs, and good staging. The overall tech experience lags behind Genesis.

Factors Matters in in Saudi Arabia

Resale value: the GV70 holds 55-60% after three years; the QX55 maybe 45-50%. That 10-15% gap is real money. The QX55's appearance divides styling limits resale to buyers who want that specific look. Genesis is gaining traction with younger Saudi buyers who focus on capability over badges.

In warranty, Genesis triumphs with its 5 years/100,000 km versus Infiniti's 3 years. Genesis service centres are expanding across KSA with reasonable parts pricing. Infiniti's network is established, but the VC-Turbo's complexity means expensive repairs outside warranty.

Running costs are similar, and the real difference is usability versus distinctiveness. The GV70 has more space, power, tech, and resale. The QX55 promises styling drama and luxury materials. Most buyers choose practical; some choose special. Know which one you are.

Conclusion

So looking at their core parameters, it is obvious that one can say these two SUVs are fundamentally different. The GV70 is a real performance SUV, while the QX55 is a stylish, elegant car that's just functional enough for daily use.

For most Saudi buyers? The GV70 comes at a lower price and promises better performance, more space, and a stronger resale value, making it a rather rational choice. The QX55, on the other hand, feels pricier, but if you like the design and style and don’t mind the premium, then it is for you. 

Now you know these SUVs inside and out; head to the nearest showroom. Take a closer look, sit in the rear seat, and explore all the features before you test drive both thoroughly. This should help you make the right decision.