The Genesis GV60 Won Another UX Award Despite Its Gimmicky Gear Shifter
The Genesis GV60 recently won a 2023 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award for the second year in a row. That’s partly thanks to its “out of this world” Crystal Sphere gear shifter. Despite that gimmicky feature, this all-electric luxury SUV boasts impressive styling and amenities. Here’s why the 2023 Genesis GV60 won for its interior and user experience.
How Wards determines which vehicles have the best interior and UX
Wards’ automotive reviewers analyze various metrics to determine the best vehicle interiors and user experience (UX). They evaluate cars with new or heavily redesigned interiors and UX technologies and compare their features. Metrics include interior design, aesthetics, comfort, fit and finish, materials, infotainment, displays, advanced driver-assistance system, and controls.
For the second consecutive year, the Genesis GV60 has won the award for its spacious, comfortable interior and intuitive user experience. The SUV’s unique tech features, including Crystal Sphere and Face Connect, helped win it that distinction.
Other Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX winners are the BMW i7, Cadillac Lyriq, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Wagoneer L, Kia Sportage Hybrid, Land Rover Range Rover, and Nissan Ariya.
The Genesis GV60’s gear shifter didn’t stop this SUV from winning a UX award
The 2023 Genesis GV60 impresses with its design, materials, and tech features. Wards notes the SUV’s tailored microsuede, aluminum, and leather. In addition to the interior materials, the rotating-orb Crystal Sphere gear selector redefines the user experience. Crystal Sphere communicates and interacts with users by changing colors through an ambient lighting system shade selection.
The manufacturer crafted the GV60’s interior with advanced technology that improves users’ experience. For instance, the GV60 uses advanced Face Connect technology instead of a physical key to lock and unlock the car. A driver only has to touch the door handle and look at the pillar with a camera for the model to authenticate that driver. No ignition key is needed, either — the car uses a fingerprint reader.
Though the Genesis GV60 has a gorgeous interior, the Crystal Sphere gear selector can be frustrating. It requires a multistep process to shift the vehicle into neutral when the SUV is off, which isn’t exactly user-friendly. Unlike most vehicles, where the driver simply presses the brake pedal and moves the gear selector to N, the GV60 requires numerous steps to switch the SUV into neutral if the ignition is off.
Here’s the step-by-step procedure:
- Press Start twice without depressing the brake pedal.
- The vehicle enters IG On mode.
- Remove the cap on the right upper side by the sphere and press the button.
- The vehicle prompts you to press the brake pedal and push the button again.
- Neutral will be engaged, and the shift selector will appear (the GV60 will remain in neutral regardless of whether you leave the vehicle).
- Press P to return to Park.
As a safety measure, the GV60 automatically shifts to Park mode when the driver’s door opens.
However, if the ignition is on, shifting the GV60 into neutral is simple: Press the brake pedal, and move the dial to N.
What else makes the 2023 Genesis GV60 an excellent luxury SUV?
Aside from the gimmicky gear shifter, the 2023 Genesis GV60 is an excellent electric SUV. With a 77.4-kWh battery pack, the GV60 Advance trim delivers 314 hp and a 248-mile range when fully charged. The Performance model also has the same battery but much more horsepower (429 hp) and slightly less range (235 miles).
According to Genesis, the GV60 Advanced starts at $59,980, while the Performance starts at $68,290.
In addition, the Genesis GV60 has a flat floor with a much larger cabin than other luxury subcompact SUVs. Cargo space is 24 cubic feet behind the rear row and 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
Even with its slightly complicated gear selector, the Genesis GV60’s interior and user experience are still impressive. This EV has a smooth ride, excellent design, and a comfortable cabin.
