2023 Genesis GV60 AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level EV Compact Crossover

Highlight:  The GV60 uses biometric technology to lock, unlock the doors and start the car.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $69,460 (Base Model): $59,290 (before destination charge_

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a radar activated cruise control system; rearview camera with parking guidance; a 360-degree camera; a heads up display system (HUD); a vehicle stability system; an electronic stability control system; a hill start system; a parking distance warning system; a blind spot collision assist system; a lane keep assist system; a forward collision assist system; a driver’s attention warning system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Advanced AWD): 314-horsepower; 20-inch wheels; leather seats; heated front seats; ventilated front seats; cloth roof trim; a navigation system; a wireless charging pad; integrated memory driver’s seat; a push button ignition system;  a hands free liftgate system; a cargo cover; a rotary dial gear shift system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a leather wrapped steering system; paddle shifters; a power operated tilt/telescopic steering system; power folding mirrors; and a heated steering wheel

Standard Equipment Test Model (Performance AWD): 429-horsepower; 21-inch wheels; electronically controlled suspension with road preview; electronically mechanical limited slip differential; Nappa leather seats; power cushion extension bolster and ergo motion – driver’s side only; chauffeur-like control for side front passenger seat; heated rear seats; and a microfiber suede headliner

Options: First aid kit

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system with and AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: No wireless connectivity

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Electric Battery Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles

Standard Horsepower: electric/429-hp (test model)

Electric Driving Range: 235 to 248, depending on trim

Standard EV Mileage:

97-city/82-highway

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs (with trailer brakers)

What’s New: This is the luxury brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle and its all-new for the 2023 model year.

Why:

All-electric

A driving range over 200 miles – possibly up to 260 miles.

Biometric technology includes facial recognition to lock and unlock the doors without the use of a keyfob

A Fingerprint Authorization system allows the drivers to start and drive the car without a key

Massaging front seats

The style

Flush exterior door handles

An all-wheel drive configuration

An automatic dual temperature control system with a mode for driver only to reduce wasting energy and maximizing driving range

Quick and peppy

A heads up display (HUD)

Easy to use digital cluster and infotainment center

A floating front center armrest

A power operated electronic charging door

A premium audio system,

Comfortable seats

Roomy interior

Nearly flat floor adds to spacious interior

Second row sliding /partial reclining rear seat

Several high-tech safety driving aids

Heated steering wheel available

Heated/ventilated front seats

Heated rear seats on higher level trim

Power front seat w/memory driver’s feature

Oversized fixed panoramic roof

A premium 17-speaker audio system

Second row outlets available for charging laptops, smartphones and other devices

A remote parking assist system

An 800v DC charger capability, one of a handful of EVs offering this option

Eligible for the $7,500 lease credit to reduce the over cost of the vehicle and lower the monthly payment

But:

No power operated panoramic roof

No wireless connectivity for Apple and Android

Limited rearview visibility

Horsepower power boost only last for a few seconds. What’s the point?

Lower driving range than its non Korean competitors

The vehicle is not available in every state.

No rear-wheel-drive model for the U.S.

Verdict: The compact GV60 crossover is the luxury brand’s first vehicle with a dedicated EV platform. The GV60 is offered in two trims, with a variety of powertrains. And the playful looking EV has a range between 240 to 260 miles, when fully charged.

The GV60 shares a platform with its siblings from Kia and Hyundai. Genesis first all dedicated EV platform front fascia looks somewhat cartoon-ish. In fact, the exterior design theme of the hatchback-like crossover is reminiscent of VW’s Herbie: The Love Bug. However, the GV60 looks like a bloated youthful version.

Conversely, the Kia and Hyundai exterior designs seem to infuse a more tailored and athletic theme.

The GV60 is no mee too vehicle, when compared to its Korean siblings. Beyond the cutesy exterior design, Gensis has worked diligently to distinguish the vehicle in terms of ride quality, exclusivity of high-tech features and a premium interior.

Overall, the Genesis GV60 is worth the investment, although its EV driving range is not on par with many of its non Korean competitors.

Competition: Hyundai Ioniq 5; Polestar 2; and Tesla Model 3