Text by Tom Appel
2024 Genesis GV70 Electrified
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Color: Cardiff Green
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 145
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 438-horsepower |
| Engine Type | Electric motors |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capacity: 77 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 98 city/83 hwy/91 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 236 miles
Consumer Guide range estimate: (ideal conditions): 236+ miles
Charge-port location: Grille
Snow performance: N/A
Base price: $66,450 (not including $1350 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($650), Prestige Package ($6800)
Price as tested: $75,250
Pros and Cons
The great: Modern design, stress-free EV experience
The good: Plenty of power, opulent cabin appointments
The not so good: Limited battery range
Overview
There are a lot of reasons a well-heeled consumer might pass on the opportunity to purchase an electric vehicle, among them simple convenience—installing a home-charging unit can be a hassle—and range is a legitimate concern. It’s still much easier to find a gas station than a charging station. And at Consumer Guide, we fully appreciate—and even endorse—those concerns. Going electric is still something of an adventure.
But we also want to make the point that, in many cases, electric cars are better cars than gasoline-powered examples, especially in the case of luxury vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is, for example, a rather underwhelming small crossover in gasoline form. The engine is a little cranky, and the 9-speed automatic transmission far too busy in around-town driving. But oh, opt for the all-electric EQB, a veritable clone of the GLB save for the drivetrain, and you have a vehicle transformed! The EQB is suddenly a joy to drive, with quick starts in traffic, and plenty of smooth passing power. And, when you’re not distracted by the little Mercedes’ drivetrain deficiencies, you can focus on the crossover’s excellent ride and handling, and prodigious cabin space.
But what if you started with an already excellent vehicle, and electrified it? As it turns out, Genesis has done that for us, twice. Available for 2024 are two excellent gasoline-powered vehicles, the G80 midsize sedan, and the GV70 small crossover–both of which have earned praise for their overall goodness from Consumer Guide—and can be had in pure electric form. You can read about the G80 Electrified here.
2024 Cadillac Lyriq Luxury: Test Drive
Prices and Trim Levels
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of the 2024 GV70 Electrified in extra-cost Cardiff Green and equipped with the Prestige package. All told, our test vehicle came to $75,250, including destination charge. The GV70 Electrified (GV70E from here on in) comes only with AWD, with the front and rear motors combing for a stout 438 horsepower. That compares to the gasoline-powered GV70 which is powered by either a turbocharged 2.5-liter four (300 horsepower) or a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (375). Here we’d like to address how going electric improved upon already excellent Genesis GV70. Check it out:
Hyundai and Amazon: What’s the Deal?
More power
Even the 4-cylinder GV70 is quick. With 300 horsepower on tap, the little Genesis will sprint from a stop to 60 mph in less than six seconds according to published test results. But the gasoline-fueled ‘70s are no match for the Electrified, which, per Car and Driver, sprints to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Not too long ago, performance like that was the exclusive domain of pricey super cars.
More sportiness
Truth is, raw data such as 0-60-mph times don’t begin to tell the GV70E performance story. Because there is no lag in power delivery, drivers of a performance bent can input throttle demands at the precise moment they are warranted, and enjoy crisper handling and more precise steering as a result, especially on slippery surfaces such as snow.
More refinement
While the GV70E is unlikely to see service as a limousine, or as a ride-hailing vehicle, it’s smooth power delivery and general cabin quietness would make it an ideal vehicle for such operations. Until a driver experiences an EV, especially an EV as well engineered as the GV70E, in heavy traffic, it may be difficult for them to understand how much less stressful stop-and-go traffic is when there is no throttle delay or excessive transmission shift action.
More quietness
Purists with a very definite set of performance-car expectations may decry the GV70E’s lack of engine/exhaust noise, but we’re completely cool with the hushed manner in which this electric Genesis moves about. In truth, the immediate acceleration is all the more impressive as it comes on only with a tap of the throttle—the only visceral experience is that of movement. The net impression one takes from the experiences is that of sophisticated athleticism.
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe: 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show
More Convenience
Obviously this is a glass half-full kind of attribute, but if you’re not traveling long distances, charging at home is a huge time saver relative to pulling into a gas station once or twice a week. And, since most folks don’t drive 238 miles in a day (the GV70E’s EPA estimated range), they’ll only need to charge a couple of times a week.
As most home chargers serve up between 6.6- and 7.2-kW of energy, charging the GV70E’s 77-kWh battery—even if fully depleted—should take less than 12 hours, or basically, “overnight.”
And, at the national average cost of electricity (16 cents per kWh), fully charging a GV70E will run just $12. Not bad for 238 miles of range.
…
Otherwise, the GV70E is the same excellent crossover we’ve enjoyed driving powered by gasoline. That means the cabin is modern looking, the cabin materials top notch, and the control layout smart and easy to use. Likewise, the electric ’70 is fun to drive, comfortable on long trips, and—subjective opinion—looks great, too.
5 Cool Things about 2023 Genesis G80 Electrified
We are sorry to say that not everyone can purchase a GV70 Electrified, at least not new. Genesis currently restricts sale of its little EV to the following states: AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI. That’s about two thirds of all the states in The Union, but includes roughly 90 percent of the U.S. population. Also, if you live in New Mexico, and really want a GV70 Electrified, no one is stopping you from driving into Nevada to pick one up. And if you do that, please let us know how that goes.
Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Genesis GV70 Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
