All-Electric Premium Goodness
Sliding behind the wheel of the 2026 Genesis GV60 Performance AWD confirmed what Clean Fleet Report has experienced with all Genesis models—luxury at a premium price. New in 2023, the 2026 GV60 brings a premium look and feel, updated design and, in some trim levels, an all-electric driving range of 306 miles. We were not disappointed.
Silent Propulsion
The compact GV60 crossover is available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) with three motor options. There are four driver-selectable drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport and the customizable My Mode. The all-electric driving range is affected by driving style and the drive mode.
RWD
- Single motor
- 306 mile all-electric range (AER)
- 225 horsepower (hp) and 258 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque
AWD
- Dual motor
- 306 mile AER
- 314 hp and 446 lb.-ft. of torque
Advanced AWD
- Dual Motor
- 267 mile AER
- 429 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque
Performance AWD
- Dual Motor
- 267 mile AER
- 483 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque in Boost Mode
We were in the GV60 Performance AWD, enjoying excellent performance from the twin 160 kW motors (front and rear). But the fun begins by depressing the Boost Mode button on the steering wheel, which gives you a 10-second blast of 54 hp, raising the output to 483 hp. It will be polite to give your passenger a heads-up that this rush of power is getting ready to happen.
After driving 214 miles through Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego, we averaged a respectable 3.6 miles per kilowatt hour. Respect is the key as we kept our finger off the Boost Mode button, which took a high level of discipline, something we repeatedly proved to be lacking. Driving mostly in the Eco or Comfort modes confirmed what we know about Genesis, they are conservative when it comes to the all-electric driving range.
The smile-inducing torque at any speed is what makes driving an electric car so special, and thankfully the GV60 Performance AWD did not disappoint. Acceleration in Comfort drive mode was strong, but select Sport mode and it becomes exciting. We turned very fun 0-60 mph times of about 3.7 seconds while using the Boost Mode. Whoosh!
The GV60’s well-distributed 4,890 pounds gives a balanced and confident ride. The Michelin Primacy Tour 255/40 all-season tires, mounted on 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, provided ample grip, even when pushing corners to their limit. The all-wheel drive system automatically senses grip level and undetectably sends power front to rear and side-to-side. The electronically controlled suspension has Road Preview, which includes front-facing cameras reading road conditions to automatically control the damping force of the suspension to provide a smooth ride. There was limited body roll and the ride was comfortable and confident.
The GV60 has limited wind and road noise partly due to the low 0.29 coefficient of drag (cd), acoustic laminated glass and sound deadening insulation. Genesis also uses technology to affect the cabin noise experience. Electric-Active Sound Design pumps virtual driving sounds through the audio speakers. The sounds fluctuate with the drive mode, the speed and accelerator pedal pressure. In other words, your silent electric vehicle can be set to not be all that silent.
Charging and Regeneration
The 2026 GV60 features a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, providing access to 20,000 Tesla Superchargers and upcoming access to 30,000 Ionna network chargers. The Ionna charging network, founded by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz (Toyota joined later), came on-line in selected markets in February 2025. The network is expanding through the country. Go here to see if it is your area.
There are three plug-in charging speed options for the 77.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The slowest, a standard 120V household plug, delivers a full charge in about 68 hours; it’s for topping off or as an emergency option. Most owners will opt to install a 240V Level 2 charger, such as the ChargePoint Home Flex charger, at their home that will replenish 10-to-100% in about seven hours. With a 250 kW DC Fast Charger the GV60 will get from 10-to-80% in 18 minutes. At 50kW, which is a more commonly found charge speed, it will take about 73 minutes.
It is important to note that cold weather can affect the charging time and driving range. However, the GV60 comes standard with a battery heating system that will warm the battery to a temperature that will take a faster and higher charge. Here are some helpful tips on charging.
Additional charging is also through powerful motor regeneration. When coasting or braking, the regen system converts kinetic energy into electric energy and returns it to the battery. When regeneration is set to the highest of three levels (by the steering wheel paddles), it’s possible to do most driving without relying on the brakes (aka 1-Pedal or one pedal driving).
The GV60 also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), where power (maximum 1.9 kW at 16 amps) can flow out of the battery and charge e-bikes, camping and outdoor equipment, or run your office while traveling. It can also be a home electricity source during a power outage.
Distinct Exterior
Built on a dedicated EV platform, the GV60’s exterior styling is distinctive. The 3-dimensional grille sits below a clamshell hood that features the iconic Genesis two-line LED micro lens array (MLA) headlight design. MLA uses 200 micro lenses to improve light efficiency and night visibility while minimizing the size of the headlamp.
The smooth body surfaces on the GV60 are unencumbered with chrome except on the Volt DLO (Daylight Opening) design feature, where the rear side window and the hands-free power lift gate meet. The rear continues the two-line LED tail light design that wraps the lift gate. The glass roof, body color shark fin antenna, roof rails and rear window spoiler complete the exterior’s clean design. Exterior colors include Alta White, Capri Blue, Makalu Gray, Savile Silver, Uyuni White, ViK Black and, like the GV60 we drove, Tromso Green that carried a $650 premium.
Spacious Interior
The interior is open, spacious and comfortable. The floating center console leaves open space for purses on the flat floor, while the low slung dash has dual 12.3-inch horizontal color display screens that look like one piece. One screen is for the digital instruments and the other for the infotainment system. Sounds came from a Bang & Olufsen 17-speaker system, with a subwoofer, 1,400-watt 14-channel amplifier and Dolby Atmos. Music is provided by AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM/HD Radio, with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bluetooth connection for up-to two devices, USB C-type power and data ports, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot complete the technology.
The interior comfort starts with Nappa leather-covered, heated and ventilated front seats, with memory and 14-way power adjustments, including side bolsters, a lower leg extension for the driver and massage. The driver gets the Genesis-exclusive ERGO Motion Seat designed to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. Checkout this video to see the technology that will make your journey even more relaxing and enjoyable. The front passenger seat gets 12-way power adjustments including 4-way lumbar and has power buttons to adjust the seat back to allow easier access to the rear seats.
The leather, heated rear seats have ample leg room, but taller passengers will brush their head on the microfiber-covered ceiling. Rear seat occupants get adjustable head rests, a center folding armrest with cup holders, door cup holders, charge ports and side window shades. Rear cargo storage is good, plus there is a front trunk/frunk for stashing smaller items.
As is to be expected on a luxury car, the GV60 Performance has power everything, beginning with the unique and fun Crystal Sphere rotary dial shift selector. Upon starting, this glowing ball rotates to reveal the gear options for the shift-by-wire transmission. The leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel has controls for audio, telephone and the adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go. The radio can also be controlled by touchscreen and volume and channel selection wheels on the center console. There was a very short learning curve for this outstanding entertainment system.
Other features are driver-selectable Mood Lighting, a dual zone automatic temperature control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a color head-up display, heated and power side mirrors with turn signals, and wireless phone charging.
Technology
The 2026 GV60 is packed with technology. Will you use them all? We believe you will.
Technology features include:
- Digital Key which provides access to vehicle systems, including lock and unlock, remote start and driving.
- Face Connect and Fingerprint Reader, when programmed, allows for doors to be locked and unlocked by looking at the B-pillar, while the Fingerprint Reader provides access to vehicle systems.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist can move the GV60 forward and reverse by using the key fob. This helpful feature comes in handy when someone parked too close and you can’t open the doors. This feature also can find an available parking space on the street or in a parking lot, and then self-park.
- Surround View Monitor is an important safety feature when parking or backing in an area where there may be vehicles or pedestrians appearing suddenly.
Safety, Warranty and Pricing
The GV60 comes with an extensive standard list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a semi-autonomous driving system, the Genesis Highway Driving Assist. A helpful feature is when using the right or left turn signal, a camera comes on showing the sides of the GV60, depending on which direction is being turned.
The 2023 GV60 has a 5-of-5 safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a an overall Good rating.
The 2026 GV60 comes with these warranties:
| Powertrain | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| EV Systems | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| New Vehicle | Five years/60,000 miles |
| Maintenance | Three years/36,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | Five years/60,000 miles |
| Anti-perforation | Seven years/Unlimited miles |
The GV60, built in Ulsan, Korea, comes in four trims, with these base prices that include the $1,495 freight and handling fee.
| RWD | $54,020 |
| AWD | $57,520 |
| Advanced AWD | $60,900 |
| Performance AWD | $73,370 |
The GV60 will only be sold at select Genesis retailers in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NV, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI due to limited availability. Please contact your Genesis retailer for details.
Observations: 2026 Genesis GV60 Performance EV AWD
Whether it is an entry-level or a luxury model, there is something very satisfying about driving an electric car. The lack of sound as it moves down the road is wonderful, and the instant torque from a stop, or when already at highway speeds, is something to enjoy.
Climb behind the wheel of the GV60 to quickly appreciate a fine automobile. The GV60 exterior styling immediately identifies it as a Genesis. The impressive interior with a long and deep features list, augmented with a full safety suite, make the GV60 the luxury all-electric crossover to buy. When on the road, the seamless linear acceleration and refined 1-pedal driving with powerful brake regeneration equals a smooth, premium ride.
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
