2023 Genesis GV60

Although not the automaker's first BEV (battery electric vehicle), the new 2023 Genesis GV60 compact crossover is its first built on parent Hyundai's purposely designed E-GMP EV platform and shares its genes with the well-received Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Despite its relatively humble underpinnings, everything you can see is different, and the GV60 exudes a premium air, from its quirky coupe styling and delightful design flourishes to its upmarket interior that can go toe to toe with the best Europeans. Every comparison review between the Genesis GV60 and its competitors has so far consistently ranked it near the top of the class. It's no small feat, considering highly capable premium rivals with similarly avant-garde sloped-back styling, such as the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and Volvo C40 Recharge. With standard AWD and two drivetrains - with either 314 or 429 horsepower - it seems like the GV60 has it all, but a rather unimpressive range may count against it. How does it measure up?

There are only two trim levels, with the price of the new 2023 Genesis GV60 Advanced being the cheapest, starting at $59,290. The Performance trim will cost you $68,290. These are the Genesis GV60's MSRPs and don't include the $1,125 destination fee.

In terms of ride and handling, the GV60 is a class act right out of the blocks. It feels responsive and sporty, even when you're not pressing on. The ride is very supple, even on the 21-inch wheels, and noise levels are very well contained - more so with the Bang & Olufsen audio system's active noise canceling switched on. If there's some criticism, it's that there isn't much feel from the steering, while it's a little underdamped on rough roads, where it tends to pitch and heave. That's easy to fix on the Performance by selecting the sporty setting on its adaptive suspension, restoring balance and hardly hurting ride comfort.

And the fun doesn't stop when you up the speed and start throwing it around corners. It doesn't just hang on gamely, it feels keen and pointy, especially in the Performance, with its adaptive damping stiffened up and its electronic LS diff allowing you to climb on the accelerator early to slingshot out of corners.

The GV60 is a brilliant first attempt at a premium compact crossover SUV by Genesis. It's faster than its Q4 Sportback e-tron and C4 Recharge rivals and on par in terms of range. It offers arguably the most fun handling in this class while feeling premium and offering enough delightful design details inside and out so you don't feel you're just driving a hopped-up Hyundai. When it comes down to the hard figures, though, the lowlier Ioniq 5 and EV6 that it shares its bones with look like better value, as do other non-premium compacts such as the Mustang Mach-E. But then you wouldn't be shopping in the premium segment if you were happy with a blue-collar badge, and in that regard, there are very few rivals that can currently touch the GV60 for all-round compact luxury that leaves no boxes unticked.