Tesla Model Y versus Genesis GV70 – that just sounds like the freshest drag race content right now, doesn’t it? If you’re looking to buy a luxury crossover for your family right now, you’ll probably want to watch this because it’s not just ICE vs EV but also one of the first tests of the Genesis GV70 model.
The newest Genesis and Hyundai models have somewhat struggled in drag races over the past year, especially the ones with the 2.5-liter turbo engine. They make great power but don’t want to put it down. We’ve speculated that this is because engineers didn’t want to ruin the DCT with sporty launches.
The GV70 is the smallest and thus sportiest SUV in the Genesis lineup. Technically, it competes with the Porsche Macan, and here, it’s been fitted with their biggest engine and AWD. Specifically, this gets a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo, which produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.
Permanent AWD takes care of the output split, and an 8-speed auto takes care of the gears. Motor Trend tested it at 0 to 60mph in 5.4 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 14 seconds flat at 99.2 mph. Obviously, the drag race we have here isn’t shot under the same conditions.
Meanwhile, the rival is purely electric. Now, Tesla is pretty shy with its output specs, but this Model Y Long Range is supposedly a 384 horsepower, 378 pound-foot EV with dual motors and no gearing. It’s going to be very interesting, considering this is not a Performance model, and the weights of the two are virtually identical. YouTuber Sam CarLegion shoots in Canada, where it’s still pretty cold right now.
So which is fastest, the Genesis or the Tesla?
Well, you’d expect the all-electric Tesla to be quicker and slowly begin to lose because it’s got only one gear. However, the exact opposite happens. This Model Y doesn’t have a sport mode or launch control, so the Genesis GV70 shoots ahead and pulls two car lengths.
However, the Model Y quickly gets its electric ponies in a row and pulls way ahead. It doesn’t look like this is a gearbox issue; it simply must make more power. Teslas continue to be dark horses of drag racing and it’s difficult to know how much power they actually make because of updates.
A second test run and a 30 mph roll race produce identical results. So does this mean you shouldn’t buy a Genesis GV70 3.5T? Well, we do like the way it’s designed and the interior feels more special. The red dash and sports seats are attention grabbers.
This 3.5T model starts from $53,100, but it does appear to have the $9,900 Sport Package based on the 21-inch wheels. and Nappa leather seats. The Model Y Long Range starts from $54,940 and is the current base model. You’d probably save something on gas, but let’s not kid ourselves here: markups are the real problem with these two.
