Genesis can do no wrong these days, and that trend continues with its new electric vehicle, the GV60. The electric compact SUV is the complete package. It’s fast, luxurious, unique, stylish and nice to drive and ride in. We spent a week with the GV60 Performance and left singing its praises.
Price and value
If the GV60 has any weaknesses, its price might be one of them. The MSRP range for the 2023 Genesis GV60 is $59,290-$68,290. It is available in two trim levels, with a suite of standard features that include dual motor all-wheel drive and navigation. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below.
- Advanced: $59,250
248-mile range
Navigation system with 12.3-inch center screen
314 horsepower
- Performance: $68,290
235-mile range
Highway driving assist
429 horsepower
The GV60 is on the expensive end of the segment, especially in the Performance trim. However, you do get a lot for the money. Genesis warranties are some of the best in the business.
- 5-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile electric vehicle system warranty
Performance
The GV60 may not be marketed as a performance driven SUV, but boy is it fun to drive. With this much power in such a small package, all contained by a wonderfully adaptive suspension system, it’s hard not to have a big grin on your face every time you drive it — even if the battery range suffers because of it.
Engine
The Performance trim brings a potent 429 horsepower to the GV60, capable of reaching 483 horsepower for 10 seconds with the Boost driving mode engaged. It’s riotous fun and will send phones, sunglasses, drinks and any other loose objects flying into the rear seat.
Battery range
As for battery range, it’s OK. Not the greatest, not the worst. If you have a fast charger at home, you shouldn’t have too much anxiety about running out of juice. We charged our tester from 20% to 80% at the Genesis dealership’s DC fast charger in Sandy and it took 55 minutes — a lot longer than the advertised 18-minute charging estimate. We also found the battery to deplete more rapidly when the temperatures dipped into the 20-30 degree range.
Drivetrain
The dual motors and all-wheel drive system are to be commended for putting the power down in a progressive and accessible way for any driver.
Acceleration and handling
Car and Driver clocked the GV60 performance to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds — supercar territory. It’s all smooth and controlled, though, and never feels overwhelming. The GV60 is smooth, direct and rewarding with every turn. The ride quality is just right and ever sure-footed, even over bumpy surfaces and around tight corners.
The GV60 is also whisper quiet inside the cabin. This is due in part to insulation, but also the active noise-canceling technology. For stressed-out workers, frenzied parents or anyone looking for an overdue vacation, the GV60 will be a welcome respite from the chaos, even if it's just for a quick trip to the local grocery store.
Interior comfort and convenience
We’ll just say it: The interior of the GV60 is one of the most unique interiors we’ve ever been in. It’s luxurious, spacious and full of cool touches that make it feel special. While compact in overall size, the interior is comfortable even for larger adults.
Seats
The legroom, shoulder room and headroom are all very accommodating, even in the back seat. Speaking of seats — they’re comfortable, adjustable and offer a near-perfect seating position. We could spend hours here. We want to spend hours here. The quilted Nappa leather (ours was finished in Glacier White) upped the luxury factor, and the heating and ventilation features worked well.
Climate control
As with other Genesis products, there’s a perfect blend of buttons and touchscreen functionality for the climate controls and other features. Everything in the interior feels and looks intentionally thought out.
Cargo space and cabin storage
Cool details like the drawer glove box, crystal gear knob and round shapes — finished in metallic, suede and leather surfaces — make this an undeniably special place to be. Cargo space is also good, especially with the rear seats folded. You won’t be packing your grandma’s bookcase in here, but there’s plenty of space for anything your daily routines require.
Infotainment system
The large, horizontal digital gauge cluster blends seamlessly with the easy-to-use infotainment screen, although wireless Apple CarPlay is not an option — yet.
Exterior appearance and functionality
The exterior of the GV60 is unlike anything else on the road, including its platform-sharing Kia and Hyundai siblings. Our tester was finished in Savile Silver paint, but it also comes in eye-catching colors such as Sao Paulo Lime, Hanauma Mint and Atacama Brown. Photos don’t fully do the GV60 justice.
Wheels
It’s short and squat, with short overhangs, and it features wheels, lines and angles you won’t see anywhere else. You’d be forgiven for not recognizing the GV60 as an SUV given its compact, low stature.
Lights and turn signals
The signature Genesis split headlight and taillight design is present here, as is the brand’s trademark trapezoidal grille. It all looks classy and unique. For EV buyers who prioritize style without sacrificing substance, this is your car. The LED lights and turn signals look sharp and offer plenty of light, and visibility is also excellent.
Cameras and side mirrors
The rest of the exterior features are just as the rest of the car: excellent. The cameras, of which there are many, are sharp in their resolution and helpful in their display. Also, there is facial recognition software and a camera on the exterior that allows the programmed driver to unlock, lock and drive the car without a key.
Safety
The GV60 has just about all the modern safety features available in the industry. It feels well constructed and has eight standard airbags. In other words, it's about as safe a vehicle as you could hope for in today’s world.
Features
The GV60 Performance comes loaded with safety features.
- Forward collision avoidance assist
- Remote smart parking assist
- Parking distance warning
- Highway driving assist
- Surround view monitor
- Smart cruise control with Stop & Go
See a full list of GV60 safety features here.
Awards and ratings
The 2023 GV60 has been designated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, receiving Good ratings in every category. The GV60 has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing, but we expect it to perform similarly well in its safety ratings.
The GV60 has also been the recipient of numerous other awards. Some of these include:
- German Premium Car of the Year
- A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
- iF Design Award from the International Forum Design GmbH
- Red Dot Design award for Product Design
Final impression
Price and range are the two downsides of the 2023 Genesis GV60. But if you have a 240-volt charger at home, you shouldn’t have much to worry about — as long as this isn’t your road trip car. The Advanced trim is nearly $10,000 less expensive than the Performance, but it’s hard not to be swayed by the latter’s trim and all its goodies. With more power, technology and an electronically controlled suspension, we think the Performance trim is worth the extra cost, even if it’s on the expensive end of the segment. We loved our time with the GV60 and wish it were still in our garage.
Find the Genesis GV60 and other electric SUVs on KSL Cars.
FAQs
Is the Genesis GV60 fun to drive?
Definitely. It’s not a sports car, but the acceleration, easy handling and unique features make the GV60 a joy to drive in any circumstance or driving mood — even if the battery range suffers a bit for it.
Is the Genesis GV60 good for families?
While there is space for two children in the back and their gear in the hatch, the GV60 probably isn’t the best for families — especially if the white interior is your jam. The fancy switchgear, quilted Nappa leather and cream-colored carpet are a recipe for disaster once those kids insist on bringing their half-eaten bags of Cheetos along for the ride.
KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
