One of the fastest growing segments is the electric small luxury crossover. The all-new 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 stands out in this competitive group with its peppy performance, classy cabin, and generous list of features and tech. The GV70 has a range of 236 miles, which is less than some rivals, but quick charging times.
Base Price: $72,650
As Tested: $74,350
Horsepower: 429
Mileage: 98 MPGe city/83 MPGe highway/91 MPGe mpg combined
Genesis is Hyundai’s upscale brand. Like a growing number of car makers, Genesis plans to go all-electric by 2025.
The Electrified GV70 is based on the gas-powered GV70. Genesis says it embodies the brand’s “athletic elegance” and after a week behind the wheel, I’d say that’s accurate.
The 2023 Electrified GV70 comes in two well-equipped trims: Advanced and Prestige. Starting prices are $65,850 and $72,650, respectively. All-wheel drive is standard. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
The Electrified GV70 is powered by two electric motors and a 77.4kWh battery. Total output is 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a single-speed automatic.
The Electrified GV70 has nimble performance. Acceleration is brisk from a stop, and there’s plenty of smooth power for merging and passing at freeway speeds. If you want a power boost, engage the aptly named Boost button which ups horsepower to 483 for 10 seconds. Wow! The downside is this maneuver reduces the range of the battery. The ride is smooth and comfortable, thanks to the standard adaptive suspension. Steering is accurate and the Electrified GV70 stays planted when cornering. The brakes have a normal feel without the squishiness in some EVs and hybrids. Visibility is good all the way around. All in all, this is a very enjoyable ride!
The range is 236 miles. This is less than some rivals. But the Electrified GV70 has quick charging times with Level 3/DC fast charging. With a high-powered 250-kW charger at a public charging station, it takes only 18 minutes to go from a 10% to 80% charge. With a 50-kW DC charger, it takes 73 minutes. With a Level 2/240-volt charger, it takes about seven hours to go from a 10% charge to 100%. With a regular household 120-volt plug, charging can take forever – nearly three days to completely charge the battery.
It’s easy to access the charging point as it’s located at the front of the vehicle, hidden in the front grille. I wish more EVs had their charging ports here as it’s super easy to access. There’s a spot to stow the charging cord in the frunk (front trunk).
Fuel economy is excellent. EPA ratings for my tester are 98 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) city and 83 MPGe highway with a combined rating of 91.
When properly equipped, the Electrified GV70 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The upscale interior has a clean design and airy feel with the huge panoramic sunroof. Materials are high-end – they look and feel great with every stitch in place. The cabin is very quiet. Passengers in front enjoy good leg- and headroom. Taller adults may wish for a bit more room in the second row, but average-size adults will be fine. It’s easy to get in and out of the vehicle thanks to the very wide door openings.
Standard features include remote start, remote keyless entry, proximity key, push-button start, surround-view camera system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable driver seat with four-way power lumbar,12-way power-adjustable passenger seat with four-way power lumbar, integrated memory system with smart posture care, heated and ventilated front seats, power-telescoping steering wheel, eight-inch digital instrument cluster display, infotainment system with 14.5-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio system, navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, two 12V DC power outlets, ambient interior lighting, universal garage door opener, panoramic sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, and the Genesis Digital Key (lets you use your smartphone to lock, unlock, start the vehicle, and share the key with family and friends).
Available features include a head-up display, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system, Nappa leather upholstery, suede headliner, synthetic leather-wrapped upper instrument panel, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and rear side-window sunshades.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, blind-spot camera, highway driving assist, speed-limit assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, remote park, driver-attention monitoring, and rear seat reminder, and vehicle exit warning (alerts exiting passengers if vehicles are approaching).
The infotainment system looks great with its huge 14.5-inch touchscreen. Graphics are crisp and menus are logically laid out. However, it can be challenging for the driver to reach due to its location high on the dash. You can also use a rotary knob on the center console for many functions; however, it’s located next to the gear selector knob between the two front seats so it can take some time to not mistake one for the other. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard but they require a USB cord.
Cargo space is good for the class and is about the same as the gas-powered model. There are 28.7 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and 56.5 cubes with the second row folded. The second row split-folds 60/40 providing flexibility in hauling passengers and gear.
The good:
Elegant looks
Brisk acceleration
Smooth ride
Upscale and roomy cabin
Well equipped with many standard features and tech
Standard wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Good location for charging port in front grille
The not-so-good:
Range is less than some rivals
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $72,650. Savile Silver paint is $575. Delivery fee is $1,125 bringing the grand total to $74,350.
Bottom line:
Genesis hits another home run with the introduction of the 2023 Electrified GV70. This stylish all-electric crossover has superb driving dynamics, a luxurious cabin filled with features and tech, a decent range and quick charging times. It’s truly one of the best small luxury EV crossovers.
