Ever since Genesis was established as a luxury performance brand, we wondered how it would fare against its more established competitors. Today’s drag race, by YouTube channel Sam CarLegion shows us just that, as it pits the Genesis GV70 against an Audi SQ5 and an Acura RDX with a tune. This is how things went down.

Genesis GV70

The Korean luxury SUV is the brand’s first car to feature the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 that replaces the current 3.3-liter mill. The new engine develops 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet (530 Nm), which are sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Curb weight for the GV70 is 4,453 pounds (2,020 kg).

Audi SQ5

The Audi is the one to beat here and it’s not going to make it easy for the Genesis. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 packs 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm), which are also sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. The Audi also weighs less, at 4,079 pounds (1,850 kg).

Acura RDX

The Acura is the wildcard here. While, in stock form, its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four makes 314 horsepower and 340 pound-feet (461 Nm), Sam tells us that, after a tune, it now produces close to 360 horsepower. The RDX comes with Acura’s SH-AWD system and has a 10-speed automatic. It’s also the lightest of the three, with a curb weight of 4,026 pounds (1,826 kg).

The Races

The cars make four runs from a dig and the results vary. On the first race, Sam, in the SQ5 is slow to react, giving Genesis an opportunity for an easy win. The Acura RDX finished second and was actually the quickest on the initial acceleration. However, the more powerful G70 quickly dealt with it and finished first.

For the second race, the Audi managed to do a proper start and quickly caught the RDX, securing second place. The Genesis still beat it to the quarter-mile by more than a car length.

The third race wasn’t good for Genesis, as it downshifted for some reason. The Audi took that one easily and even the RDX managed to beat the Genesis.

Race four was, for the most part, a repetition of race two. This time the Audi SQ5 was quick off the line, but the Genesis closed in and overtook it, securing a third win. Meanwhile, the Acura RDX, which was more of an honorary guest, seemingly gave up the race, around the eight-mile mark.

The Takeaway

After four races, it was made apparent that a strong engine, paired with a responsive drivetrain can easily make up for the extra weight. The Genesis GV70 certainly made a strong case for itself, by managing to beat one of the leading German premium SUVs on the market. To see the actual races, swipe up for the video.