Since it was introduced in 2021, the Genesis GV70 compact SUV has become one of the South Korean luxury brand’s most popular models. So it was about due for its first refresh, and that’s what’s arrived for the 2026 model year for both the gas-engine and all-electric versions. But don’t feel bad if you gaze upon the SUVs pictured here and think “… What exactly did they change?” Despite brand representatives hyping up the new GV70 as the “next direction of Genesis design language” before the tarps came off, many of us in the audience looked at each other in confusion as soon as they were uncovered. They didn’t seem any different.
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But they are, in subtle ways. This can be best described as a mild refresh and certainly stops short of a full redesign. The biggest design changes include new headlights and taillights, new grilles and a new power-actuated charge port door for the Electrified variant (which gets a new Tesla-style North American Charging Standard port as standard equipment). There are some new wheel styles and paint colors, as well, but overall, the shape, trim and general look of the GV70 isn’t any different than the outgoing model’s. Only true brand aficionados will be able to tell it’s a new 2026 model if they passed it on the street.
The New Display
Inside, there isn’t too much difference, either, with the grand exception of the new 27-inch display panel. It combines the gauge cluster and center console multimedia display into one big, tacked-on-looking panel that frankly looks completely incongruous with the rest of the GV70’s lovely interior. The GV70 has long been known for its ellipsoid shapes and flowing lines; the big, ugly panel perched atop the dash is in keeping with the trend that a number of automakers are perpetuating (see: BMW, other Hyundai/Kia/Genesis models, some Fords and some GM products), but it’s a disappointing addition to the GV70’s otherwise beautiful cabin. A new D-shaped steering wheel is also available, but it’s flat on the bottom instead of the top, so seeing all of the new gauge display becomes an issue.
The rest of the interior is just as nice as the outgoing model’s, which has long impressed us with the tactile quality of its knobs and buttons, the material quality of its upholstery and trim, and the comfort for both front and backseat passengers. Visibility is still good, comfort is still excellent, and cargo room is perfectly adequate. The technology in the GV70 is still top notch, too, with some of the best multimedia controls on the market, especially in the luxury segment.
More Electric Capability
Some of that new technology is exclusive to the Electrified GV70, including the appearance of the Tesla-style NACS charge port, which replaces the old Combined Charging Standard-style port that had been the previous industry standard. Genesis says that the all-electric SUV will ship with this new-style port, opening up easier charging at all of Tesla’s Supercharger network stations. A new 84-kilowatt-hour battery — larger than the outgoing model’s 77.4-kWh battery — should provide for improved range for the vehicle, too. The current one is rated at 236 miles of range by the EPA, but Genesis didn’t say how far the new model can go.
The changes for the 2026 GV70 are subtle, and you might have to squint to see them. But aside from the disappointing switch to the big, soulless rectangular panel display inside, they should prove to keep the bestselling Genesis in North America as popular as ever.
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