The automotive press has sung praises for most of Genesis’ products since their introduction to the market, and that’s not changing here. While the updated 2026 Genesis GV70 is not revolutionary, it is a fine tuning of the already compelling compact luxury crossover. Both the internal combustion GV70 and the Electrified GV70 receive a few nice updates, including the brand’s crispy 27-inch OLED screen that incorporates the driver’s display and the touchscreen infotainment system, and the Electrified now comes exclusively equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug that allows access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
On the outside, neither the internal combustion GV70 nor the Electrified GV70 look vastly different than the current cars, and if you ask me that’s a good thing. The subtle styling tweaks serve to enhance the existing design’s striking good looks, adding some visual width and aggression especially on Electrified models. The stylish interior gains the brand’s integrated digital driver’s display and updated infotainment system which relocates a few air vents and HVAC controls, but otherwise remains mostly the same. One of the most distinctive features of the GV70 line is its gorgeous interior design that looks like it was penned by a daring architect.
Internal combustion powertrains remain the same with the standard offering being the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the optional 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Electrified model receives a larger battery, up 6.6 kWh to a total of 84 kWh for 2026. Genesis has not yet announced updated EV range estimates, but expect an improvement over the current model’s EPA-estimated 236 miles. Fortunately, all updated Electrified GV70s feature the NACS charging port, and the charge port is relocated to the front grille to make accessing NACS chargers easier.
Other updates include new 19 and 21-inch wheel options, Genesis’ new double mesh grille design for ICE models, and a new paint color called Ceres Blue which is actually a dark gray with blue metal flake that shows subtly depending on the lighting conditions. All of the pre-existing technology has been updated and improved including voice recognition, improved lane following function, and new remote parking which can now park the car in diagonal spots and parallel parking spots. A new drive mode called Terrain Mode is added to the mix, which as the name suggests is optimized for snow, mud, or sand driving conditions.
The 2026 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 don’t change much from the existing models, but that’s not a bad thing. As many other luxury automakers are looking toward revolution rather than evolution with popular models like the Porsche Macan, the GV70 is more attractive than ever. Its interior not only looks beautiful, but feels incredibly high-quality wherever your hands may wander. The doors are nicely weighted and feel solid. The styling sets it apart from the crowd, and it’s offered with both a great array of powertrain choices. Genesis says the updated GV70 will go on sale in the first half of 2025, though no pricing has been announced yet. The automotive media is in love with Genesis products for a reason, and if you’re looking for a distinctive and stylish compact luxury SUV, the 2026 GV70 is a great choice.
