The Genesis GV80, a luxurious midsize crossover SUV, comes with options for a third row to seat seven or a sleeker, coupe-like variant designed to rival European competitors like the BMW X5 and X6, Audi Q7 and Q8, and Mercedes GLE-Class.
Praised for its blend of size, style, luxury, and value, the GV80 continues to impress despite recent price increases. With the introduction of the Coupe variant, Genesis firmly positions the GV80 alongside top German luxury brands.
DESIGN
Inside and out, this vehicle is a true beauty. With a refined rear-wheel-drive stance, sleek trim lines, and sophisticated detailing, it’s dressed to impress. The interior follows suit with eye-catching color options, premium materials, and seamless technology integration, creating a space that feels both luxurious and modern.
For 2025, the GV80’s design gets a refresh, but its core aesthetics remain unchanged—and that’s a good thing. The bold shield grille has been enhanced, replacing single cross-hatch bars with double, forming a striking diamond pattern. This “two-line” style is echoed in the LED headlights, rear design, and even the wheels, enhancing its cohesive, upscale appeal.
Side-on, the GV80 showcases a long hood and a generous dash-to-axle ratio typical of rear-wheel-drive vehicles, giving it an air of power. A sloping roofline and tapered window edges lend a sense of movement, while chrome accents on the window trims and rocker panels add elegance. At the back, additional chrome detailing and a sleek mesh grille conceal the exhaust, adding to its polished finish.
Genesis offers a selection of eight exterior colors, from whites and silvers to blues and greens, paired with five interior color options, creating a curated look for every taste. Our test car, finished in striking Uyuni White with a Glacier interior, was stunning—though keeping it clean would be a challenge.
Inside, the biggest update is a new 27.0-inch combined instrument and infotainment display, both stylish and ergonomic, ideal for a luxury vehicle. Additional touches like knurled metal dials, diamond-quilted upholstery, and diverse trim options including wood and basalt-infused plastic enhance the high-end ambiance.
The cabin is spacious and filled with quality materials, comfortably seating five with an optional third row. Cargo capacity is generous, with thoughtful design features throughout. Standard seats come with synthetic leather, heating, and power adjustments, with options for enhanced support in Sport mode and a relaxing massage function. Front-seat space is ample in every direction.
The second row provides a comfortable bench for three, with 38.7 inches of legroom and ample headroom. Optional captain’s chairs elevate the experience, though three passengers can still sit comfortably across. A power-folding third row is available, best suited for children.
Cargo capacity is practical, offering about 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 35 cubic feet behind the second, and around 84 cubic feet when only the front row is in use. The second and third rows fold up and down with ease, operable directly from the cargo area.
PERFORMANCE
This mid-size luxury crossover, built on the same platform as the G80 sedan, comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers two engine options: a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and, in our test vehicle, a powerful 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. With the V-6, the GV80 confidently sprints to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, delivering the kind of performance that matches its upscale character.
Power delivery from the V-6 is both smooth and responsive, thanks to a progressive throttle response and slightly extended shifts that make each gear change feel natural. With maximum torque arriving as low as 1,300 rpm and stretching up to 4,500 rpm, the V-6 provides steady, ample pull across the rev range. Even with a quick throttle press, the GV80 transitions into acceleration seamlessly, giving a strong forward push without a jarring jump.
One minor drawback is fuel economy, particularly with the larger turbocharged engine. The four-cylinder base model manages around 19 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway, and a combined 21 mpg, slightly less efficient than some German rivals. Our V-6 test model saw averages of 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 combined, aligning closely with other luxury SUVs equipped with high-powered engines, though still just a bit behind.
VERDICT
Being a pre-production model, exact pricing information wasn’t provided. However, since this is the top-tier Prestige trim, it’s projected to start at a hefty $80,650.
Competition
With the GV80 Coupe now complementing the GV80 SUV and its optional third-row seating, Genesis is making a notable entry into the European luxury SUV segment.
Key competitors in this arena include the BMW X5, which offers a third-row option that may feel cramped for adult passengers, and the performance-driven X6 SUV coupe, appealing to those who prioritize sporty handling.
Mercedes-Benz also competes in this space with the GLE lineup, featuring both traditional and coupe variants, with the latter primarily showcasing AMG performance models for an added edge.
Audi takes a similar approach, offering the Q7 as a three-row SUV alongside the five-seater Q8. However, the Q8 could face increased competition with the launch of the new Q8 E-Tron electric SUV and Sportback models on the horizon.
On the other hand, Infiniti is preparing to launch the QX65 coupe, aimed at rivaling the popular QX60 three-row crossover. Slated for release in the 2025 model year, it will have a tough challenge ahead to capture the attention of buyers already drawn to established German options, including the GV80 Coupe.
Strengths: Eye-catching design, stunning interior craftsmanship, a comfortable ride, and adequate power delivery.
Weaknesses: Fuel-hungry V-6 engine, confusing dial controls, escalating price tag, and a lack of sporty dynamics.
