2023 Genesis Electrified GV70

The new Genesis Electrified GV70 crossover SUV is, as the name implies, the EV version of the gas-powered GV70, which has been around for two years and was received very well. In fact, it the GV70 rose to the top of its class rather quickly. But let's talk about the elephant in the room, in case you are worried about the transition to an EV: Our road test review of the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 finds that none of the qualities of the gas model have been lost. By contrast, the EV variant merely confirms what an excellent foundation the GV70 is. Yes, the competition is tough and includes names such as the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, the Lexus RZ, and the Tesla Model Y, but the Genesis isn't without weapons. It punches above its weight, with a potent 429-horsepower dual-motor AWD configuration being standard, a sublime cabin, and a comfortable ride. There is currently a single trim in the range, the Advanced, but an expanded range is not out of the question in the future.

Pricing starts at $65,850 for the single Advanced trim currently available. That price is the new Genesis Electrified GV70's MSRP and doesn't include the $1,125 destination charge. The Prestige upgrade will cost you $6,800 extra.

The gas GV70 is so good at combining a comfortable ride with good handling that you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Electrified GV70 must surely give some of that up. And you'd be wrong. It changes direction deftly, body control is excellent, and you'd be genuinely surprised at how much feedback is filtered back through the steering wheel. In fact, the electric version feels even more buttoned down in a corner thanks to its low center of gravity. The basic setup is already good and makes the Sport mode seem superfluous as it simply stiffens the rid unnecessarily. If there's any criticism to identify, it's in the braking setup: although linear and progressive, the brake pedal does feel artificial at blending regenerative braking and the friction brakes. It's properly quick, though, leaving even the most powerful Q4 e-tron in the dust thanks to a huge 134-hp power advantage.

The Electrified GV70 is a superb car and arguably one of the best among its peers. The brilliant ride/handling compromise that gives you superior passenger comfort while remaining great fun to drive has been carried over from the gas model, making this our current favorite in this segment. The design is smart and unique at the same time, the cabin is properly premium and laden to the gunwales with features, and the list of driver assists is long. The only fly in the ointment is the short range, but at least you can minimize charging times thanks to the rapid charging ability. The Electrified GV70 doesn't do much wrong, in our books.

There is only one trim to buy, and it's the Advanced, so it's down to how you want to spec it - which essentially means either ticking the box for the $6,800 Prestige package or not. For that money, the normal leather is replaced by Nappa leather and you get a larger digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and second row, and upgraded trim. But the car is great even without these extras, and the package pushes the price well past $70k. Depending on your budget, either option is worthwhile.