Now entering its sophomore year, the Genesis GV60 continues to make a bold impression. This electric crossover is constructed on the same EV platform as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, placing it in competitive company. Other worthy rivals in the segment include the Tesla Model Y and Volvo’s C40 and XC40, making this Genesis a compelling choice among high-tech SUVs.
DESIGN
Looking sharp from most angles, the Genesis GV60 balances function with flair inside the cabin. Our Performance-trim model, finished in Uyuni White and a striking Torrent Navy interior, felt both luxurious and practical.
Sleek in its front profile, the GV60 also carries a compact, athletic look from the side, which adds character without sacrificing sophistication. Gray cladding lines the lower body on all trims, a feature that pairs better with certain colors but enhances the SUV’s overall rugged stance.
Inside, the design plays on circular forms, with controls thoughtfully arranged within easy reach. A standout feature is the spherical center console orb, a seemingly extravagant touch that doubles as a visual cue to ensure the car is off—a handy addition in an EV world where on/off status isn’t always obvious.
PERFORMANCE
A powerful combination of twin 160kW electric motors drives the Genesis GV60 Performance, with one motor allocated to the front wheels and the other to the rear. Together, they deliver an impressive 320kW (429 horsepower) and 516 lb-ft of torque, with energy sourced from a 77.4 kWh battery that enables this GV60 model to perform at a high level.
A quick press of the “Boost” button on the steering wheel propels the 2024 GV60 from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, momentarily elevating output to 483 horsepower. This exhilarating performance demonstrates that the GV60 excels beyond efficiency, ready for serious acceleration when needed. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility, and this electric SUV embodies that balance beautifully.
Even without engaging Boost mode, the GV60 Performance proves responsive and capable, with instant torque and solid AWD grip that make for quick launches. Electric motors provide immediate peak torque, delivering smooth power from a standstill and combining quickness with a sense of effortless speed.
Some trade-off comes in the form of range; the 225-hp rear-wheel-drive GV60 Standard model achieves close to 300 miles per charge, while the Performance model’s powerful setup lowers its range to about 235 miles. Yet, true performance means more than just speed—it requires solid handling, braking, and control, and the GV60 Performance showcases this balance both on paper and out on the road.
Combined with its AWD system, the GV60 offers a well-tuned suspension and responsive steering, ensuring stability at higher speeds while confidently navigating tight corners. A harmonious mix of feedback and quiet sophistication enhances the driving experience, thanks to MacPherson struts in the front and a five-link independent rear. Preview Electronic Control Suspension further boosts comfort by automatically adjusting damping based on real-time road conditions.
For added stability, the electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) provides optimal torque distribution to the wheels during high-speed turns, enhancing control on wet or slippery surfaces. The GV60 offers both regenerative and friction braking, with regenerative braking slowing the vehicle and recharging the battery by using the motor as a generator.
With paddle shifters, drivers can adjust between four levels of regenerative braking, including an “i-Pedal” mode, which allows single-pedal driving that brings the vehicle to a complete stop by simply releasing the accelerator. For standard braking, the GV60’s system features electronic brake boost, ABS, and large 14.2-inch ventilated rotors on all wheels for confident stopping power.
VERDICT
Our week-long test of the 2024 Genesis GV60 Performance involved a pre-production model, so official pricing wasn’t available at the time. However, an online estimate suggests that this top-trim model could reach around $71,000, positioning it at the premium end of the electric crossover market.
Competition
Competition remains fierce, with the Tesla Model Y emerging as a formidable rival due to its extended range. Still, buyers might find value in exploring Genesis’s own corporate siblings, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, which bring similar features at a more affordable price point.
Volvo’s C40 and XC40 also offer electrified efficiency and an upscale design, paired with a reputation for advanced safety tech, making them strong alternatives for those looking to stay within the luxury EV category.
