Genesis X Gran Equator 2026 - Ready to Challenge Land Rover Defender

At the 2025 New York International Auto Show, Genesis – the luxury car brand under the Hyundai Group – unveiled a brand-new concept model called the X Gran Equator.

Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•28/04/2025

More than just a concept car showcasing its design, the new 2026 Genesis X Gran Equator has been confirmed as the actual development direction for a luxury off-road SUV that the South Korean brand is considering producing.

Genesis' brand director stated that the Genesis X Gran Equator SUV is part of Genesis' strategy to expand its SUV lineup. Genesis currently boasts a diverse SUV portfolio with the GV60, GV70, GV80, and GV80 Coupe models. In the second half of this year, the brand will launch the GV90 – its flagship large SUV.

If the X Gran Equator goes into production, Genesis will have a total of six SUV models from 2026, ranging from urban electric vehicles to large luxury SUVs and now expanding into the off-road SUV segment.

Overall, the luxurious Genesis X Gran Equator boasts a unique design proportion rarely seen in traditional SUVs. It features a short front end, a long hood, and a narrow, sloping windshield, creating an unusual aerodynamic appearance.

In particular, the long distance between the front axle and the edge of the hood is reminiscent of classic European luxury cars. Without a traditional front grille, the X Gran Equator is most likely a purely electric vehicle.

The new design of the Genesis X Gran Equator is a trend that many manufacturers are adopting to differentiate EVs from models using internal combustion engines. True to Genesis's signature design language, the car is equipped with two thin, parallel LED light strips at both the front and rear.

The front bumper incorporates a night vision system, while the rear features a horizontally split tailgate, creating a minimalist yet sophisticated feel. The plastic trim around the wheel arches and bumper is cleverly designed, increasing durability without compromising the overall luxurious appearance.

In contrast to its modern exterior design, the interior of the X Gran Equator impresses with its retro style, inspired by traditional analog clocks. Instead of a large central infotainment screen as is commonly seen, the car is equipped with four circular screens located in the middle of the dashboard.

These screens offer customizable display content and are paired with a retro-styled three-dial digital instrument cluster. The center console design also follows a mechanical approach, featuring a series of large toggle switches reminiscent of aircraft control panels.

The steering wheel integrates numerous function buttons, while the gear lever and rotary knobs are also designed to be large, providing a firm grip. The X Gran Equator Concept has a four-seat configuration.

The front seats can rotate flexibly to create interactive space. The roof incorporates a modular sunroof system, and numerous storage compartments are also conveniently arranged in a modular fashion.

Genesis uses only high-end interior materials, combining leather, metal, and environmentally friendly recycled materials. Exquisite diagonal stitching and a striking color palette create a space that is both handcrafted and modern.

Without concealing its ambitions, Genesis positions the X Gran Equator in the luxury SUV segment focused on off-road capability, competing with rivals such as the Land Rover Defender, Lexus GX, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This is a segment considered a major challenge, requiring vehicles to possess not only a premium design but also exceptional durability and power.

Although details about the powertrain or chassis platform have not yet been released, Genesis asserts that it has the capability to develop this model in any configuration, from gasoline, diesel, hybrid to purely electric. Of these, the diesel and hybrid options are considered the most suitable for the specific driving characteristics of an off-road vehicle.