2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Review and Test Drive
Genesis' compact crossover SUV proves equally desirable with an electric powertrain.
QuickTakes:
If you were to ask random strangers to name five current luxury automotive brands, I suspect the most popular responses would be Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, along with Audi, BMW, and a couple others. Call it a hunch, but I don't believe people would mention Genesis often, if at all.
Expect that to change.
Created as the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Company, Genesis is a relative newbie that has quickly positioned itself as a legitimate rival to its long-established, high-brow competitors. With the launch of the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, momentum will likely continue on its upward trajectory. Based on the gasoline-powered GV70 that debuted in 2022, the 2023 Electrified GV70 delivers the same understated style, premium amenities, and utility, but with an electric powertrain that, according to Genesis, will transport you up to 236 miles on a full charge.
The Electrified GV70 joins the GV60 small electric crossover and Electrified G80 midsize sedan in the company's growing electric vehicle (EV) lineup. However, as a compact crossover SUV, it simultaneously introduces a burgeoning segment of buyers to Genesis and EV technology. Competitors of this new electric Genesis SUV include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Lexus RZ, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Tesla Model Y.
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The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 comes in a single trim level with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices start in the mid-$60,000s, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from its Montgomery, Alabama, assembly plant to your local dealership. For some perspective, that's roughly $20,000 more than the base version of the gasoline-powered Genesis GV70 model.
For this Genesis Electrified GV70 review, I test-drove the SUV in southern Maine. It came in extra-cost Savile Silver paint and was equipped with the Prestige Package, bringing the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $74,350, including the $1,125 destination charge. Genesis provided the vehicle for this Electrified GV70 review.
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2023 Genesis Electrified GV70: The Design
In place of sharp creases and odd angles, Genesis has designed a compact luxury crossover SUV with smooth body lines, a wide stance, and enough unique cues to differentiate it from the growing roster of competitors. The restrained style gives the Electrified GV70 a healthy dose of sophistication.
My young neighbor was excited to see what he presumed to be an Aston Martin. To Genesis designers, that should be quite a compliment.
Moving to the interior, the Electrified GV70 proves to be equally pleasing. My test car came with soft-touch surfaces, aluminum interior trim, and the Prestige Package's premium quilted and perforated leather upholstery, microfiber headliner, and fake leather dashboard trim with accent stitching. All the bits and pieces fit together precisely, as you'd expect from a genuine luxury vehicle.
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Regarding primary controls, I get a little frustrated when technology adds unnecessary complexity to what has always been a simple task. Fortunately, Genesis avoids that trap. Specifically, the automaker locates the climate controls on the instrument panel, employing haptic buttons that provide a confirmation click when pressed, dials with a bit of surface texture, and a simple display that almost anyone should easily understand. So, you won't be stuck tapping through the infotainment system when you want to turn up the air conditioning.
I'm happy to report that Genesis' crossover EV also shines in terms of comfort. The Ergo Motion power driver's seat includes adjustments for the side bolsters and a selection of massage settings, and the massage function automatically activates after you've been behind the wheel for an extended period. You can turn on the massager and manage settings using the touchscreen or a button on the side of the seat. With so many tasks buried within layers of infotainment interfaces these days, I was pleased to find the massage function as an available shortcut.
In addition, heated and ventilated seats are standard, and the Prestige Package adds heat to the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Thanks to these features, a multitude of adjustments, supportive cushions, and the occasional back massage, I remained comfortable during my long test drive.
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Rear-seat passengers will appreciate easy entry and exit, ample thigh support, rear heating and air-conditioning controls, and plenty of headroom. Genesis trims the front seatbacks with rigid panels contoured to maximize rear legroom. Even so, taller people may feel confined back there, especially with the front seat adjusted for someone of a similar height.
For those occasions when you need to transport stuff instead of passengers, you can fold the split rear seatbacks nearly flat, expanding the cargo area from 28.7 cubic-feet to 56.5 cu-ft. When the hands-free power liftgate is open, integrated lights illuminate the area around the rear of the vehicle. Small storage cubbies reside under the wide load floor, with additional in-cabin storage provisions consisting of door pockets, a front center console, and cargo nets affixed to the front seats.
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2023 Genesis Electrified GV70: The Technology
To scroll through the headings on the Electrified GV70's infotainment touchscreen, which measures 14.5 inches diagonally when you opt for the Prestige Package, the control dial on the center console is your best option. With fluid, smooth movement, you rotate the dial to move through selections and then tap down to select.
Nothing tricky about that, right?
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Unfortunately, the transmission dial works similarly and is positioned directly behind the infotainment dial. Granted, they vary slightly in size, and the outer grips have different textures, but that wasn't enough to prevent me from confusing them. While driving at highway speeds and intending to select a satellite radio station, I inadvertently pressed down on the center of the transmission dial — the signal to shift into Park. As it turns out, the Electrified GV70 is smarter than me and declined my request. Maybe I need to pay closer attention, or perhaps Genesis should tweak that layout just a bit.
Whether you call that a complaint or an observation, it is one of the few features worthy of nitpicking. The others include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both easy to use but requiring a USB connection instead of wireless connectivity. Also, the head-up display becomes nearly invisible when you're wearing polarized sunglasses.
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Regarding the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70's safety features, I have nothing but praise for the advanced driving-assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control setup is a cinch, and the lane-centering feature didn't suffer from the irritating constant corrections I complained about in my review of the Electrified G80.
I continue to appreciate the side-view camera image displayed in the gauge cluster whenever you signal for a lane change. I also continue to gain confidence in the adaptive cruise control's ability to correctly manage acceleration and brake inputs when mired in stop-and-go traffic (rare as it may be in Maine).
As of publication, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-test ratings are unavailable for the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the crossover a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
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2023 Genesis Electrified GV70: The Drive
All 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 models come from the factory with a pair of 160-kW electric motors, one to power each axle of this AWD EV. Together, they generate 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, though a tap of the Boost Mode button on the steering wheel unleashes a 10-second burst of 483 horsepower. A 77.4-kWh battery provides the necessary energy.
The EPA is yet to publish figures for the 2023 Electrified GV70, but according to the EPA, the carryover 2024 version of the compact crossover SUV EV has a 236-mile range and a 91 MPGe efficiency rating in combined city and highway driving. Also, according to the automaker, you can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% capacity in 18 minutes using a 350-kW rapid charger.
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When I started my test drive, the gauge cluster indicated the battery had a 78% charge and 178 miles of remaining range. With that much juice in the battery, I felt comfortable hitting the road without a specific recharging destination. The first stint took me north on Interstate 95, occasionally stopping to pay a toll. EVs are most efficient when driving around town, less so on the highway. So, unsurprisingly, the Electrified GV70 went heavy on energy consumption.
As the range dropped to less than 50 miles, I used the navigation system to find a charging station. You can search your current local area or along your programmed route and specify any charging station or only fast chargers, for example. I'd initially opted for a destination that would've left me with about three miles to spare. Soon, I reconsidered that questionable decision, pulled off the interstate, and found an open charger in a grocery store parking lot.
As I plugged in, the battery was down to a 5% charge, and my range had dropped by 169 miles, though I'd only traveled 137 miles. Again, at least partially, I blame that discrepancy on consistent highway speeds. I also used the air conditioning, a guaranteed range killer.
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I hit southern Maine's secondary roads for the next leg of my drive. When I stopped for another recharge, the odometer showed I had traveled 66 miles, but the remaining range suggested I'd driven 69 miles — another disparity but significantly smaller.
Given my affinity for last-minute road trips devoid of a plan, much less a destination, the necessary focus on range and charging locations make an EV a poor fit for me. However, there's more to the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 than kilowatts and charge ports.
With immediate access to the motors' bounty of output, a firm plant of the right pedal results in attention-grabbing acceleration. Response borders on too aggressive when you're in the Sport driving mode with the regenerative braking system dialed down to its lowest, or least restrictive setting. At the same time, the suspension becomes noticeably stiffer, and the steering gains heft, but no configuration helps to add a hint of road feel. That's disappointing. Still, the Electrified GV70 is a pleasure to drive over gently winding roads at a good clip.
Genesis even offers artificial powertrain sounds to enhance the mood while driving. I opted for the supposedly sporty S-Engine setting and was less than impressed. It's just noise that doesn't seem to mimic the authentic sound of an engine. If Genesis programmed in some rpm variations and artificial shift points, it might be worth hearing.
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Is the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 a Good EV?
Maybe you've noticed I'm a fan of the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70. From its sophisticated style, attractive proportions, an abundance of safety features and creature comforts, powertrain performance, and versatility, the Electrified GV70 overdelivers.
Equally important, this electric compact crossover SUV hits a sweet spot among its competitors. The Electrified GV70 is more powerful than the Audi Q4 e-tron, better equipped than a Tesla Model Y, and more affordable than a Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
If there's one area where the Genesis generally trails the field, it's range. Granted, 236 miles is plenty for most scenarios, but the EPA claims rivals from Cadillac to Tesla can travel at least 300 miles on a full charge. Thankfully, the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 comes with complimentary 30-minute charging sessions. Genesis provides this free service for the first three years of ownership through a partnership with Electrify America.
Thom Blackett
