Reviewing the spec sheets and reviews of new cars from automotive experts can underscore a model’s strong suits and downsides, but nothing compares to the real-world experiences of owners of a specific car, truck or SUV. And the Genesis Electrified GV70 may have the solution to what luxury compact SUV owners dislike most about their models.

Fuel economy is the biggest complaint among luxury compact crossover owners

J.D. Power’s annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study surveys new car buyers and has them rank the overall experience of their new model in 10 categories.

These characteristics include a model’s powertrains and driving feel to interior design and its infotainment system. These comments are gathered to list what buyers in an automotive segment, or those of a particular model, like and dislike most about their cars.

The 2022 study, the most recently published version, notes the biggest complaint among compact luxury SUV buyers was their crossover’s fuel economy. Though great strides have been made to improve the efficiency of small SUVs over the last decade, models like the BMW X3 can also manage 25 combined mpg in even their most prudent trims.  

So, if fuel economy is the biggest woe in the compact luxury SUV class, is the Genesis Electrified GV70 a smart solution?

The Electrified Genesis GV70—the zero-emissions alternative

Those shopping for a smaller crossover with luxe credentials could completely erase fuel economy woes with the Electrified GV70. As the name suggests, the model is the all-electric sibling of the compact Genesis GV70, and like its stablemate, it delivers all the expected luxury, refinement, and value of the nameplate without a need to worry about fuel stops.

The Electrified GV70 is motivated by dual 160-kW electric motors delivering a total output of 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which makes it gutsier than any other non-performance variant among the internal combustion compact SUV ranks. The electric GV70 also features a Boost Mode that unlocks 483 horsepower for up to 10-second bursts.

The Electrified GV70 is almost as sprightly at the charging station. With up to 350 kW rapid charging capability, it can replenish its batteries from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, according to Genesis. That equates to about 60 miles in just five minutes of being plugged in under ideal conditions.

To boot, the Electrified GV70 is fitted with a seemingly mile-long list of standard features. Some highlights include a panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate with automatic open, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a fingerprint authentication system, 14.5-inch center display and an extensive suite of safety features and driver’s aids.

Its rear seats aren’t the most spacious among its rivals, but there’s still respectable room for those in the back, and its cargo capacity of 28.7 cubic feet is ample for most daily needs.

Is the Electrified Genesis GV70 the answer to mpg woes?

Those shopping around the luxury compact crossover class who value efficiency above all else could certainly consider the Electrified GV70 as a smart solution. But it does come with its own set of drawbacks.

The electric GV70’s range of 236 miles, according to Genesis, lacks the mileage of its closest rivals in the EV segment. That figure may be plenty for some potential owners, but others will understandably have some range concerns when a road trip is in order.

There’s also no getting around the Electrified GV70’s price. It is extremely well-equipped and its refinement is on par with any model from venerable German luxury automakers. But its $66,975 MSRP may have some willing to deal with fuel prices and lackluster fuel economy for the dollars saved at the dealer.

So, the Electrified Genesis GV70 is perhaps not the perfect solution to mpg issues among luxury small SUVs, but those who put a premium on not paying for premium fuel should certainly consider the model.