2026 Genesis GV70 refresh—what’s actually new?
The next Genesis GV70 and Electrified version will feature subtle design changes on the grille and inside, including a new charging port for the EV.
When the updated 2026 Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70 were unveiled just days before the Los Angeles Auto Show at a Culver City, California event space, Genesis Motor North America COO Claudia Márquez called the GV70 "the most important vehicle in our portfolio."
The gas-powered version was introduced to the Hyundai luxury spinoff brand's lineup in 2021 with the Electrified GV70 arriving soon after (the 2025 model is an all-electric version with a 236-mile range on dual motors and a 77-kWh battery). The gas-powered version has two powertrain options: a 2.5L inline-four turbo gas engine with 300 horsepower a 3.5L V6 twin turbo that gets 375 horses.
Genesis senior chief designer John Krsteski spoke about the subtle nature of the GV70 refresh in an interview at the LA Auto Show. "You have to respect what you have," he said. "How do you improve on it."
The GV70 and GV80 are the Korean brand's best-selling models and as a designer he didn't want to bulldoze a model that's already working—or worse—over design the front end in the latest facelift.
"We like to think design is everything," Krsteski, a designer, said. "But there's a lot of contributing factors to the success of the car." Genesis Genesis
A design-focused upgrade both inside and out
Genesis' Krsteski spoke about the grille update, noting, "The grille mesh took on another level of depth. It draws you in." It was upgraded with double mesh and the logo placement is also different. Genesis noted a "bolder skid plate design" and redesigned front headlamps and rear turn signals.
"Our vehicles look like they’re in motion even while standing still," Krsteski said. He spoke about an accentuated athletic line on the front end, summarizing the GV70 lineup as a combination of "luxury and athleticism. "
Newly designed 19- and 21-inch tires complete the outside look. 2026 Genesis GV70.
What's inside the GV70
"The interior expresses the wild side," Krsteski said. It certain pops in the gas-powered version with bright stitching and a thick and meaty steering wheel.
A redesigned OLED display sits pretty behind the wheel with 27 inches for the infotainment and driver information system.
The GV70 comes in 10 different colors, one of which is the new Ceres Blue, which Genesis explains was inspired by the dwarf planet between Mars and Jupiter. The Electrified GV70 comes in six exterior colors and two interior colors. A dreamy constellation-like glow spans the front door panels on the EV. Genesis Genesis Genesis
Electrified GV70 updates are all about charging
For the electric version, Genesis thought about the luxury EV owner. "Why should someone have to touch the grille?" Krsteski said about the EV charging experience.
To resolve this there's a new charge port that has an electric motor to open and close it. A heater helps defrost the port in cold weather and there's a new light to find the plug in the dark.
The Electrified GV70 will only have a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port (as used at Tesla Supercharger stations), but will have a CCS adapter so drivers can charge at any public fast-charging station.
The EV will have a larger 84-kWh battery for 2026 which means more range, but those details haven't been shared yet. There's also the new Terrain Mode for driving in snow, mud or sand. 2026 Genesis GV70 + Electrified GV70.
How much will the GV70 cost? When is it available?
The 2026 GV70 and Electrified GV70 will be available at dealers some time in the first half of 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to its arrival. The 2025 GV70 starts at $45,700 while the EV version is $66,950.
The LA Auto Show runs Friday to Dec. 1 at the LA Convention Center where the upcoming GV70 models are on display at the Genesis booth. Genesis Genesis
Final thoughts
To the casual viewer, there's not much different for the 2026 update. And that's fine—this is about Genesis refining one of its key products and reigniting energy around the EV and compact SUV as they hit three years on the market. For the electric version, the updates are timely with a new charging standard (NACS) transitioning across most electric brands.
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