Used 2021 Genesis G80

Genesis is an upstart among luxury brands having launched as a separate division from Hyundai in the past three years. Its beginnings are analogous to Lexus, which was created three decades ago by Toyota. The G80, formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis, has established itself as a 5-passenger luxury sedan by offering plenty of features, good build quality and value.

Renamed the G80, it’s been an anchor in the lineup and continues in that critical role through its first complete overhaul since the division’s start. The new model embodies the bold styling introduced on the facelift of the G90 and in the debut of the GV80 SUV. In addition to giving it an all-new look, Genesis says the all-new platform will also provide the same driving thrills we’ve come to expect from the G70.

Beneath that sheet metal is a rear-drive-biased platform that offers available all-wheel drive. Perhaps the biggest change is the elimination of the 420-horsepower V8 as an option. Also, the previous normally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 base-engine has given way to a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4. The step-up engine is a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. It replaces the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that previously slotted between the base V6 and the V8.

Genesis has both technology and value on offer here in the 2021 G80. In addition to all the latest safety and driver assists, this midsize sedan is also equipped with the latest in infotainment and connectivity. Base prices start below $50,000, which is a relative bargain among its rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. In addition to its class-leading warranty, Genesis also offers a wide range of concierge services and 3-years’ complimentary maintenance as part of the ownership experience.

The changes in the 2021 Genesis G80 more closely align its performance with its smaller G70 sibling, which is highly praised for its agility. Like that car, the new G80 comes with a choice of a base turbo 4-cylinder engine or a twin-turbo V6. The character of the car changes depending on the engine.

The new chassis of the G80, which is shared with the GV80 SUV, is solid. That stiff foundation provides accuracy in the steering and well-sorted handling while delivering a compliant ride. The 4-cylinder model boasts an even 300 horsepower delivered to the rear axle through a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. For its size, the base G80 feels almost lithe despite its generous interior room. Expect to sacrifice a bit of performance and feel with the addition of the all-wheel-drive system, though for most drivers, the additional traction provided by AWD, especially in Snowbelt states, is a worthwhile trade-off.

While the 4-cylinder G80 is a good combination, the 375-horsepower turbo V6 takes the G80 to another level. This engine delivers plenty of power quickly and seamlessly, making freeway merges and 2-lane passing effortless. The V6 output is also nicely matched to the AWD system, which offers additional grip on slippery roads and when pushed hard on twisty roads. The V6 models equipped with adaptive shocks offer a plusher ride than the standard suspension set-up of the 4-cylinder models.

Toggling through the various drive modes from Eco to Sport, there’s not a huge variation, although Sport does yield slightly weightier steering and a bit more snap to the throttle response. It feels best in the Smart mode, where the car adapts itself to your driving style.

Visibility out of the G80 is good, and the high mounted infotainment screen makes the maps and navigation easy to read with minimal distraction. There’s also a center console controller that makes accessing various vehicle systems easier and less distracting than capacitive touch buttons.

Also worthy of note is the comfortable front bucket seats that are contoured to provide lateral support. Overall, the G80 is sure-footed, easy to drive, and provides a modicum of driving thrills in keeping with its larger footprint. If you want something closer to an edgy sport sedan, the smaller G70 delivers that kind of experience in spades. But if you need a comfortable, roomy 4-door that can hold its own, whether it’s the daily commute or a weekend getaway, the G80 fits the luxury bill to a T.

With its minimalist interior design, the new Genesis G80 promises a sense of serenity. That clean look extends to the 2-spoke steering wheel that has minimal switchgear. Other controls on the dash are also grouped on the lower half allowing for an uncluttered upper surface. The only major element is a prominent 14.5-inch infotainment screen controlled by a console-mounted dial that incorporates a handwriting-recognition surface. The G80 also employs a second large console-mounted dial as the gear selector. In front of the driver is an available 12.3-inch instrument display that includes a 3D appearance for the gauges.

The luxuriously appointed interior includes heated/ventilated seats, front and rear. Active bolsters in the front seats use air bladders to provide varying levels of support depending on the selected drive mode. The all-new architecture of the 2021 G80 provides improved visibility thanks to thinner A-pillars, a low cowl, and a frameless rear-view mirror.

The new G80 has a bolder look thanks to its massive shield-shaped diamond-pattern grille. The execution is in line with the larger G90 sedan and GV80 SUV, which includes thin, twin-bar lighting elements that wrap into the front fenders. While the G80 rides on the same 118.5-inch wheelbase as its predecessor, the new model is about an inch and a half wider and a touch lower, giving it greater presence. The twin-bar light theme is carried through the fender vents aft of the front wheels and through the rear LED taillights. The rear lights start on the rear haunches and run side-to-side across the rear.

In profile, the G80 has a long hood and low, sleek fastback roofline that sweeps down into the rear deck. A crisp character line flows from the top of the fenders, through the side and above the rear wheel arches, giving the car the tapered, aerodynamic look of a 4-door coupe.

CAMERA-BASED ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION
This available feature uses a camera to read the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension in real-time to provide both a comfortable ride and precise handling.

REMOTE PARK ASSIST
Using your key fob outside the vehicle, you can remotely move the G80 forward or backward to position it in tight parking spaces. The car is also equipped with a self-parking feature that will parallel or perpendicular park the vehicle with the driver behind the wheel.

Standard equipment on the new Genesis G80 includes 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, leatherette upholstery, 12-way power heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control with microfilter, a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping and follow assist, rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, and forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Among the available features on the G80 are camera-based adaptive suspension, surround-view monitor, 19- and 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, automatic adjusting seat bolsters, 3-zone climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, remote smart-parking assist, wireless device charging, a panoramic sunroof, power trunk, power door-close, a digital key, and a power rear sunshade.

There are two engines offered in the 2021 Genesis G80, a base turbocharged inline 4-cylinder, and a twin-turbo V6. Both mate to 8-speed automatic transmissions. In standard form, the G80 comes as rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available.

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
311 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg (RWD), 22/30 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
375 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (RWD), 18/26 mpg (AWD)