There are plentiful reasons behind the Genesis surge

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Perhaps you've noticed: South Korean automaker Genesis has been on quite a roll of late.

Seoul-based Genesis Motor has been gorging on prestigious automotive awards like a sweet-toothed child gobbling M&M's.  It's pretty remarkable, given the competition and the fact that Genesis didn't formally launch as a division of Hyundai until late 2015.

A recent week in the 2022 Genesis GV70 AWD 2.5T Advanced compact luxury sport-utility vehicle (pictured) gave me the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the Genesis ways.

Upon closer inspection, it's easy to see why Genesis is riding the wave.

First off, be advised that the Genesis GV70 pulled down Motor Trend magazine's 2022 SUV of the Year award.

My tester was powered by a 2.5-liter, turbo-4 rated at 300 horsepower.  Like all Genesis products, the GV70 scoots.  The turbocharged engine is instantly responsive, and the suspension is sufficiently tuned for driver enjoyment.

The tested GV70 was stuffed with state-of-the-art safety technology, including rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, a driver attention warning system and lane keeping/following assist.

Comfort/convenience features are likewise plentiful, including a handy wireless device charger and multiple ports and power outlets.

The Advanced Package lays it on thick with leather seating surfaces, a Surround-View monitor, remote start and parking assistance to name just a few.

Oh, it looks good too. Sleek, sporty styling with eye-catching sculpting on the back and front ends.  Some automakers overdo the grille sculpting.  Not so with the GV70.  It's subtle, yet noteworthy.

Then you get into areas of fine detail that aren't necessarily noticed the first time around ... like the second-row seats that are shaped in such a way to provide more legroom for passengers.

Attention to detail?  You bet.

What's the cost?  I've seen similarly equipped compact luxury SUVs go for around $70,000.  The bottom line on my tester, even with the Advanced Package: $51,320.

Genesis is not lapping the field, but it's running out front with a formula that's simple and highly effective: Give 'em everything they want for a fair price. And grab the awards, of course.