Used 2020 Genesis G80

#5 in Best Midsize Luxury Cars of 2020

The 2020 Genesis G80 is the midsize-luxury sedan from Hyundai’s upstart luxury division. As you might infer from its name, the G80 slots between the entry-level G70 and full-size G90. The G80’s sights are set on rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.

The brilliance of the G80 is that it’s a bargain among executive sedans. It boasts all the features of its rivals — and often more — yet starts more than $10,000 less.

The Genesis G80 is no slouch under the hood, either. Unlike its European rivals, the Genesis G80 comes standard with a V6 engine and also offers a turbocharged 6-cylinder or a big, meaty V8. Moreover, all powertrains can be had with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

The Genesis has a pleasing ride quality that favors comfort over high-performance athleticism. About the only traits the G80 lacks are brand recognition and hybrid/plug-in powertrain options.

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No matter which engine you choose under the hood of the Genesis G80, it’s quick. Not BMW quick, but fleet enough to meet or exceed expectations. From a visceral perspective, we think the G80 3.3T is the Goldilocks engine for this Genesis, splitting the power difference of the base V6 and optional V8, and providing a pleasing whoosh of power. Dynamically, the Genesis is no BMW, either. For most of its target audience, this isn’t a bad thing.

If comfortable cruising is your game, the Genesis G80 is your play. The ride is hushed, serene, and makes the miles a breeze. The 3.3T model does, however, have a sportier ride quality thanks to its tweaked suspension. The G80’s steering feel is on the soft side, though its effort and other aspects such as throttle response can be adjusted via the standard drive-mode settings. The Genesis G80’s 8-speed automatic transmission is up there with the best of the competition.

The G80’s 5-passenger cabin is equal parts classy, intuitive and comfortable. You won’t get the wide panel of LCD screens found in the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the virtual cockpit all-digital instrument cluster of an Audi A6, but neither will you have to fiddle with a touch-sensitive pad to control functions.

The Genesis is the luxury car that you can just get in and drive. Everything is logical, from the way you change radio stations and music tracks to how you tailor drive modes or just put the car into gear. Unlike a Mercedes and others in this segment, you don’t have to pay extra for leather. The front seats are above-average comfortable and supportive, and the rear seat is adult-size friendly.

The Genesis G80 certainly looks the part of a luxury sedan. Long and sweeping with plenty of curves and character lines, the G80 will please most eyes. If there’s anything particularly lacking, it’s distinction. Aside from the winged, Bentley-like badge and large grille, you might not know what brand of luxury car you’re looking at. The Genesis is G80 is stylish and elegant, but it’s also elegantly subdued. Only your eyes and heart will know if that appeals to you.

On the practical side, we like that a hands-free trunk is standard, with power operation included on the 3.3T and 5.0 trims. A panoramic moonroof is also standard on those two higher trims. Pro tip: You can spot the 3.3T and 5.0 models by their quad exhaust outlets.

ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES
The more cars with these kinds of features, the safer our roads will be. The 2020 Genesis G80 luxury sedan has a full suite of active safety features and driving aids, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitor. Even better, they are all standard.

IN-CABIN CARBON DIOXIDE SENSOR
Colorless and odorless, carbon dioxide (CO2) can quickly cause drowsiness and confusion. The Genesis G80 has the industry’s first built-in detector that floods the cabin with fresh air if CO2 levels become elevated.

Luxury, meet value. When it comes to what you get for your money, nowhere does that shine brighter than with the standard feature set of the G80. Even the least expensive 3.8 model comes loaded. Leather interior with 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, keyless entry with push-button start, and dual-zone climate control are among the highlights. The standard infotainment system is equally robust, touting an 8-inch touch screen with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

The G80 comes with a roster of active safety and driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, driver monitor and automatic emergency braking. Finally, let’s talk warranty. It’s the best in the business, covering five years/60,000 miles overall and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.

All-wheel drive is optional on all Genesis G80 models. Most other major options are gained by climbing trims or adding packages to the 3.8 model. The 3.8 Sport package adds amenities like a 14-speaker Lexicon audio system, panoramic moonroof, heated rear seats and wireless charging pad. The Ultimate Package features Nappa leather, driver’s-seat cushion extender and bolster adjustment, 9.2-inch touch screen, head-up display and an even better, 17-speaker Lexicon system.

The Genesis G80 3.3T gets all that, plus the twin-turbo V6 engine and sportier suspension. The top-line G80 5.0 also has the Ultimate treatment along with its 5.0-liter V8 engine. The two higher trims also boast a power rear sunshade and ventilated front seats.

Three engine choices are available in the Genesis G80: a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 3.8-liter V6, a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6, or a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, making 311, 365 and 420 horsepower, respectively. All three engines are refined yet punchy, with linear power delivery and decent fuel economy. The top two achieve their maximum output with premium gasoline. Each engine is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.3T’s unit is tuned for sportier shifts. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default setup; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

3.8-liter V6
311 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
293 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (RWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)

3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Sport)
365 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
376 lb-ft of torque at 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

5.0-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg (RWD), 15/23 mpg (AWD)