Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, is shifting its promise towards a full transition to electric vehicles within the next 10 years. However, the good news for electrification enthusiasts is that they are adopting a dual strategy that also involves hybrid vehicles. In fact, the manufacturer stated that the next-generation hybrids will not only bring efficiency and performance improvements compared to current models but will also borrow features that were previously reserved for pure electric vehicles.
Last year, Genesis global head, Mike Song, mentioned that buyers clearly prefer hybrid vehicles over pure electric vehicles, and the company has been working on new electric models to meet this demand. They have already been testing prototypes for their future hybrid vehicle lineup, which also includes Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs).
According to Manfred Harrer, a senior engineer responsible for powertrains, performance will be a key priority guiding the creation of Genesis’s next-generation electric vehicles. Harrer stated, “With my background in vehicle dynamics and performance, my latest mission is to combine Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a highly appealing performance approach.”
The upcoming EREV from Genesis is expected to be a smaller battery version of the manufacturer’s future electric vehicles, also equipped with a combustion-powered generator to extend range and charge. All these vehicles will be built on a new platform (likely shared with Hyundai and Kia), and they are expected to offer an enjoyable driving experience.
Vehicles built on the new platform will have a rear-wheel-drive bias, positively impacting the driving experience. Harrer mentioned that they are exploring different ways to improve grip levels, such as using different types of tires at the front and rear or balancing drivelines.
Hyundai recently revealed some specifications for its new hybrid system, which is likely to be used in Genesis models. One of the innovations introduced is having an integrated starter generator and hybrid traction motor inside the gearbox to enhance smoothness and reduce noise and vibrations in a transmission capable of producing up to 340 horsepower.
The hybrid system will be propelled by two combustion engines. The first one is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, combined with an electric motor, producing 329 hp and 339 lb-ft (460 Nm) of torque in the 2026 Palisade model. Hyundai notes that with the hybrid system, fuel efficiency increases by up to 45%, and power is raised by 19% compared to non-hybrid models with the same engine.
For midsize models, Hyundai will utilize a smaller 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with slightly lower torque output of up to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm). This engine has already been used in the 2025 Santa Fe model but will become more common in the coming years.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is the brand’s first hybrid with two-way vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capabilities, allowing it to power external equipment from a 1.65-kilowatt-hour battery. V2L will be a feature of all future Hyundai (and Genesis) hybrid vehicles, not just electric vehicles from the brand.
Manfred Harrer also mentioned the 600+ hp Genesis GV60 Magma, a high-performance version expected to debut later this year. This will be the first Genesis to bear the Magma designation, used for all the manufacturer’s top performance offerings. Exciting prospects lie ahead for Genesis and Hyundai, with the company stating that you will be pleased with whichever powertrain you choose.
