Cargazing
By Derek Price
The GV60 makes its case in the first few feet. Pull away from a stoplight and there’s an immediate sense of calm authority, the kind that doesn’t need theatrics to impress.
It is quick without being jumpy, hushed without feeling isolated and refined in a way that still feels rare in the EV space.
Genesis has leaned harder into that personality for 2026. The GV60 Performance AWD I tested felt less like a tech experiment and more like a finished luxury product, one that happens to run on electrons.
Power delivery is smooth and effortless, and when you call on all 429 horsepower, the response is instant but never unruly. This is speed you enjoy using every day, not just bragging about.
Around town, the GV60’s composure stands out. Road noise is minimal, impacts are rounded off and the suspension strikes a nice balance between plushness and control.
The cabin is where the GV60 really separates itself. My tester’s aqua green interior was striking without being loud, a refreshing change from the endless sea of black and gray EV cabins. Materials feel expensive everywhere you touch, from the seats to the door panels to the center console. It is a genuinely inviting space, and it feels special in a way many tech-heavy interiors do not.
The Genesis GV60 blends compact proportions with distinctive lighting and sculpted surfaces.
The rotating crystal shifter remains one of the GV60’s most charming quirks. It glows softly, flips over when you start the car and still makes passengers smile. It is unnecessary and delightful, which sums up a lot of Genesis’s approach here. Luxury is allowed to be playful.
For 2026, the new 27-inch OLED display stretches cleanly across the dash and finally gives the GV60 the visual drama it deserves. The interface is sharp, responsive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Voice recognition has improved, and the expanded over-the-air update capability suggests this system will age better than earlier Genesis setups.
Charging and ownership ease also get a boost. The switch to a native Tesla-style NACS charging port opens up access to a much broader fast-charging network, and real-world charging times remain impressively quick.
Genesis says the updated battery can deliver up to 306 miles of range, although my Performance tester is rated lower due to its extra power and larger wheels.
The GV60’s cabin pairs bold color choices with premium materials and a calming design.
Space is where the GV60 shows its limits. Rear seat room is acceptable but not generous, and cargo space trails key rivals. The front trunk is particularly small, more novelty than utility. Families or frequent road-trippers may find the GV60 less accommodating than larger electric crossovers in this price range.
Value is another complicated conversation. At more than $70,000 as tested, the GV60 Performance AWD is not chasing bargain hunters. What you are paying for is design, refinement and a sense of occasion. It feels more luxurious than many similarly priced EVs.
After a week behind the wheel, the GV60 left a strong impression. It is not the most spacious or the most efficient option in its class, but it is one of the most distinctive.
Genesis has created an electric crossover that prioritizes comfort, style and character, and for buyers who want their EV to feel genuinely luxurious, that approach makes a lot of sense.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2026 Genesis GV60 Performance AWD ($71,975). Options: Premium paint ($650). Price as tested (including $1,495 destination charge): $74,020
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 114.2 in.
Length: 177.8 in.
Width: 74.4 in.
Height: 62.4 in.
Power: Dual electric motors (combined 429 hp, 516 lbs. ft.)
Range: 252 miles
MPGe: 97 city, 83 highway
RATINGS
Style: 10
Performance: 9
Price: 4
Handling: 8
Ride: 8
Comfort: 9
Quality: 8
Overall: 8
WHY BUY IT?
The GV60 is for drivers who want a refined, distinctive electric crossover that feels luxurious every time they get behind the wheel.