Genesis Earns Trio of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards for SUV Lineup

author: FutureCar Staff    

If a vehicle is awarded the Top Safety Pick+ accolade by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it means that the vehicle is as safe as it can be. Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai, recently received three of these awards for their sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

However, it's important to note that there is still room for improvement with the Top Safety Pick+ accolade. For example, the GV60, Genesis' first-ever electric vehicle, scored "acceptable" for the ease of use of the child seat anchors. The GV70, which is available with both internal combustion and electric propulsion, was rated "advanced" instead of "superior" for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention. The larger GV80 received an "acceptable" rating for its headlights and child seat anchors.

Despite these areas for improvement, all three of these vehicles performed well in crashworthiness evaluations. They excelled in tests such as the small overlap front crash test, moderate overlap front crash test, and side crash test. Genesis is known for offering top-notch vehicles, so it's no surprise that their GV crossovers earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. These vehicles come equipped with features like Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and at least eight standard airbags. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system is even programmed to detect cyclists and pedestrians.

The GV60 is available in limited numbers at select retailers in 23 states. The 2024 model starts at $60,550 for the Advanced version and $69,550 for the Performance AWD. While the Performance AWD offers impressive power, generating 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, its range is limited to 235 miles on the combined test cycle. The Advanced AWD also falls short in terms of range, with only 248 miles.

The US-spec GV70 and Electrified GV70 for the 2024 model year are produced by Hyundai in Alabama. These SUVs are available with different engine options, including a 2.5-liter turbo, 3.5-liter turbo, or all-electric powertrain. Pricing for the GV70 starts at $44,900.

The GV70 shares the Hyundai-Kia M3 platform with the GV80, which is the largest utility vehicle in the Genesis lineup. In February 2021, professional golfer Tiger Woods was involved in a serious crash with a GV80. Despite the vehicle rolling multiple times, Tiger survived with a fractured leg and a shattered ankle. This incident highlights the safety of the GV80 and how it protected the golfer during the accident.

FutureCar Staff