Electrified GV70

Make
Genesis
Segment
SUV

The Genesis Electrified GV70 was built with only one goal in mind: to take a slice of the Tesla Model Y's pie. And it's a rather significant chunk of the pie, as the Model Y is currently the best-selling EV available in the US. Looking at its pricing, there's no doubt that the Model Y is still a premium product, but what happens when a company better at luxury takes on the one that's the best at EVs? Who wins, and why?

When it comes to electric mobility, there's no way around Tesla's head start. But legacy manufacturers like Genesis (Hyundai) have quality and reliability on their side. Let's see which to buy and why.

Exterior Design: Simple Vs. Sophisticated

The Electrified GV70 has a slightly less aggressive bumper design than the ICE model, but it retains the signature crest grille with diamond shapes. All of the exterior lights are LED, and the EV gets model-specific alloy wheels. As a high-end car, it's also blessed with a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power tailgate. Instead of redesigning a different grille, which is standard practice in the EV world, Genesis kept the grille design but blocked it off. It now hides the charging point.

The Model Y is a Tesla. They all pretty much look the same, and the crossovers like the Model Y and Model Xare just a bit fatter. The front-end is completely blocked off since there's no ICE-era tradition to incorporate here. It also comes with LED lights, a large sunroof, and 22-inch alloys. In our book, the Genesis is far more attractive than the awkward Tesla.

Interior And Luxury: Plain Vs. Perfect

Genesis went the Marie Kondo route, keeping the climate controls, shortcut buttons, Boost mode, and drive mode selector separate. As you'd expect, the GV70 has the upper hand when it comes to quality and aesthetics. In a world where luxury interiors have become dark interchangeable sensory deprivation tanks, the South Koreans have attempted to give their customers something unique and enjoyable.

The Electrified GV70's specification hasn't been confirmed, but it will undoubtedly be on the same level as the ICE car. That means a 14.5-inch touchscreen display, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver also gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with model-specific displays for the EV model. Other convenience items include one wireless charger, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a nine-speaker sound system.

Tesla is famous for its minimalist interiors. You get some seats, cupholders, two wireless chargers, and a giant 15-inch touchscreen interface that controls nearly everything. As standard, you get 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable steering column, and wireless charging for two phones. Unfortunately, the infotainment system is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but Tesla's software is rapid and easy to understand. You do get Bluetooth connectivity, four USB-C ports, and a 14-speaker sound system, however, so you're not left wanting for much. For those transitioning to an EV for the first time, the GV70's cabin will certainly be much more liveable and luxurious, but we can understand why one might make a case for sitting in the roomy and simple Model Y.

Powertrains: Much f a Muchness

For a company just beginning its foray into EVs on a wholesale scale, Genesis is doing very well. The Electrified GV70's claimed range of 312.5 miles is just 5.5 miles short of that of the Model Y Long Range. It beats the Model Y Performance by nearly ten miles.

Brutal performance wasn't the main goal for Genesis. It just happens to be a byproduct of a powerful dual-motor setup and instant torque. Like the Tesla, the Genesis has an eAWD system, with one electric motor in the front and one in the back. In the GV70, these motors are powered by an 87.2 kWh battery pack, and the result is 365 horsepower. The Long Range Model Y has a total system output of 393 hp.

The Long Range Model Y gets from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 135 mph. Genesis claims the GV70 will get to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds using Boost Mode.

Genesis hits Tesla in the gut with its charging capabilities, but Tesla punches right back with its unbeatable Supercharger Network. A 120-kW Supercharger can add 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes. The GV70 boasts 350-kW rapid charging but has the same problem as the Porsche Taycan. There is almost zero infrastructure, but Genesis is working on it and Tesla itself could soon be of help. Using 350-kW rapid charging, the GV70's battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

If your decision is based purely on capability, you may need to find another criterion to split the difference.

Safety: Splitting More Hairs

Genesis has made all of its driver assistance systems standard across the range, so the GV70 EV will have a multi-collision brake system, forward collision-avoidance assist with front cross-traffic alert, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist with rear cross-traffic alert, vehicle exit warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, driver attention warning, auto high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, navigation-based intelligent cruise control, and lane-keep assist.

All Model 3s come standard with forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. If you pay an additional $10,000, you get Tesla's poorly-named Full Self-Driving. Tesla continues to update this autonomous driving aid, but for now, it has autonomous highway driving with automatic lane changes and auto parking. Take the fancy names out of the equation, and both manufacturers are very similar in this department.

Pricing And Verdict: The Korean Is King

Final pricing for the Electrified GV70 is not available yet, but we expect it to undercut Tesla considering its mission. Not by much, but Genesis will likely launch it at under $50,000. It's nothing more than a psychological barrier once you add metallic paint and delivery fees, but still.

That's a significant saving over the $60,990 MSRP of the Tesla Model Y, before incentives and potential gasoline savings, which Tesla likes to deduct from its MSRP. Most Tesla owners tick the Full Self-Driving box, creating an even more significant gap between the two cars.

The only real win Tesla has here is its Supercharger network when comparing apples with apples. In every other department, the Genesis looks like the car to have. To us, the Genesis Electrified GV70 takes the best of Tesla and combines it with the knowledge and ability to produce quality cars that come with decades of experience. Plus, it just looks sexier. Advantage Genesis.