Genesis has quickly become a standout player in the luxury automotive market, blending sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier performance in their vehicles. The GV70, their compact luxury SUV, has been a favorite since its debut, and Genesis isn’t resting on its laurels.
For the 2026 model year, Genesis is rolling out an updated GV70 that introduces a refined exterior, a tech-filled interior, and exciting performance upgrades. But how does the 2026 GV70 compare to the 2025 GV70? Let’s dive into the details and explore what’s new, what’s better, and why the 2026 model is worth waiting for.
1. Exterior Refinements: A Fresh New Look
Genesis has taken an already striking design and made it even more captivating with some key updates.
Revised Front Fascia and Grille
The 2026 GV70 features a newly designed front grille with a dual-weave mesh pattern, giving it a more aggressive yet refined look. This updated grille pairs with wider air intakes that enhance the SUV’s athletic stance. Compared to the 2025 model’s diamond-pattern grille, this new design emphasizes sophistication while improving aerodynamics.
Sleek New Headlights and Taillights
Lighting is a signature element for Genesis, and the 2026 GV70 brings an evolution of its iconic two-line motif. The updated split LED headlights and taillights now feature a sharper, more futuristic look. These lights aren’t just for aesthetics—they improve visibility and safety as well.
New Wheel Designs and Color Options
To further set the 2026 GV70 apart, Genesis is offering new 19-inch and 21-inch wheel designs that add a sporty flair. Additionally, the new Ceres Blue color option joins the palette, providing another stylish choice for discerning buyers. The 2025 GV70 already offered a strong selection of colors, but this new addition gives the 2026 model an edge.
2. Interior Innovation: Luxury Meets Technology
If the exterior changes are impressive, the interior upgrades of the 2026 GV70 take things to the next level.
Massive 27.0-Inch OLED Display
The most noticeable interior upgrade is the introduction of a 27.0-inch OLED screen that seamlessly integrates the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. This expansive screen stretches across the dashboard, offering crystal-clear graphics and an intuitive interface that makes accessing vehicle controls, navigation, and entertainment features easier than ever.
In comparison, the 2025 GV70 featured a 14.5-inch infotainment system and a separate 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. While those displays were impressive in their own right, the single OLED display in the 2026 GV70 creates a more immersive and futuristic driving experience.
Upgraded Center Console and Controls
Genesis has reconfigured the center console for better ergonomics and ease of use. The gear selector and infotainment knob now have distinct shapes and spacing, reducing the likelihood of accidentally selecting the wrong control. This subtle but impactful change addresses one of the few complaints about the 2025 GV70’s console layout.
New Bang & Olufsen Audio System
For audiophiles, the 2026 GV70 delivers an elevated listening experience thanks to the addition of a Bang & Olufsen sound system. This system not only offers exceptional sound quality but also synchronizes with the ambient lighting to create a multi-sensory environment that enhances every drive. The 2025 GV70’s Lexicon system was already excellent, but this upgrade puts the 2026 model in a league of its own.
3. Electrified GV70: Enhanced EV Performance and Range
Genesis is also making significant strides in the electrified version of the GV70. The 2026 Electrified GV70 offers several enhancements that make it a more compelling choice for electric SUV enthusiasts.
Increased Battery Capacity and Range
The 2026 Electrified GV70 features an upgraded 84.0 kWh battery pack, a noticeable improvement over the 77.4 kWh battery in the 2025 model. While official range estimates haven’t been released yet, this increase in battery size is expected to extend the vehicle’s driving range, giving owners more confidence on longer journeys.
NACS Charging Port for Tesla Supercharger Access
In a move that opens up more charging options, the 2026 Electrified GV70 adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This means owners will now have access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network in addition to other public charging stations. A Combined Charging System (CCS) adapter will also be included, ensuring compatibility across different networks.
4. Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Upgrades
Genesis has always prioritized safety, and the 2026 GV70 includes several improvements in its suite of driver assistance technologies.
Enhanced Lane-Keeping Assistance and Driver Monitoring
The lane-keeping assistance system has been fine-tuned for greater accuracy, providing smoother steering inputs to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Additionally, the driver monitoring system now offers improved facial recognition technology to detect fatigue and distraction more effectively.
More Intelligent Voice Recognition System
The voice recognition system in the 2026 GV70 has been upgraded to understand natural language commands with greater accuracy. Whether it’s adjusting the climate control, navigating to a destination, or even controlling infotainment settings, the improved AI makes interacting with the system smoother and more intuitive.
Upgraded Remote Smart Parking Assist
The Remote Smart Parking Assist system now supports diagonal parking spaces in addition to parallel and perpendicular spaces. This feature allows drivers to park the vehicle remotely using their key fob, a convenient addition that makes tight parking situations much easier to navigate.
5. Terrain Mode: Conquering All Conditions
For drivers who love venturing off the beaten path, the 2026 GV70 introduces a new Terrain Mode that adapts to various driving conditions. With settings optimized for snow, mud, and sand, the GV70 now offers greater versatility and confidence in challenging environments. While the 2025 GV70 offered all-wheel drive and some off-road capabilities, the 2026 model takes it a step further by providing specialized driving modes tailored to specific terrains.
6. Performance Tweaks for an Even Smoother Ride
While the 2025 GV70 already delivered a thrilling driving experience, Genesis has fine-tuned the 2026 model’s suspension and steering systems for even better ride quality. The updated adaptive suspension system provides a more composed ride by adjusting damping in real-time based on road conditions. Additionally, the steering system has been recalibrated to deliver more precise feedback and a sharper response.
7. Pricing and Availability: What to Expect
Though official pricing for the 2026 GV70 has not been announced, it’s expected that the new model will see a slight price increase compared to the 2025 version. With all the additional features and enhancements, this modest bump in price feels justified. The 2026 GV70 and Electrified GV70 are slated to arrive at dealerships in late 2025, with pre-orders likely opening several months prior.
Final Verdict: Is the 2026 GV70 Worth the Upgrade?
Absolutely. The 2026 Genesis GV70 takes everything that made the 2025 model exceptional and improves upon it in meaningful ways. From the eye-catching exterior updates and cutting-edge interior technology to the enhanced safety systems and expanded EV capabilities, the 2026 GV70 raises the bar in the luxury SUV segment.
Whether you’re considering a gas-powered GV70 or the Electrified GV70, the 2026 version offers a more refined and future-ready driving experience. For current GV70 owners, the upgrades may be enticing enough to consider trading up, while new buyers will be stepping into one of the most advanced SUVs Genesis has ever produced.
