Hard to believe it’s been three years since the electric Genesis GV70 was first released to consumers. Unlike it many EVs, it shared many traits with its gas-powered version, and that was a good thing as it was a proven award winner. In addition, more power was on tap, which is always a good thing. The 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 has several upgrades that bring it forward in an ever-competitive market. Is it enough, or does it take a step back?
This is an electric sport utility vehicle based on the gas-powered GV70. Unlike other EVs built on a dedicated platform, the Electrified GV70 shares the same platform as its petrol stablemate. While this would be a problem for most manufacturers, it is not the case with the Electrified GV70. However, there is one major issue that needs to be addressed before getting to the good stuff: range.
Range and charging
The 2026 Genesis GV70 Electric now gets a larger battery. Previous model years received a 77.4 kWh battery, while this year’s model gets an 84 kWh unit. This allows the GV70 to travel up to 402 kilometers according to its NRCan rating. This is based on ideal conditions, so of course this figure will drop in Canadian climate conditions during winter. Just going off the best-case scenario of 402 kilometers, this figure would be considered average at best. Against a Tesla or Cadillac, the Electrified GV70 falls behind.
Thankfully, Genesis does have an ace up its sleeve to counter range anxiety, and that is its ability to charge, and charge quite quickly. In fact, Genesis and its parent company Hyundai provide some of the fastest charging capabilities of any auto manufacturer worldwide. Its charging speed capabilities are up there with much more expensive brands such as Lucid or Porsche. At a 350 kW DC fast charger, expect the GV70 to charge from 10–80% in about 19 minutes. A Cadillac Lyriq will provide up to 122 kilometers of range in 10 minutes while plugged into the same fast charger. For 2026, the GV70 now uses a NACS charging port like those used by Tesla, which increases access to charging stations across North America. Just note that non-Tesla vehicles using Tesla Supercharging stations have encountered slower charging speeds.
Style sells
When the GV70 was first released, it was an instant hit and became Genesis’ number-one-selling vehicle worldwide. Needless to say, its good looks had a big part to play in its success. The 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 carries over most of the looks but loses a few things to suit its electric pedigree. The front mesh grille has been replaced with a more shield-like design, the rear exhaust tips have been deleted, and the large sporty wheels are replaced with smaller, more aerodynamic options. These changes do take away from the GV70’s sporty design, but also gives a sleeper-car vibe when at a stoplight. Overall, the exterior design remains largely the same and remains one of the better-looking sport utility vehicles on the road.
Touch points and tech
Inside the Electrified GV70, you are treated to the exact same interior you would find in updated the gas-powered model. This is a good thing, as the GV70 has one of the best interiors; not just in the segment but the industry overall. The design is modern yet clean, the quality of the materials used throughout punches above its price range, the build quality is excellent, and the technology used throughout is simple to use. Our tester was the Prestige trim level, which includes features such as Nappa leather, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a microfibre suede headliner, and several other items.
The 2026 Genesis GV70 Electric has an all-new 27-inch OLED display for the gauge cluster and infotainment system. It’s super clear, snappy, and easy to use. In addition to the normal drive-mode options, Genesis has added a terrain option for those who plan to take their luxury EV up to cottage country. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, along with over-the-air updates and a wireless phone charger that is perfectly placed for easy access.
Driving impressions
Offering a smooth and quiet ride, the 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 offers what luxury car buyers are looking for. The interior is whisper quiet, and with an electric motor doing the work, it is much quieter than its gas-powered twin. With tuning geared more for comfort, those inside are shielded from harsh roads. Bumps are absorbed with ease, albeit at the expense of true sporty handling capabilities.
The power in the 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 is provided by two electric motors that drive each axle and provide its AWD capabilities. Paired with the 84 kWh battery, the power output is an impressive 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in Boost mode; look for a 0–100 km/h time of around 3.9 seconds with the Boost button activated. A gas-powered GV70 does this run in about 5 seconds. Like most EVs, the speed off the line is quick, but unlike some competitors, power doesn’t drop off at higher speeds.
This powertrain builds up speed quickly and doesn’t struggle for power when you need it. Add a solid chassis that feels more German than Korean, and you have an absolute winner. The 2026 Genesis GV70 Electric feels vault-like in its operation — solid and refined, unlike some recently tested Cadillac EVs that could have spent more time in the oven when it came to chassis refinement.
Money
With a starting price of $78,650 for a 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 Advanced, it is far from cheap, but you do get quite a bit from the get-go. Move up to our Prestige trim level as tested, and you can expect an MSRP of $88,500. The only option at this point is paint, with any colour other than white adding $500 to the sticker price, bringing the total of this tester to $89,000, before any incentives that may still be in effect.
Wrap it up
The 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 remains one of the most appealing luxury EVs on the market, even if it isn’t perfect. Its biggest weakness continues to be range, especially against newer competitors that push well past the 450-kilometre mark. But for buyers who can look past that limitation, the GV70 more than makes up for it with standout design, a top-tier interior, strong performance, and charging speeds that take much of the pain out of longer trips. It feels every bit the premium product Genesis set out to build, and it delivers a level of refinement many rivals still struggle to match. If Genesis can pair all of this with a more competitive battery platform in the future, the Electrified GV70 (and potential Magma model) could easily move from a strong contender to the class benchmark.
