Genesis’s upcoming off-road-oriented luxury SUV has been spotted testing in public for the first time, offering an early look at a vehicle that appears notably more restrained than the concept shown by the brand last year.
The model was first previewed in April 2025, when Hyundai Motor Group’s premium brand unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept at the New York International Auto Show. Genesis described the vehicle as its first “adventure vehicle concept,” aimed at bringing a more refined approach to overlanding and off-road travel. The concept featured a distinctive, minimalist design with rugged elements, including auxiliary lamps, a split-opening tailgate with integrated seating, large 24-inch wheels and prominent roof rails.
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However, footage published by automotive content creator ShortsCar shows a camouflaged Genesis test vehicle driving on public roads that looks much closer to the current Electrified GV70 than to the Gran Equator concept. The test car appears to feature modest off-road upgrades, such as increased ride height, larger tyres and revised suspension components, but lacks the more dramatic styling cues seen on the concept model.
Speculation about an off-road Genesis SUV began last year after images circulated online of a modified Electrified GV70 test vehicle fitted with off-road hardware similar to Hyundai’s XRT models, including a front tow hook and more aggressive tyres. The latest sighting has reinforced expectations that the production version may be derived from an existing Genesis SUV rather than arriving as a standalone model.
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Genesis has not confirmed powertrain details for the off-road SUV. While the closed-off grille and use of an Electrified GV70 test vehicle suggest a battery-electric configuration, the company has recently indicated it will pursue a broader mix of powertrains, including hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles, alongside fully electric models.
The off-road luxury SUV is expected to be introduced as part of Genesis’s expanding lineup as the brand marks its tenth anniversary. Industry expectations place its arrival around the 2027 model year, following the launch of the flagship GV90 and additional GV70 hybrid and EREV variants.
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It remains unclear whether the vehicle will be marketed as a distinct model or as a new off-road-focused trim of the GV70, similar to Hyundai’s approach with the Ioniq 5 XRT. Genesis has not commented on the sightings, and further details are expected closer to an official debut.