The Genesis brand has been around nearly 10 years now, and if you still have a hard time taking them seriously as a luxury brand, the GV80 will certainly change that. Here is a midsize SUV that doesn't just match existing luxury brands in feature content - in many cases it surpasses them. In fact, the GV80 makes a compelling argument that a luxury vehicle shouldn't be determined by how much it costs, but rather how expensive it looks and feels. And with the GV80 looking much like the $200,000 Bentley Bentayga SUV, and an interior that is practically fit for a king, the GV80 hits those points squarely.
The GV80 is a mid-size SUV from Hyundai's luxury division, Genesis. It typically seats five, but a third-row seat is optional to bring seating capacity to seven passengers. It is meant to take on rivals such as Acura's MDX, Audi's Q7, BMW's X5, the Lexus RX and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. I doubt Genesis ever meant to have the GV80 be compared to a $200,000 Bentley, but doing so certainly is welcomed.
Styling of the GV80 is like that of the Genesis's flagship sedan, the G90. Just like the G90, the GV80 wears a big shield-shape grille that is bound by a quad headlight system. The front fenders sport dual vents that flow into an aggressive body and tapered rear end. The athletic look lives up to the brand's "Athletic Elegance" signature.
And elegance can be used to describe the GV80's cabin. Designers took a minimalist approach in sculpting the dash, which is highlighted by a huge touchscreen display and the abundance of high-quality materials. Even the clickable knurled rotary wheel used for the gear selector feels like a precious piece of jewelry.
For 2025, the GV80 benefits from new wheel designs, while inside, there is a new, massive 27-inch display that combines the gauge cluster and infotainment screen.
Engine options continue as before. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Optional is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. All use an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard on all GV80s.
There is a lot of technology packed into the GV80. Along with the huge touchscreen display, there is an excellent heads-up display. Safety features include 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitors - all standard on every GV80. Every GV80 also comes with wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot that can accept five devices, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services.
When it comes to luxury features, it's hard to beat the GV80. Not only are there heated-and-cooled seats for front and rear passengers, but there are also heated armrests. The second-row seats are also power controlled. The Nappa leather is super soft, and the brushed aluminum trim looks amazing. Look up and you will see a microfiber suede headliner (unless you have the panoramic sunroof open). And audio enthusiasts will appreciate the sound coming from the Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
And there is more. A Mood Curator option offers four different modes, all of which offer different settings and distinctive treatments. There are even fragrance options. Once activated, the system lifts the window shades, plays distinctive background music, turns on the LED ambient lighting, and sprays the aroma. It even activates the massage seats and reclines them to simulate the type of treatment available in a lounge. The GV80 will make you feel like royalty.
There are no fewer than seven trim levels available but being that all come with the 27-inch infotainment screen, navigation, wireless phone charging and a power liftgate, much of it comes down to how much power you need (or want) and how many people you want to carry. The 2.5 turbo comes in five trim levels and all seat five by way of two rows of seats. The more powerful engine is in the top two trim levels and gets a third row seat and the ability to carry seven passengers. And while I am a big fan of the extra power provided by the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, there is nothing wrong with going with the smaller 2.5 liter turbo engine.
The tester, a top-of-the-line GV80 3.5T Prestige, carries an MSRP of $82,150.00.
Like the Genesis G90 sedan, the GV80 has some solid road-going manners. Its emphasis is more on luxury than sport, but still, it's very entertaining being in the driver's seat. The ride is comfortable and plush, yet it can feel somewhat athletic when put into sport mode and thrown into corners. And there is plenty of power from the boosted V6, where it can to 60 mph in just a few ticks over 5 seconds. But the GV80s biggest driving asset is just how quiet it is, even at highway speeds.
Pricing for the GV80 starts at $59,550 and can max out just under $83,000. That is several thousand dollars lower than that of any of its key competitors, and the Genesis offers the same, if not more, features. And while someone getting ready to plop down 200,000 big ones for a Bentley SUV probably won't be considering the GV80, for GV80 buyers, being confused for a Bentley is simply icing on the cake.