Recently, automakers have been cutting their losses on electric vehicles. They are canceling upcoming models, revising their once righteous declaration to an all-electric future, and generally eating a Denny’s Grand Slam–sized serving of egg on their face.
Ford canceled the all-electric F-150 Lightning, reporting a $13 billion loss since 2023. Stellantis reported a $26.3 billion hit in 2025. Honda recently announced it is canceling three electric vehicles and taking a $15.7 billion bath, resulting in its first annual loss in 70 years.
That’s what can happen when automakers put too many eggs in one basket. The issue isn’t that people don’t want to buy an EV; automakers simply overestimated the size of the market. A global pandemic affecting supply chains, along with tariffs, didn’t help matters either. Murphy’s Law seems to be throwing the book at EVs, but there are still over 70 electric vehicles for sale in the United States market, including the 2026 Genesis GV60.
Style over substance? Not quite
While some automakers scale back their electric ambitions, Genesis is refining them. The GV60 stands out as a compact luxury EV that delivers comfort and design. (Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle)
The GV60 is an all-electric SUV that emphasizes style and lays it on thick like hot fudge on a sundae. The model shown in this review is the Premier GV60 Performance AWD.
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Engine: Dual electric motors
Battery: 84.0 kWh
0 to 60: 4 seconds (Boost Mode)
Starting price: $52,525 (RWD)
Price as shown: $74,020 (Performance AWD)
This is the smallest model in the Genesis SUV lineup. Its size is endearing, but I wouldn’t call it compact. Its short wheelbase makes it easy to find a parking space without sacrificing legroom. The exterior design reminded me of a wasp, with its signature double-line LED headlamps, 3D-sculpted front bumper, and stinger-tipped rear spoiler. It’s a charming design complemented by the optional Tromso Green ($650) exterior color, shown in photos, and it stands out in a parking lot full of gunmetal gray and white SUVs.
A crystal ball and a quiet cabin
The interior is where Genesis shows off its best work, with Nappa leather upholstery as standard on the GV60 Performance, dressed in the must-recommend Aqua green. One highlight of this electric SUV is the crystal sphere on the center console. When you step into the driver’s seat, the laser-engraved sphere greets you with a beam of ambient lighting. Press the start button, and the sphere moves like a secret bookcase, or the license plate on James Bond’s Aston Martin, to reveal the car’s rotary dial shifter.
While some automakers scale back their electric ambitions, Genesis is refining them. The GV60 stands out as a compact luxury EV that delivers comfort and design. (Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle)
The comfortable front seats are “Slimline.” According to Genesis, this means they are slimmed down to improve rear passenger leg room without sacrificing comfort for front passengers. I’ve always enjoyed the seats in Genesis vehicles, particularly the power-operated bolstering that hugs you in place at speeds over 75 mph or in Sport Mode. The 27-inch OLED screen houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, with plenty of analog buttons and toggle switches, including a rotary dial, for navigating the operating systems if you prefer not to touch the screen.
While some automakers scale back their electric ambitions, Genesis is refining them. The GV60 stands out as a compact luxury EV that delivers comfort and design. (Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle)
The audio is clear while driving because Genesis uses Available Active Noise Control to prevent the roar of the outside world from disturbing the tranquility of your personal space. You can also program the Genesis to turn itself on using an embedded fingerprint scanner located on the center console.
Fast on paper, calm on pavement
The GV60’s powertrain starts with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, making 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. GV60 models with AWD use two electric motors to power all four wheels, delivering a combined output of 314 hp and 446 lb.-ft. of torque. The GV60 Performance kicks it up a notch, generating 429 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. More still, the Performance includes a button on the steering wheel labeled “Boost,” which can increase power output to 483 hp for special occasions when you want to sprint from zero to 60 in four seconds.
Yet, the Genesis rides so smoothly that you rarely want to go fast. The electronically controlled suspension is constantly scanning the road to prepare for any upcoming bumps, ruts or bends and absorbs the vibrations before you feel them in your lumbar. The result is a ride quality that floats like a Cadillac from the disco era.
While some automakers scale back their electric ambitions, Genesis is refining them. The GV60 stands out as a compact luxury EV that delivers comfort and design. (Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle)
Battery range depends on the number of electric motors. On the GV60, the estimated range is 250 to 300 miles; on the GV60 Performance, it’s 252 miles. When I charged to 100%, I saw a range as high as 270 miles. But with EVs, range is directly affected not just by how you drive but by what you have turned on while driving. On a hot day with temperatures over 90 degrees, I noticed the range dropped by 40 miles when the AC was on. Graciously, the GV60 offers an option to supply cool, refreshing air for the driver only when riding solo to conserve energy.
Moreover, the SUV comes with a case full of adapters for different charging stations, like Tesla’s network of superchargers. I tried using a Tesla supercharger, but they wanted me to download the app, create a profile, enter a credit card, and fill out what felt like an ancestry report when all I wanted was to plug in and tap a credit card.
While some automakers scale back their electric ambitions, Genesis is refining them. The GV60 stands out as a compact luxury EV that delivers comfort and design. (Jesus R. Garcia/Houston Chronicle)
When I charged the GV60 from a low battery reading of 20%, it took less than 45 minutes and cost me under $35. Not exactly the deal of a lifetime, but it’s currently cheaper than filling up my V-8 car at the time of publication.
The GV60’s driving personality falls short of being charming. I’ve stated in other reviews of Genesis vehicles that their steering feels too vague and disconnected. Electric vehicles already struggle to provide engaging feedback, so I found it hard to stay focused while driving. The throttle, brake pedal, and steering wheel gave me the same level of engagement as pressing send on a text message. As comfortable as it was to drive, it felt pointless to have over 400 horsepower.
The 2026 Genesis GV60’s pricing starts at $53,000 for the single-motor model. Expect to pay close to or over $60,000 for an AWD variant. The Performance AWD goes even further, starting at $71,000.
Realistically, the Performance GV60 isn’t worth the price of admission if you want a battery-powered sports vehicle. But if you want a battery-powered luxury SUV that can fit in tight parking garages and accommodate a young family in style, then Genesis should be on your radar.
This article originally published at 2026 Genesis GV60 is an all-electric SUV that emphasizes style with a dash of speed.
