Currently, the smallest SUV in the Genesis lineup, the Genesis GV70 Electrified is an example of an EV done right. Try as it might, the Genesis doesn’t hit a grand slam. Instead, think of it as a three-run homer. In the game of Electric Vehicles, the Umpire has called for “batter up.” Join Napleton News as we run the bases in the new GV70 Electrified.
What’s up with the Genesis GV70 Electrified?
The new Genesis GV70 Electrified is the first Genesis model built in the United States. Because of the lack of a gas-powered drivetrain, it features a platform that is more rigid than the gas-only GV70. That’s right. This GV70 is also available as a gas-burning compact crossover vehicle.
The Genesis GV70 Electrified offers standard all-wheel drive with an electric motor generator on both the front and rear axles. The power from these motors adds up to a stout 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. There’s even a boost button on the middle spoke of the steering wheel. Push it to boost the system to 483 horsepower for a period of up to 10 seconds.
The Drive Mode Selector sharpens the steering and throttle response of the GV70 EV. We noticed our seat bolsters trying to get up close and personal with us. It turns out the bolsters snuggle up to keep you in place during a spirited drive.
The Genesis GV70 Electrified includes three years of complementary charging at Electrify America charging stations around the country. It also qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The GV70 Electrified also features Genesis/Hyundai/Kia’s groundbreaking 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. The powertrain and battery carry a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The Genesis GV70 Electrified is available in an entry-level Advanced and high-end Prestige models. Mechanically, they are identical.
How does the GV70 Electrified look?
The beauty of the new GV70 Electrified lies in its simplicity. It is nearly identical to the gas-burning version of the GV70, just minus the exhaust system and other little features. The only difference is the grille, which is a diamond-shaped panel instead of a flow-through grille. Since there is no gas-burning engine, there is no need for a radiator (or a traditional grille).
The charging port is cleverly hidden on the left front part of the “grille.” It’s so well-disguised that we had to call for information on how to locate the port.
What about inside the GV70 EV?
The inside of the GV70 Electrified doesn’t really offer anything to differentiate it from the standard gas-burning model. Inside are the beautifully leather covered seating for five passengers. In front they are heated and ventilated and the driver’s seat offers an ergo-motion driver’s seat that offers back massages and even does its best to jostle your bottom!
Both trim levels of the Electrified offer a 14.5-inch infotainment display touchscreen. Redundant controls on the dash and the steering wheel offer functionality along with safety. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, navigation and Qi wireless phone charging are also part of the package.
A 12.3-inch driver information display shows the gauges digitally are standard in the Prestige trim.
One of the other cool tech features is the Genesis Remote Smart Parking function. It allows you to stand outside the vehicle and back the car out of a tight parking spot using your key fob as a controller.
Behind the wheel of the Genesis GV70 Electrified
Pushing the starter button quietly stirs the soul of the GV70 EV. We are still getting used to the largish rotary gear select dial on the center console but will have it knocked shortly. Once we switch to drive, there is a brief hesitation as we step (actually stomp) on the accelerator to get things moving. It seems there is a rather aggressive tip in before the hill hold disengages, allowing us to move forward.
The GV70’s adaptive suspension reads the road, which is one of the greater features on a car today. Using it allows the GV70 EV to smooth out any imperfections that sensors detect on the road ahead. Acceleration is brisk making the EV feel like one of the quickest CUVs on the road today.
Press the Sport setting on the drive mode selector offers sharper response from the throttle and steering, making you think the GV70 is up for a bit of corner cutting. Do it at your own risk, but realize it’s not a low-slung sports car you are traveling in. Instead, it’s a hot-looking grocery getter.
The GV70 Electrified has a range of 236 miles on a full charge. That’s disappointing to us since the GV70’s cousin, the Hyundai Ionic 6, has a range of 360 miles on a single charge. A DC fast charger of 250 kWh can charge the GV’s battery from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes. A 240-volt home charger will offer a full charge in about seven hours.
Knowing this in advance will help you plan your trip and day accordingly. Knowledge is power!
Genesis GV70 Electrified Specifications
| 2023 Genesis GV70 Electrified AWD | ||
| Engine Type | Twin Electric Motors | |
| Horsepower | 429 horsepower | |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft | |
| Transmission | 1-speed automatic transmission | |
| Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy) | 37 eMPG | |
| Suspension F/R | MacPherson Strut / Multilink | |
| Turning Circle | 37.8 ft. | |
| Also Available | Gasoline powered, rear or AWD, various trim levels. | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not Rated | |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 inches | |
| Overall Length | 185.6 inches | |
| Width | 75.2 inches | |
| Height | 64.2 inches | |
| Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row) | 56.5/28.7 Cubic Feet | |
| Headroom, Front | 38.6 inches | |
| Headroom, 2nd | 38.3 inches | |
| Legroom, 1st | 41.3 inches | |
| Legroom, 2nd | 36.6 inches | |
| Shoulder room, 1st row | 59.1 inches | |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 56.9 inches |
