Genesis X Gran Equator 2026 - ready to "challenge" Land Rover Defender

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

The Genesis X Gran Equator SUV is part of Genesis’ strategy to expand its SUV lineup, the brand’s chief executive said. Genesis currently has 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 full-size SUV.

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

In terms of overall appearance, the luxury Genesis X Gran Equator possesses unique design proportions rarely seen on traditional SUVs. The car has a short front end, a long hood and a narrow slanted windshield, creating a unique aerodynamic appearance.

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

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

The front bumper integrates a lighting system to support night vision, while the rear features a horizontally split trunk door, giving a minimalist yet sophisticated feel. The plastic trim details on the wheel arches and bumpers are cleverly designed, increasing durability without reducing the overall luxury.

In contrast to the modern exterior design, the interior of the X Gran Equator impresses with its nostalgic style, inspired by traditional analog clocks. Instead of a large central entertainment screen as usual, the car is equipped with four round screens placed in the middle of the dashboard.

These screens can be customized and are paired with a retro-style three-dial digital instrument cluster. The center console also goes mechanical, with a series of large toggle switches reminiscent of an airplane dashboard.

The steering wheel is integrated with many function buttons, while the gear lever and knobs are also designed large, providing a firm grip. The steering wheel is integrated with many function buttons, while the gear lever and knobs are also designed large, providing a firm grip. The X Gran Equator Concept has a 4-seat configuration.

The front seats can be rotated flexibly to create interactive space. The roof is integrated with a modular sunroof system, and many storage compartments are also arranged in a convenient modular style.

The interior materials used by Genesis are all high-end, combining leather, metal and environmentally friendly recycled materials. The sophisticated cross-stitching and striking color palette create a space that is boldly handcrafted but still modern.

Making no secret of its ambition, Genesis positions the X Gran Equator in the luxury SUV segment with an emphasis on off-road capabilities, competing with rivals such as the Land Rover Defender, Lexus GX or Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This is a segment that is considered a big challenge, requiring the car to not only possess a high-end design but also be truly durable and powerful...

Although Genesis has not yet announced details about the powertrain or chassis platform, it affirms that it has the capacity to develop this model in any configuration, from gasoline, diesel, hybrid to pure electric. Of which, the diesel and hybrid options are considered the most suitable for the operating characteristics of off-road vehicles.