2025 Genesis GV70 Electric Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
As its name suggests, the GV70 Electric is the EV version of the highly compelling Genesis GV70, a vehicle that won our 2022 SUV of the Year award. The small luxury electric SUV possesses the same qualities we love about the gas model, but has one notable drawback: range. Competitors include the Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Lexus RZ.
Looking for the gas model? Read about the standard Genesis GV70 here.
What’s New
The electric SUV carries over into the 2025 model year mostly unchanged. Genesis introduced the GV70 Electric for the 2023 model year following the standard GV70’s introduction for 2022.
What We Think
Given how awesome the gas version is, we’re not at all surprised the GV70 Electric is also a home run. It’s just as smooth and upscale, but the EV is distinct for being even quieter and more powerful. The gas model’s attractive elliptical interior theme carries over and looks resplendent in Glacier White leather. What was already hushed and insulated is more so with the GV70 Electric’s silent powertrain and available active noise canceling.
Charging rates hooked up to a DC fast charger are excellent, but there’s room to improve on range. And for now, it’s available in just one specification. Steering is light but accurate, and the SUV’s brakes are a touch on the sensitive side. Generally, the GV70 Electric isn’t the most athletic SUV, but that misses the point. This GV70 is every bit as appealing a luxury SUV as the gas model, it just happens to run on electricity. Buyers will just need to decide if they’re willing to accept lackluster range as a trade-off for the added refinement.
Range, Charging, and Performance
There’s some disparity between the EPA’s rating of 236 miles and our own real-world range testing, which puts the GV70 Electric’s range closer to 200 miles. Either way, it could be better. The smaller GV60 has a configuration that’s rated for up to 294 miles, while Tesla makes a Model Y that can travel for 320 miles on a full charge.
At least it won’t take long to charge the GV70. Genesis says the SUV can recharge its 77.4-kWh battery pack at a rate over 230 kW on a Level 3 fast charger. In our experience, we recouped 125 miles of range after just 15 minutes hooked up to a 350-kW charger.
Every 2025 Genesis GV70 Electric has dual-motor AWD with a combined output of 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a boost button on the steering wheel that increases output by 54 hp. Our best launch to 60 mph in the SUV came in at a very quick 3.7 seconds.
Will the GV70 Electric Get a Sporty Magma Trim?
It would be cool if it did. Genesis unveiled a GV60 Magma concept ahead of the 2024 New York auto show, a teaser for that smaller electric SUV’s forthcoming athletic model. It also introduced the world to the brand’s new Magma program, which seeks to inject performance into additional Genesis models a la BMW’s M and Mercedes’ AMG divisions.
The GV60 Magma concept features a wider body, lower stance, and factory aero upgrades, modifications that can also be a boon for vehicle efficiency. Few details were revealed beyond what the media could see, but we believe both motor and battery technology will be improved also. We don’t see any reason why that same formula couldn’t be applied to the GV70 Electric. We look forward to driving any Magma model Genesis gives us and judge for ourselves if these SUVs are indeed hot or just a hot mess.
Safety Ratings and Features
The GV70 Electric is an IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick, earning the institute’s second-highest award. It received Good ratings in every crashworthiness category, and the 2025 model should perform similarly.
Standard active driver assist features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beams. Traffic sign recognition and a driver focus monitor are also included. Available features include a head-up display, evasive steering, parking sensors, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The GV70 Electric’s cabin is far from uncomfortable, but space is not a forte. Maximum cargo capacity (with the rear seat folded) compares favorably to the Lexus RZ. There’s 0.6 inch more rear legroom in the gas GV70, as well as more cargo space.
Technology
Standard equipment on the 2025 GV70 Electric includes a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and an 8.0-inch gauge cluster display, and there’s a 12.3-inch instrument screen upgrade. Every model also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and a handful of USB ports. Additional available features include a head-up display, biometric fingerprint scanner, phone-as-key functionality, and 16-speaker Lexicon premium audio.
