I have to say, the Genesis automaker deserves a lot of credit. They somehow combine quirky, luxury, performance, comfort and oh, let's not forget, electrical - all in one vehicle, and make them all work amazingly well together. They call it the GV60. I call it one very interesting and impressive vehicle.
Making its debut in 2023, the GV60 was the first electric vehicle from Genesis, the posh brand from the Hyundai/Kia mega Corp. Claiming to be an SUV for the new generation, the GV60 is a luxury crossover that incorporates styling elements found in the Genesis lineup - yet looks like nothing else around. As the smallest SUV in the Genesis lineup, the GV60 isn't as spacious as its larger GV70 and GV80 stable mates. It does, however, offer a unique interior design that's more high-tech in its appearance and functionality. The GV60 shares its platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6.
The exterior of the Genesis GV60 features a bold, coupe-like aerodynamic body, highlighted by the brands "Athletic Elegance" which features the signature two-line LED headlights which extend horizontally from the front of the car to wrap partially around the sides. At the rear is a distinctive fixed spoiler. As simple as it sounds, the GV60 has a look all its own.
Step inside the GV60 and the interior looks like one giant screen. Spanning over 27 inches (as a kid, I grew up watching TV on screens smaller than this), it combines the digital gauge cluster with the infotainment touchscreen. The Genesis infotainment system works well enough and can be controlled by either a click of a dial on the center console or by touchscreen. A Bang & Olufsen audio system is standard.
Then there is the gear selector. Just when you think you have seen them all, Genesis creates the most unique shifter ever. Looking (and feeling) like a crystal ball when the car is off, turning the car on causes it to flip upside down - allowing you to move it like a shifter. I'm not real sure about the "why" behind it, but the cool factor is there.
For 2026, the GV60 gets a mild refresh that includes revised headlights, updated bumpers and new wheel designs. There is also a larger battery that helps improve range. Finally, a Tesla-style NACS charging port is now standard.
Every GV60 uses an 84-kWh battery. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) uses a single motor (225 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) that powers the rear wheels. If you want more power and don't mind sacrificing some range, there are other trim levels available. The Advanced and Advanced AWD both have dual-motors and all-wheel drive and makes 314 horsepower with 267 miles of range. The top-of-the-line GV continues to be the Performance AWD. Also equipped with dual-motors and AWD, it makes 429 horsepower, although that number can be temporarily increased to 483 horsepower by engaging the Performance model's Boost driving mode. It has a range of 252 miles.
The exciting exterior and fancy interior coincide nicely with a vehicle that is impressive (and quite fun) to drive. The tester, a GV60 Performance, is extremely quick as-is, but if more power is needed, it can easily be had by literally pushing a button. Activated by a button on the steering wheel, Boost Mode catapults the GV60 to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds. Think of Boost mode as an EV version of NOS. Not only is the GV60 quick, but it just feels good driving it - the steering is well-weighted and accurate, and the suspension tuning is spot-on. Road manners are quite refined, and its handling is very good for a crossover SUV.
When it comes to utility, the GV60's smallish size and sloping roofline don't do its cargo area any favors. There is a modest 24 cubic feet of rear cargo space and a small about of room in the frunk (front truck). At least the rear seats split in a 60/40 configuration and fold relatively flat, which helps with overall cargo space and transporting larger items.
Pricing for the GV60 starts at $54,020 for the base model, while the Performance AWD starts at $73,370. The tester has an MSRP of $74,020. For that money, you get a vehicle that excels in luxury, design execution, craftsmanship, performance and innovative technology and making the GV60 a great rival for the Audi Q4 e-tron and Porsche Macan.