Genesis GV80: A Luxurious SUV With High-End Features at an Affordable Price
Genesis GV80
Price Range: $57,700 – $81,750
Cost: The price starts from $57,700 and can go up to $81,750.
Overview
Maybe we’re being influenced by the 2024 GV80’s similarity to the Bentley Bentayga. Or maybe it’s because most luxury brands’ most popular models right now — actually, every brand’s most popular models right now — are SUVs. But the Genesis GV80 seems to us like the young brand’s most well-developed luxury product so far.
The impression left by the British design would be easy to dismiss if the GV80’s interior didn’t support it so completely. Soft leather, satin-finish metal trim, burled wood, and adjustable ambient lighting create a truly high-end feel regardless of price. Since Genesis is a part of Hyundai-Kia, the GV80’s price is several thousand dollars lower than that of any competitor. Yet the features compete with any well-known luxury brand, offering self-parking, ventilated seats in the front and back, two-tone leather, and more.
The GV80 showcases all of the impressive progress Genesis has made since evolving from a single questionable Lexus copy into a full-line brand. Learn more about the details in our Expert Rating below.
Genesis GV80 Performance 7.5/10
How does the GV80 drive?
The GV80 can be equipped with either a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine, both of which are turbocharged and have impressive power figures on paper. Our test GV80 had the larger 3.5-liter V6 engine. In our tests, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds at the Edmunds test track. That’s reasonably quick for a midsize SUV, but most competitors with six-cylinder engines are a bit faster.
Aside from the engine, the rest of the driving experience isn’t particularly notable. The brakes can respond a bit abruptly at times, the steering feels somewhat heavy even in its Comfort setting, and while the handling is not bad, most German SUVs feel tighter and more composed on winding roads. If you plan to use the GV80 mainly for highway driving, it will perform well, and these other issues will be less significant.
Genesis GV80 Comfort 8.5/10
How comfortable is the GV80?
Comfort is a crucial aspect of any luxury vehicle, and the GV80 excels in this area. One of its standout features is excellent ride comfort. All V6-equipped GV80s come with an electronically controlled suspension system that uses a forward-facing camera to read the road surface ahead and quickly adjust the suspension.
The tri-zone climate control is also noteworthy for its user-friendliness and effectiveness. Similarly, the heated and ventilated seats, standard in all but the base trim, are a significant plus. Seat comfort is solid, especially with the upgraded seats in the Prestige trim that offer additional adjustments. Genesis also does an impressive job of insulating its cabins against sound and vibrations, and the GV80 is no exception.
Genesis GV80 Interior 7.0/10
How’s the interior?
There are some hits and misses here. On one hand, the user interface is unique, looks cool, and offers different ways to interact with the infotainment system. However, the clickable knurled rotary wheel can be somewhat clunky to operate, and the screen’s inconsistent menu structure doesn’t help. This combination results in an infotainment system that is unintuitive and often distracting while driving.
The GV80 offers passenger space comparable to the average midsize SUV, with one exception: headroom is a bit tighter. Access to the optional third row is easier than in most other vehicles in this segment, but the third row itself is quite small and best suited for kids. The step-in height feels slightly higher than average, but the seat height is right at hip level for the average adult, making it relatively easy to get in and out. Visibility is good thanks to large windows and strategically placed mirrors. The optional surround-view camera is excellent and highly recommended.
Genesis GV80 Technology 8.5/10
How’s the tech?
There are plenty of advanced driver aids, most of which come standard and work very well. Genesis’ smart cruise control with Highway Driving Assist is one of the best systems in its class, even allowing for some hands-off operation when conditions permit.
The available 21-speaker premium audio system is also impressive, delivering high-quality sound. However, Genesis has taken a step back with the navigation map by omitting street names for a cleaner look, a trend we’ve also noticed in BMWs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but they are not wireless yet.
Genesis GV80 Storage 8.0/10
How’s the storage?
The GV80’s cargo area is wide and accessible. The second row has a 40/20/40-split configuration and can fold flat at the touch of a button. The power-folding/unfolding third-row seats are also one-touch. However, during our testing, we found that if the second-row seatbacks are reclined too far back, the third-row seats can get stuck halfway down during their folding cycle.
Underfloor storage in the cargo area is limited, but you can store the luggage cover here when it’s not in use. Up front, storage for personal items is better than in the average luxury SUV. However, the door pockets are small, and plugging in your phone to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto creates a mess of wires. The small extra storage area underneath the center console can be useful.
If you plan on hauling items, the GV80’s 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is respectable and sufficient for small travel trailers and recreational toys. However, some rival SUVs can tow more than 7,000 pounds.
Genesis GV80 Fuel Economy 6.0/10
How’s the fuel economy?
The GV80 with the V6 engine has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, which is slightly less efficient than competitors with V6 engines. It also isn’t as quick at accelerating the GV80 as those engines. In Edmunds’ testing, we saw 20.7 mpg on our 115-mile standardized evaluation route, indicating that the GV80 should meet its fuel economy estimates if driven with some restraint.
Genesis GV80 Value 8.0/10
Is the GV80 a good value?
While the GV80 lacks a bit of the high-end feel in some of its switchgear and trim, it gets the fundamentals right and offers many luxury features for thousands less than the competition. In terms of quality, it appears and feels like it’s a step above typical Japanese luxury SUVs but a step below the Germans.
One area where Genesis has a clear advantage is warranty coverage. Its five-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage far exceed what its competitors offer. Additionally, Genesis includes three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Genesis GV80 Wildcard 7.5/10
The GV80 features a striking design with unique elegance. While it may not appeal to everyone, it is distinctly Genesis and stands out in its class. The twin-turbo V6 is lively, and the ride is incredibly comfortable. However, despite being a pleasant mode of transportation, the GV80 is rarely thrilling.
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