Starbucks Cruiser Alert: Genesis Shows Off An Overlanding Concept SUV

Overlanding has become an increasingly popular hobby as of late, and nothing signals this as much as Korean luxury brand Genesis signaling it might jump in the ring. For the New York International Auto Show, the brand just unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept, which is supposed to cater to overlanders.

Overlanding through Honduras is both exotic and dangerous.

We know what you’re thinking: is this a joke? It doesn’t appear to be, although overlanding enthusiasts might think differently.

But Genesis seems to think the integrated roof rails, 24-inch beadlock wheels and tires with skinny sidewalls, plus a split-opening tailgate means this concept is ready to hit the trails. If only overlanding were that simple.

Speaking of simple, in the official press release announcing the Genesis X Gran Equator Concept, the automaker makes sure to let everyone know the exterior and interior both sport simplified, uncluttered design. Have they never seen your average overlander geared up for a long journey?

Even more troubling are some big details that aren’t even mentioned in the press release. We get this is a concept vehicle, but if you want overlanders to get excited, you need to talk engine and especially drivetrain, along with suspension and clearance angles.

We assume this has four-wheel drive, but that’s not even mentioned in passing. Are there lockers? Locking hubs? What gear ratios does it use? What about the engine? Is it a V8? Turbo four? Electric? We don’t know because Genesis apparently didn’t think that was relevant.

Does it have an air-ride suspension? External reservoirs on the shocks? These are things that really matter for overlanding, yet they’re just not mentioned.

All that makes us suspicious that this could become one of those “overlanding” vehicles used by people who want to look cool in the Starbucks drive-through. It’s like cargo shorts for rich people who want to convince themselves they’re rugged and adventurous while shopping at Neiman Marcus.

If Genesis is serious about appealing to overlanders, it needs to study the Lexus GX and LX, along with the Land Rover Defender and other popular higher-end rigs, then try again.

Images via Genesis