2026 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 Hands-On Preview

Light facelift sees tech from big brother GV80; Electrified model boasts more range.

Genesis kicked off the LA Auto Show week of reveals by pulling back the sheets on the 2026 GV70 family. The brand’s best-selling SUV sees the subtlest of visual tweaks for this mid-cycle facelift, instead focusing on tech and cabin improvements, along with a higher-capacity battery for the Electrified GV70.

You’d best have an image of the original GV70 with you for a game of Spot the Differences here. Up front, beyond a different mesh pattern, there’s a wider lower air intake in the bumper, now framed in body color instead of gloss black. The twin-line headlight shapes are the same as before, though now feature Genesis’ multi-lens array (MLA) elements. There are new wheel designs in 19 and 21-inch sizes, while the turn signals of the rear lights “redesigned to align with the front headlamps’ two-line concept.” Like we said, subtle stuff.

There’s a new exterior color as well, with Ceres Blue bringing the total count to 10 for the gas-powered GV70. Electrified GV70 offers six choices.

Inside, the GV70 gains the 27-inch OLED display panel that debuted on the larger GV80 earlier this year. This curved display combines the instrument panel and central touchscreen, now running on an updated infotainment system featuring expanded over-the-air (OTA) update capability. Genesis says it has improved the system’s voice command functions. A Digital Key is now available as well, while the wireless charger has been moved for easier access. A 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is available.

Embracing color remains an important aspect of the GV70 experience: there are four Nappa leather options to choose from in the GV70 (and two in the Electrified GV70), including an Ultramarine Blue that looks far better with the contrasting orange stitching than you might expect.

On the safety and convenience fronts, Genesis says it has improved the lane following assist, while the remote parking feature now works on diagonal spots, in addition to front, back, and parallel parking.

There are no powertrain changes for the gas model: the GV70 continues to come with a pair of turbocharged engines in 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 formats. An eight-speed automatic continues to handle shifting duties, with standard all-wheel drive. The 2026 model does gain a Terrain Mode drive select feature however, with snow, mud, and sand options.

The all-electric GV70 model now features an 84.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, occupying the same space as the previous 77.4-kWh setup. While Genesis wouldn’t reveal the exact range increase here, we expect the nearly 10-percent capacity increase to translate to a similar figure. The current model posts up to 236 miles (383 kilometers), so something just shy of 260 miles (418 km) seems reasonable. Arguably more important is the adoption of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port behind the redesigned grille, which now includes an electric motor—mercifully, with a heating element). Buyers will receive a CCS adapter as well.

The GV70 remains one of our favorite choices in the small luxury SUV segment, and these tweaks do little to change that. The biggest weak spot for the brand’s best-seller remains a lack of options between the thirsty gas and the fully electric models. A hybrid (or plug-in hybrid) would give Genesis a broader range of choices to lure buyers to its satisfying, spacious SUV.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 will arrive in dealers in the first half of 2025. Expect detailed trim and pricing info closer to launch.

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