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2026 Genesis GV60 Performance Review

Written by Amy Plemons | Dec 22, 2025 6:49:06 PM

Bear with me for a moment while I gather my thoughts - because I admit to being a little starstruck.  An interior as gorgeous as the one in the 2026 GV60 Performance will do that to you. It's absolutely stunning. That's not all that is exciting about the 2026 GV60, either. It arrives with a big refresh - think bigger battery, a new Tesla charging port, updated interior with new tech and enhanced driver assistance features. A performance-oriented variant - dubbed Magma - is due out in 2026.

Exterior   

The GV60 Performance sporty elegance shines in a stunning Tromso Green hue with an absolutely gorgeous new 21-inch wheel design with black brake calipers.

For 2026, its Genesis' signature two line lamps also get an important update and now feature Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology. Its wider lower profile is enhanced by revised bumpers and a new grille shape.

Another notable change is the exterior cladding is now body color. A fixed wing spoiler rounds out the tail end. 

Perfomance 

The GV60 Performance AWD EV powertrain pairs Dual Motors with a larger 84 kWh battery (up from 77.4. Kwh.)  Specs impress. 429 horsepower equals quick off-the-line acceleration. Hit the Boost button for 483 horses and 516 pound-feet of torque for 10 seconds.  Its new, bigger battery equals improved range for the AWD-equipped model. In 2024 it was 235 miles, the 2026 takes it to to 252.

Interior  

I thought I couldn't be more impressed with Genesis interiors. But once again the brand raises the bar on gorgeous. This Aqua Green and Galaxy Black tailored interior is hands-down the most exquisite Genesis cabin yet and one of my all-time favorite interiors ever.  The quilted suede door panels in their Aqua Green hue most certainly had me at hello (and it's not often I get excited about door panels.)

None of the switchgear and hardware throughout the cabin is an afterthought. It's all just beautiful and that includes the Bang & Olufsen stereo system speakers and overhead console.

A heated and ventilated Nappa leather Ergo Motion driver's seat with massage is super comfortable and features a power cushion extender and side bolsters.  The three-level heating element heats up well. The passenger seat can be opreated by buttons on the driver's side.

A new three-spoke steering wheel with enhanced grip is impeccably tailored and just beautiful with gorgeous hardware. There is a drive mode select button on the left and the Boost button on the right. A new in-cabin camera on the top of the steering wheel offers real-time driver fatigue and attention monitoring.

A key focal point continues to be the striking Crystal Sphere electronic shift dial on the floating cener console.  When the car is turned off, the sphere lights up in a blue hue. When you power the car on, it rotates and the Shift By Wire gear select appears.  Also on the center stack, there is a second dial with a handwriting pad. The console is also where you find a now horizontal wireless charging pad, climate controls for the steering wheel and front seats, brake auto hold and more.

Tech gets an update in the 2026 GV60 - gaining the 27-inch curved OLED display set up recently introduced in other models.  Part of it is the digital driver display which has several themes to choose from and the other is the ultrawide display with the multimedia system.

Together they put on quite a cohesive show. The multimedia system itself is responsive with great graphics and easy-to-swipe between screens. It's compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM. Voice command is also superb. The touchscreen also displays navigation and charging info along with a backup camera and a high-res Surround View Monitor. There is also a page that displays how electricity is being used - the percentage at any given time being sent to the drivestrain, electronics, climate and battery care. Other standard features include dual-zone climate and ambient lighting.

The second row is roomy in terms of legroom, but you loose a bit of headroom due to stadium seating. Heated Nappa leather quilted outboard seats are just as cushiony back here and passengers will certainly approve of their surroundings: a drop drown center console with small cupholders, manual rear sunshades and a wonderful single pane Vision panoramic sunroof.  High quality carpet really adds an upscale element and the seat backs are mix of soft-touch and plastic.  

A remote lift gate opens up to an cargo area with a cargo cover. You can control how fast the liftgate opens through the infotainment system. Cargo space really impressed for an SUV this size. There is also an under-storage area under the cargo floor as well as a small storage space under the clamshell hood.

Cool returning tech features include Face Connect what allows the vehicle to recognize the driver's face to lock or unlock its doors without a key and Fingerprint Authentication which allows drivers to start and drive the car without a key.  New for 2026 - Walk Away Lock, which automatically locks the doors once the driver gets a certain distance away.

Safety  

Genesis has always been a leader in driver assistance tech and some features have been upgraded for 2026. Enhanced Highway Driving Assist 2 is phenomenal! Other standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning,  Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert.

The Performance's color Head-Up Display is fantastic.  This variant is also equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, a really stellar parking system as previously tested.

Charging  

New and exciting for 2026: The GV60 has a NACS - or what I like to refer to as a Tesla - port.  You can now charge at Tesla charging stations.

Charging time is unchanged despite a bigger battery. Genesis cites a 10-80% charge time of 18 minutes using 350KW ultra-speed fast-charging. For me, charging times ranged widely including 120 kW and 69 kW.  Cost-wise it was $17 for roughly 50 (110 to 158) miles.

The GV60 also supports Vehicle to Load charging with multiple inputs of 400V/800V.

Also new as of this fall, Genesis has introduced in-app charging and plug and charge. Users can now find and pay for charging within the MyGenesis app. I used the Tesla app.

Ride and Drive

Driving dynamics are in a word SUPERB.  The GV60 Performance is sporty and fun to drive. It's sure-footed, quick on its feet, delivers great handling, responsive steering and fantastic off-the-line acceleration. The ride is luxurious and refined, and super smooth in highway driving thanks to its electronically controlled suspension with road preview. It's super quiet, too, with Active Road Cancellation. It, along with other Genesis SUVs, has a wider turning radius.  Paddle shifters on the steering wheel control three-level regenerative braking, which allows you to control the deceleration process aiding in fuel efficiency. 

Verdict  

The Genesis GV60's fantastic updates for 2026 make it an even more appealing luxury all-electric vehicle. Its luxury, design execution, craftsmanship, drive qualities and innovative technology make it feel triple figure! The Tromso Green paint is it's only option - bringing the MSRP to just over $74,020.

2026 Genesis GV60 Performance

  • What I liked most:   Beautiful interior and everything in it,  incredible driving dynamics. 
  • What I would change:   I'd love a microsuede headliner.
  • MSRP: Base price $71,875. As equipped: $74,020.
  • Official Color:  Tromso Green ($650).
  • Fuel Economy:  97 mpge city/  83 mpge highway/ 90 mpge combined.
  • Fuel Tank Capacity:  N/A. Charge port on passenger side.
  • Range: 252 miles.
  • Odometer reading when tested: 1,797 miles.
  • Weight: 4,896 pounds curb.
  • Spare Tire:   Tire mobility kit.  
  • Length-Width-Height:  178.9” long/74.4” wide/62.4” high.
  • Towing Capacity:  2,000 pounds.
  • 2026 Genesis GV60: An exceptional all-electric small crossover at the forefront of innovation and a beauty inside and out! 
  • Warranty:  5 years or 60,000 miles Limited;  10 years or 100,000 miles Powertrain; 3 years or 36,000 miles complimentary maintenance.
  • Final Assembly Location: Ulsan, Korea.
  • Manufacturers website:  Genesis

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