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2023 Genesis GV60 Review: Doesn't raise the bar high enough

Pros: Exceptional tech; distinctive interior design; ample standard features; comfy ride; hatchback versatility; bold colors Cons: A $60,000 hatchback won’t be for everyone; poor value relative to Hyundai and Kia siblings; iffy range The 2023 Genesis GV60 is the third, luxury-oriented take on the same excellent electric car platform found in the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (the Ioniq 6 will be the fourth). Given its luxury badge and market position, the GV60 raises the bar from its siblings in terms of performance, features content and interior quality. Frankly, none of the above are exactly issues for its siblings, which is perhaps the GV60Â’s greatest issue. Although impressive in a vacuum, weÂ’re not sure it raises the bar far enough, especially when its lofty price point puts it in line with a BMW i4 and other luxury-branded EVs. ThatÂ’s not to say that Genesis canÂ’t stand toe-to-toe with older luxury marques in terms of delivering actual luxury. Far from it. Its interior ambience, quality and technology can be superior. Infotainment and safety tech in particular are incredibly well executed, and are joined by novel features like facial recognition entry and fingerprint starting. Indeed, you donÂ’t need a key to get underway in a GV60. Just look at the B pillar from the outside and the door will unlock; once in the driver seat, put your finger on a spot on the center console and watch as the strange glowing orb on the center console rotates 180 degrees to reveal a rotary shift knob. ItÂ’s fancy, futuristic stuff thatÂ’ll make your friends go “oooooh.” Instead, we wonder if the typical American luxury shopper (and their friends) is going to be wowed by what is effectively a midsize hatchback that starts at $60,000 and tops out at $70,000. Genesis may market the GV60 as a “crossover,” but in person, it totally looks like a hatchback. That might be a tough sell compared to an i4 or a Tesla, and worse, it doesnÂ’t go as far on a charge as those. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Range What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The GV60 is an all-new model this year. Genesis GV60 Performance Torrent Navy interior View 36 Photos What are the GV60 interior and in-car technology like?

Best compact SUVs of 2023 and 2024

Compact SUVs are now the go-to choice for family transportation. Actually, considering how popular they are, they have clearly moved beyond only family duty. With such popularity, though, comes an awful lot of competitors, and it can be difficult to figure out which one might be the best compact SUV for you.  It's important to note that by "compact SUV" we're talking about a specific segment. As we describe in our more comprehensive "Best small SUVs" list, there are also subcompact SUVs that vary widely in size amongst themselves, but are clearly smaller than the SUVs below. Frankly, today's segment of compact SUVs isn't exactly compact — some have more cargo space than vehicles that are considered midsize based on their exterior dimensions. They've all grown considerably over the years. While many lists out there just rattle off every vehicle available in a segment, we thought we'd be a bit more helpful and curate your shopping a bit with the top-recommended choices reviewed by Autoblog. We've included both mainstream and compact luxury SUV choices. Best compact SUVs of 2023 and 2024 2024 Honda CR-V Why it stands out: Best-in-class space; excellent hybrid powertrain; sharp interior style; Honda dependabilityCould be better: No lower-price base trim levels; no sporty or off-road niche models; no plug-in hybrid Read our full 2024 Honda CR-V Review Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search, and look extra closely at the superb CR-V Hybrid option. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, strong-yet-efficient engines, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features,  and well-regarded reliability. It's easy to see why it continues to be such a best-seller: for the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, it checks every box. That's been the case for many years now, however. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V changes things up by adding a bit more style and character, particularly in terms of its interior design and how surprisingly enjoyable the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid trim levels are to drive.

Best compact SUVs of 2022

Compact SUVs are now the go-to choice for family transportation. Actually, considering how popular they are, they have clearly moved beyond only family duty. With such popularity, though, comes an awful lot of competitors, and it can be difficult to figure out which one might be the best compact SUV for you.  It's important to note that by "compact SUV" we're talking about a specific segment. As we describe in our more comprehensive "Best small SUVs" list, there are also subcompact SUVs that vary widely in size amongst themselves, but are clearly smaller than the SUVs below. Frankly, today's segment of compact SUVs isn't exactly compact — some have more cargo space than vehicles that are considered midsize based on their exterior dimensions. They've all grown considerably over the years. While many lists out there just rattle off every vehicle available in a segment, we thought we'd be a bit more helpful and curate your shopping a bit with the top-recommended choices reviewed by Autoblog. We've included both mainstream and compact luxury SUV choices. Best compact SUVs of 2023 and 2024 2024 Honda CR-V Why it stands out: Best-in-class space; excellent hybrid powertrain; sharp interior style; Honda dependabilityCould be better: No lower-price base trim levels; no sporty or off-road niche models; no plug-in hybrid Read our full 2024 Honda CR-V Review Consider the CR-V the baseline for any compact SUV search, and look extra closely at the superb CR-V Hybrid option. Objectively speaking, it's tough to beat due to its massive cargo capacity, voluminous back seat, strong-yet-efficient engines, well-balanced driving dynamics, competitive pricing and features,  and well-regarded reliability. It's easy to see why it continues to be such a best-seller: for the vast majority of compact SUV buyers, and especially families, it checks every box. That's been the case for many years now, however. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V changes things up by adding a bit more style and character, particularly in terms of its interior design and how surprisingly enjoyable the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid trim levels are to drive.

Biden says U.S. is willing to continue talks with South Korea on EV subsidy

SEOUL — President Joe Biden has expressed willingness to continue talks with South Korea over recent U.S. legislation that denies subsidies to most foreign makers of electric vehicles (EVs), an official from Yoon's office said on Wednesday. Biden gave the assurance in a letter to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who had asked the U.S. president last month for help to allay Seoul's concerns that the new U.S. rules would hurt South Korea's automakers. "We assess that President Biden reaffirmed his understanding of our concerns through a personally signed letter .... it shows Biden's willingness to be considerate towards South Korean companies in the future," the official said. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by Biden in August, requires EVs assembled in North America to qualify for tax credits in the United States, but excluded Hyundai Motor Co and its affiliate Kia Corp from EV subsidies, as they do not yet make the vehicles there. As a result, only about 20 EVs qualify for subsidies under the new rules. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Government/Legal Green Genesis Hyundai Kia EV tax credit

U.S. VP Harris pledges to consult S. Korea over EV subsidy concerns

TOKYO/SEOUL — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris told South Korea's prime minister on Tuesday that Washington will work to address Seoul's concerns over recently enacted electric vehicle (EV) subsidies that could disadvantage Asian automakers. The $430 billion "Inflation Reduction Act" bill enacted in August includes a host of U.S. President Joe Biden's priorities, including investments to roll back climate change and make Washington a world leader in the EV market. Among the law's provisions are requirements that EVs be assembled in North America to qualify for tax credits. The law also ends subsidies for other EV models and requires that a percentage of critical minerals used in those cars' batteries come from the United States or an American free-trade partner. Harris, visiting Japan, met with South Korea's Han Duck-soo and "underscored that she understood (Korean) concerns regarding the Act's tax incentives for electric vehicles, and they pledged to continue to consult as the law is implemented," the White House said. A senior Biden administration official said extensive conversations have already taken place within the U.S. government over how to address South Korea's concerns. "She listened very carefully and made clear our commitment to work within the U.S. government — the U.S. Trade Representative, the Treasury Department — as we look ... to help address that issue," the official said. Biden has sought to deepen business with South Korea as part of a bid to increase U.S. manufacturing jobs and build a united front against China, who he views as the country's key ideological and economic competitor. Korean officials see the new requirements as a betrayal after South Korean companies agreed to make major investments and build factories in the United States. Heavily industrialized South Korea worries the new subsidies will set back Hyundai Motor Co and its affiliate Kia Corp in the world's largest consumer market. Cars are South Korea's third-largest export. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Tokyo, and Soo-hyang Choi and Joyce Lee in Seoul; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Kim Coghill) Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Government/Legal Green Plants/Manufacturing Genesis Hyundai Kia Electric South Korea

Best luxury SUVs of 2022 and 2023

Once upon a time, the idea of a luxury SUV meant a Range Rover, and even that was pretty agricultural by modern standards. Then Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ford Explorers started offering fancy, range-topping versions followed soon by Lexus, BMW and Mercedes dipping their toes in the water. And then the floodgates opened. Today, there is a staggering number of luxury SUVs available in every shape, size and price point. There are electric luxury SUVs like the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, as well as gas-swilling, high-performance SUVs like the BMW X5 M and Cadillac Escalade V. Sports car makers Porsche, Aston Martin and Lamborghini have even dived in.  But of this great many, which are the best luxury SUVs? We sat down, scoured our reviews, took some votes, had some discussions and came up with the luxury SUVs we view as the best. They are listed alphabetically within the six segments listed below.  Best Subcompact Luxury SUV   |   Best Compact Luxury SUV   |   Best Midsize Luxury SUV (Two-Row) Best Midsize Luxury SUV (Three-Row)   |   Best Flagship Luxury SUV (Two-Row)   |   Best Flagship Luxury SUV (Three-Row)  Best subcompact luxury SUVs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Why it stands out: Outstanding space and versatility; legit luxury interior; amusing GLB 35 versionCould be better: Overwhelming and confusing tech interface Most subcompact luxury SUVs are a dubious value, with cramped interiors of marginal quality and unrefined driving dynamics. You'd be much better off paying less money for a loaded, non-luxury compact SUV. The Mercedes GLB is different, though. Its boxy design provides space few other subcompact SUV can match (luxury or otherwise), while its cabin design and feature content are in keeping with pricier Mercedes models. The quality's not exactly up to GLC standards, nor is driving refinement, but the difference is appropriate for how much you're saving and still perfectly acceptable. There's nothing dubious about buying a GLB.     Volvo XC40 Why it stands out: More features for the money; spacious and versatile interior; distinctive design; electric versionCould be better: Fuel-efficient base engine only available with FWD Most subcompact luxury models feel a bit like cheap knockoffs of their bigger, pricier brand mates. The XC40, by contrast, is a break from the Volvo norm in a good way.

S. Korea to raise concerns about EV credits, battery sourcing in U.S. visit

SEOUL — South Korean officials will meet U.S. counterparts this week to express "concerns" about the Inflation Reduction Act, which restricts who can receive U.S. subsidies for the production of electric vehicles and where firms can source battery materials. President Joe Biden signed into law this month a $430 billion bill, seen as the biggest climate package in U.S. history. The law requires that EVs be assembled in North America to qualify for tax credits, ending subsidies for several EV models, and that a percentage of critical minerals used in batteries come from the United States or an American free-trade partner. Automakers like Hyundai Motor face short-term competitive disadvantage to manufacturers of EVs that receive tax credits in the United States, while industry sources said Korean battery makers must make changes to mineral sourcing routes, which could affect cost adversely. South Korean officials are expected to tell counterparts from the U.S. Trade Representative's office and the U.S. Treasury that the new law may violate trade norms such as the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement and the WTO agreement, the industry ministry said. Korean automakers will consider adjusting production plans to prioritize the construction of U.S. plants for example, the ministry said, while battery makers will seek to diversify where they source minerals from. Under new rules to kick in next year, at least 40% of the monetary value of the critical minerals in batteries will need to come from the United States or an American free-trade partner, with that proportion rising to 80% by 2027. Globally, the treatment of some 58% of lithium, 64% of cobalt and 70% of graphite goes through China, according to ministry data. FALLOUT The new rules are a major complication for battery makers LG Energy Solution (LGES), SK On and Samsung SDI, battery industry sources said. South Korea's LGES supplies Tesla and General Motors, while SK On and Samsung SDI supply Ford Motor and Volkswagen among others. The three battery makers together command more than a quarter of the global EV battery market, according to SNE Research. "It's become a huge headache ... Automaker clients said they didn't expect this new law would take effect this soon," said a South Korean battery industry source.

2023 Electrified Genesis G80 priced at $80,920

Genesis' path to an all-electric future takes another step with pricing announced for the 2023 Electrified Genesis G80. The surcharge for battery-powered motivation over internal combustion is in line with what we've seen from other luxury makers, the South Korean automaker setting MSRP for the electric sedan at $80,920 after the $1,095 destination charge. That's about $8,100 above the MSRP of a 2023 G80 3.5T AWD with the top of the line Sport Prestige Package. The Electrified G80 makes 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from its two motors, the 87.2-kWh battery able to power an automaker-estimated range of 285 miles. The standard G80 3.5T Sport makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The electric version's additional 552 pounds of curb weight over the ICE model make it just 0.6-second faster to 60 miles per hour.   There's one trim and it's fully loaded. About the only way to add to the price will be to spec a metallic or pearl exterior paint for $575 or a matte paint for $1,500. Spotters can tell any EV variant from the ICE variant by the solid G-matrix Crest Grille on the electric car, the 19-inch turbine-style wheels, and the rear bumper bereft of exhaust tips. Some buyers will also choose the exclusive appointments that can be tells. Outside, that's Matira Blue paint, named after a beach on Bora Bora. Inside, the options sheet contains an exclusive Dark Lagoon and Glacier White interior treatment and forged wood trim.  Owners will get free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America for the first three years of ownership. Rapid charging at 350 kW can take the pack from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes under ideal conditions. For the time being, Genesis says our market will not get the solar panoramic roof offered in internationally. The Electrified G80 joins the GV60 at select Genesis dealerships in four states: California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. The automaker will add retail locations in four more states in September: Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Washington. For best results, shoppers should sign up for a Genesis concierge who can pair them with the most appropriate retailer. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept interior revealed at Pebble Beach

The Genesis X Concept began as an internal design exercise. When the automaker showed it to the public in April, acclaim convinced Genesis to turn the in-house exercise into an ongoing public exploration; so what began as a big battery-electric coupe has morphed into a fastback grand tourer that now has an interior that is equal parts sumptuous and minimal. The automaker showed the concept cabin during Monterey Car Week, the design hinging on the same "luxury of white space" ethos the brand creates its standalone dealerships around — strong design elements given room to assert themselves in a restrained, luxuriant background. It's effectively an evolution of the interior in the X Concept coupe, which itself advanced the design from the Genesis Essential Concept. Instead of the deep chestnut leather seats and instrument panel contrasted with black leather in the X, the X Speedium cabin is mainly done up in Monterey Gold leather. A new flourish here is having the driver's seat, instrument panel, and center console element curving around the driver lashed up in Pinegrove Green. The green hue plays on the fastback's Inje Green exterior color, named for the Inje Speedium track in Korea, and the tree-covered mountains surrounding the track.   The heavily driver-centric layout has been transcribed from the X Concept. The gauge cluster is a compact, curved OLED display, accompanied by a vertically-oriented display in the center console angled toward the driver for controlling the infotainment. That's it. Everyone else should be prepared to entertain themselves. The rear passengers do get it better here than in the earlier X Concept, though, with defined, quilted leather seating instead of the former's contoured bench. And everyone benefits from the obligatory fancy audio system developed with sound designer Guk-il Yu featuring aluminum tweeters. It's possible we'll see elements make their way into Genesis production vehicles. Designer Luc Donckerwolke said, "This isnÂ’t a show car — itÂ’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates GenesisÂ’ DNA," and, "This car is an open-door moment in GenesisÂ’ journey towards our future EV design." We'd be happy to open the door of a future Genesis that looks like this inside. If it looks like this or the X Concept outside, all the better. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2023 Genesis G90 starts at $89,495, comes loaded

The 2023 Genesis G90 has a price, the Korean automaker announcing buyers will pay an MSRP of $89,495 after destination for the privilege of owning the all-new second-generation sedan in base form. The two-trim lineup starts with the 3.5T AWD, powered by a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. That's a little more than $10,000 pricier than the 2022 G90 3.3.T with all-wheel drive, which was powered by a 3.3-liter V6 making 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. The extra money helps pay for extra features, Genesis loading the entry-level car with heaps of modern conveniences.  The feature list includes camera-based road-reading suspension and larger, 20-inch wheels; power closing doors; Bang & Olufsen stereo; and an ample driver assistance and safety suite. The G90 range picks up Genesis Digital Key 2, which can open the doors and start the car via a compatible Apple iPhone, Apple Watch or Samsung phone; that key can also be shared with others. The Mood Curator feature, new to the Genesis lineup, adjusts the sound system, ambient lighting, massage seats, fragrance system and electric window curtains to create one of four moods in the cabin.   The second trim is the G90 3.5T E-SC AWD with an upgraded engine, starting at $99,795 after destination. The same V6 gets assistance from a 48-volt electric supercharger, upping output to 409 hp and 405 lb-ft. It's the replacement for the previous model's 5.0-liter V8 making 420 hp and 383 lb-ft. The standard kit grows to include a multi-chamber air suspension and 21-inch wheels, rear wheel steering, easy close power doors, rear-passenger massage seats with memory, wireless device charging for the rear occupants and Virtual Venues Live sound profiles for the 26-speaker B&O 3D Premium Audio system. This recreates acoustic characteristics from performance venues around the world such as Boston Symphony Hall.   Despite the price increases, the 2023 G90 still comes in under the competition. The 2022 Audi A8 is the closest price-wise at $87,595 for the entry-level sedan, powered by a 3.0-liter V6 making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft and sitting on 19-inch wheels. By the time you've added the $3,400 Executive Package with items like a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control, and the $3,400 Comfort Plus Package with items like a head-up display and heated rear seats — this package requiring the $3,250 Valcona Leather Interior Package for another $3,250, the calculator's run up to $94,245.