The luxury SUV market is fiercely competitive, with established giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi vying for the top spot. But a new contender has emerged, challenging the status quo and turning heads: the Genesis GV80. Is the GV80 just another pretender to the throne, or does it genuinely offer a luxury experience that can rival, or even surpass, its esteemed European counterparts? We delve into this question to bring you a comprehensive Gv80 Review.
Genesis GV80 profile view
Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, has consistently impressed with its lineup of beautifully designed and well-equipped vehicles. The GV80 SUV is no exception, embodying the brand’s commitment to luxury, style, and value. For those shopping for a luxury SUV that delivers on all fronts without breaking the bank, the Genesis GV80 warrants serious consideration. In fact, for many, the GV80 may eliminate the need to look any further.
Comparing the GV80 to the BMW XM, it’s striking how much luxury and performance Genesis offers at a significantly lower price point. While the XM sits at the ultra-high end of the luxury SUV spectrum, the GV80 provides a comparable level of opulence and capability for less than half the cost. This value proposition alone makes the GV80 a compelling choice.
Genesis GV80 rear quarter view
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the GV80 boasts a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This robust powertrain, coupled with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), ensures confident performance in various driving conditions. The GV80 is not just about straight-line speed; it also offers a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, adding to its versatility. Independent tests by publications like Car and Driver have clocked the GV80’s 0-60 mph acceleration at a brisk 5.7 seconds, reaffirming its sporty credentials.
While the GV80 might not feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain or the extravagant diamond-patterned roof liner with ambient lighting found in some ultra-luxury SUVs, it prioritizes substance and value. With a starting price of around $81,300 for the top-tier model tested, compared to the BMW XM’s staggering $191,000, the GV80 presents an undeniable value proposition. The savings could even allow for the addition of a fun weekend car, like a Mazda Miata, alongside your luxurious and capable SUV.
Striking Design: Exterior and Interior
The Genesis GV80’s design is a masterclass in modern luxury aesthetics. It exudes sophistication and elegance both inside and out, further solidifying Genesis’s brand identity. The signature twin-bar headlight and taillight design, a hallmark of the Genesis brand, is prominently featured, creating a recognizable and premium visual signature, much like the iconic grille of Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the past. These design elements are not trendy but timeless, suggesting a design that will age gracefully.
Genesis GV80 front grille and hood
The GV80’s roofline is elegantly sloped, giving it a dynamic and coupe-like silhouette. The newly designed grille is a standout feature, resembling fine jewelry with its intricate, multi-faceted surface. The test vehicle was finished in Storr Green, a deep, dark, and sparkling premium paint option, adding further to its allure. While white is the standard color, Genesis, like many luxury brands, offers a range of premium paint options to cater to individual tastes. It’s worth noting that Genesis offers both glossy and matte paint finishes, with matte finishes requiring hand washing for optimal maintenance.
Driving Experience: Ride, Handling, and Comfort
Power delivery in the GV80 is remarkably smooth and refined, thanks to the well-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine’s responsiveness is readily apparent when needed, yet it maintains a composed and luxurious demeanor during everyday driving. Multiple drive modes, including Sport, Snow, and Comfort, allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics to suit various conditions and preferences.
Genesis GV80 front left side view
The GV80’s handling strikes a balance between luxury and agility. The steering has a reassuring weight, characteristic of a luxury SUV, but it remains nimble enough for spirited driving on winding roads. More importantly for daily driving and passenger comfort, the GV80 excels in ride quality. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a composed and comfortable ride, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces. This is a key area where the GV80 arguably surpasses the firmer ride of some competitors, like the BMW XM. While both offer standard AWD for enhanced winter capability, neither is primarily designed for serious off-roading.
Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
The 2025 GV80 interior is a sanctuary of luxury and technology. The centerpiece is the expansive 27-inch dual-screen touchscreen display, a modern and elegant integration of infotainment and driver information. The test vehicle featured a sophisticated Earth Brown leather interior with a suede roof liner, further enhancing the premium ambiance.
Genesis GV80 interior with dual screen display
The cabin is adorned with quilted diamond-patterned leather seats with contrasting piping, and the dashboard and door panels are wrapped in a gunmetal gray leather-like material with refined gray stitching. Quilted brown leather door inserts add warmth and contribute to the cabin’s exceptional sound insulation. White hash-marked wood trim accents on the dash and doors brighten the interior and add a touch of modern sophistication. Satin chrome trim details on the console and door releases further elevate the interior’s premium feel. A high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system is standard on the top-tier 3.5T Prestige model, providing an immersive audio experience.
Genesis GV80 dashboard and infotainment screen
The curved dual-screen display is intuitive and user-friendly, offering both touchscreen functionality and a rotary controller on the center console. While the rotary dial provides an alternative control method, its similarity in size and placement to the gear selector dial can cause momentary confusion. A minor adjustment in size or positioning could further refine the user experience. Beyond this minor ergonomic point, the GV80’s interior is exceptionally well-executed, offering a harmonious blend of comfort, luxury, and user-friendly technology.
The seats are meticulously sculpted, offering excellent support and comfort. In Sport mode, the driver’s seat bolsters automatically adjust to provide enhanced lateral support. Numerous seat adjustments, including a power-extendable lower cushion for taller drivers and passenger seat controls accessible from the driver’s seat, showcase Genesis’s attention to detail and passenger comfort.
Genesis GV80 rear seats and sunroofs
Rear passengers are treated to ample space, and the rear seats are power-folding, controllable via buttons on the seat sides or within the power-operated rear hatch. The GV80 offers substantial cargo capacity, with 37 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Both front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel and center armrest are also heated, ensuring year-round comfort.
Genesis GV80 center console and controls
Additional interior features include a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, wireless phone charging, tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and dual sunroofs with synchronized sunshades.
Safety and Technology
The GV80 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Genesis also offers an advanced semi-autonomous driving system that learns and adapts to the driver’s driving style, further enhancing safety and convenience.
Fuel Economy and Pricing
Fuel economy for the GV80 3.5T is EPA-rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, typical for a vehicle of its size and performance. Real-world testing yielded around 19.2 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
Genesis GV80 rear taillights and exhaust
The GV80 lineup starts with the 2.5T model, featuring a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, priced from $59,050 including destination. The 2.5T models are available in various trims, topping out with the Prestige trim at $71,800. The 3.5T models, equipped with the more powerful V6 engine, start with the Advanced trim at $75,150, culminating in the Prestige trim at $80,650. The test vehicle, a 3.5T Prestige with premium paint, reached a final price of $81,300. It’s important to note that the 2.5T models are two-row SUVs, while the optional third row is exclusive to the 3.5T models.
Genesis continues to offer an industry-leading warranty, including 5 years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Additionally, Genesis provides 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, map updates, connected services, and valet/loaner car service, further enhancing the ownership experience.
Competition and Conclusion
The Genesis GV80 competes with established luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne, often offering comparable features and performance at a more accessible price point.
Genesis GV80 rear hatch and cargo area
In conclusion, the Genesis GV80 is a compelling luxury SUV that delivers on multiple fronts. Its striking design, powerful engine, refined driving dynamics, luxurious interior, and exceptional value proposition make it a standout contender in the segment. For buyers seeking a debonair and well-rounded luxury SUV, the Genesis GV80 is undoubtedly a winner and a serious alternative to its more expensive European rivals.
Genesis GV80 rear left side view
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD – Fast Stats
Hits: Stunning aesthetics, smooth and potent power, agile handling, superb ride comfort, versatile drive modes, AWD capability. Luxurious and quiet cabin, heated/ventilated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and console armrest, dual sunroofs, wireless charging, comprehensive safety suite, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, expansive infotainment screen, generous cargo space, ambient lighting, power-adjustable driver’s seat cushion, power rear seat controls, exceptional warranty coverage.
Misses: Rotary shifter dial is similar in shape and size to the infotainment control dial, potentially causing confusion.
Made in: Ulsan, South Korea
Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, 375 hp/391 lb-ft torque
Genesis GV80 seat controls and adjustments
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Weight: 5,115 lbs
Wheelbase: 116.3 inches
Length: 194.7 inches
Cargo Capacity: 37-84 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs
Fuel Economy (EPA): 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Fuel Economy (Tested): 19.2 mpg
Base Price: $80,650 (including destination)
Invoice Price: $76,686
Options: Storr Green paint, $650
Price as Tested: $81,300
Source: Genesis, www.kbb.com
Photos: Mark Savage
