2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Review By Larry Nutson

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70
New beginnings

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Genesis, the premium brand of Hyundai, has been on the U.S. auto scene for nearly seven years now. Genesis has been expanding its product line with recent new models aligned with its commitment to becoming an all-electric vehicle brand by 2030 and to pursue carbon neutrality by 2035.

Following the introduction of the GV70 SUV for 2022, Genesis has now introduced the 2023 Electrified GV70.

The Electrified GV70 is assembled in the United States at the brand’s production facility in Montgomery, Alabama and is now available at select retailers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Like the GV70, the Electrified GV70 features a spacious interior and refined performance. All-wheel drive is standard via front and rear mounted 160 kW electric motors. A 77.4 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer battery provides the power.

Seating is for five and there’s 28.7 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second seat row. With that row folded cargo space expands to 56.5 cu.ft. The Electrified GV70 is equipped with a long list of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features.

Driving Range and Recharging

The EPA-estimated driving range is 236 miles. This estimate is just that, an estimate to compare to other EVs. Your needs for your typical driving pattern must be considered in determining if a BEV is right for you. Driving range is affected by driving style, vehicle load and speed, and ambient temperature.

Charging is all important. I recommend the installation of a 240v Level 2 (L2) charger at your residence to allow for daily charging. It’s key to a good ownership experience. If you live in a cold climate it is best to be able to garage a BEV. Genesis says the Electrified GV70 can be charged from 10% to 100% charge in 7 hours using a L2 charger.

The ability to recharge an EV battery is THE issue today. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is being rolled out over the next few years. The resulting installation of EV fast chargers located every 50 miles along interstates and major highways will make recharging more convenient. DCFC rapid charging with 250kW (800V) from 10% to 80% charge can be in as little as 18 minutes for the Electrified GV70.

In time, we can look forward to routinely driving an EV on the highway. They are exceedingly pleasant thanks to minimal vibrations and no buzzing internal-combustion engine to disturb the cabin’s environment.

The 2023 Electrified GV70 Advanced AWD has an MSRP of $65,850. The 2023 Electrified GV70 Prestige AWD has an MSRP of $72,650. Add the $1,125 Inland Freight and Handling charge to both. More details can be found at www.genesis.com.

Overall, the Electrified GV70 is a nicely sized, urban-use, premium-equipped utility vehicle that will comfortably transport you and your family with good driving dynamics while providing decent driving range to carry out your household errands or commute to your workplace. Ride quality is excellent. The interior cabin is quiet, as well as roomy and comfortable.

New-vehicle buyer consideration of electric vehicles is increasing, albeit slowly, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study. This year’s study reveals that 26% of shoppers say they are “very likely” to consider purchasing an EV, up from 24% a year ago, while the percentage of shoppers who say they are “overall likely” to purchase an EV increases to 61% from 59% in 2022.

But....it's all about the charging. Consumer fear of finding working chargers on road trips is slowing purchase interest in electric vehicles, according to J.D. Power. Nearly half (49%) of shoppers rejecting the idea of buying an EV say their primary reason is a lack of charging station availability.

If an EV is in conversation in your household it is fair to say they perform and function very well in urban use. The Electrified GV70 is a very worthy consideration. The Genesis brand has made a name for itself in providing premium vehicles the deliver a very satisfying and rewarding driving and ownership experience. Go for a test drive.

The future is electric. Happy motoring!