Genesis GV80: Power and luxury in a premium package

Just 10 years ago, Hyundai Motor Group announced the Genesis luxury brand and launched its G90 flagship sedan. Not everyone thought that the newly aggressive South Korean automaker would succeed. The big-three German luxury marques Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were the market leaders. What’s more, nearly four decades ago, Honda launched its Acura brand, followed by Nissan’s Infiniti and Toyota’s Lexus. And America’s own Cadillac and Lincoln vehicles have served luxury buyers for more than a century.

So how many decades will it take for the Genesis brand to become established? Based on what I’ve seen in this rather short time, it’s well on its way to compete with the best. I’ve literally witnessed neighbors trade their German luxury cars for new Genesis models. And the Hyundai Motor Group retailers who have not yet built stand-alone Genesis stores might have to surrender the valuable franchise. That’s lightning speed in the historically plodding automotive market.

Of course success comes down to product and that’s where Genesis has built the right foundation. The company recruited top design, engineering and operations talent from Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini and Mercedes among others to help establish a lineup that luxury buyers would add to their shopping list. And the industry leading 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper along with 10-year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranties help establish confidence.

Our Genesis GV80, a medium to large two-row SUV depending who’s measuring, plays right in the prime battleground of the luxury utility segment and it arrived with the right attitude. The now familiar Crest Grille has smoother corner lines and is topped with a Genesis badge that incorporates Guilloché patterns more often found etched on fine watches. Daytime running lights with two lines of Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology shine on both sides and a bright chrome “skid plate” finishes the bottom, though you’re not encouraged to skid on it.

Sculptured lines and light chrome finishes sweep to the rear where the two-line design repeats in the taillights. Down below, dual exhaust pipes from the 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 are subtlety hidden in the bumper in a nod to sophistication. It’s interesting these days to see how designers deal with those old exhaust pipes. Either they’re fiercely proud and loud or tucked away from view. The Genesis team struck an interesting and elegant compromise.

Inside the plush cabin the style leans to technology with contrasting colors and etched metal along with a few natural wood veneer finishes. A 27-inch wide OLED screen sweeps across the dash from the driver to the center fascia in dramatic display but the function remains. From the driver’s quilted Napa leather seat, the important gauges are well displayed and HVAC along with infotainment are easily within reach.

The 375HP V6 connected to an eight-speed automatic was easily up to the task of moving our 5,000-pound Genesis with alacrity. The steering was nicely weighted and the four-wheel independent suspension with 22-inch alloys carrying generous 265/40 tires kept good contact with varying road surfaces. And although it’s all-wheel-drive, this is not meant for beach or off-road duty. But I’ll bet you knew that.

If you’re ready to live life in large luxury, the new GV80 is a lovely way to go about it. Other worthy players in this segment include Mercedes GLS, Porsche Cayenne and for a dark horse, the Lincoln’s Nautilus that Motor Trend picked as their SUV this year.

The Fine Print

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige
Type: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
Horsepower: 375 at 5,800 rpm
Torque: 391 lb-ft at 1,300-4,900 rpm
Base price: $79,300
As tested: $82,150
Fuel consumption: 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined

Brian Douglas has driven everything with wheels during his career in automotive technical, marketing and journalism professions. If you have a question or story to share, he can be reached at brian@autoeditor.com.