Used 2023 Genesis G80

The 2023 Genesis G80 luxury midsize sedan goes from strength to strength. Now in its second generation, which debuted last year, the G80 has moved beyond its original value-for-money approach to become a convincing premium car. Yet it still represents a good value.

A spacious and well-appointed cabin is complemented by many standard safety features, turbocharged engines, and the availability of all-wheel drive. Even though Genesis hasn’t quite shaken off the “new kid on the luxury block” stigma, cars like the G80 are cementing the brand’s position as a serious contender.

A brand-new Electrified G80, running solely on battery power, is reviewed separately.

The Genesis G80 competes with more expensive European luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class as well as more affordable options like the Lexus ES and Jaguar XF.

It’s a tale of two versions from behind the steering wheel. The 2023 G80 2.5T is generally comfortable and stately — powerful enough for reaching freeway speeds without stress while being able to respond fairly well to prods of the accelerator pedal. It’s easy, safe, and handles well enough for the tastes of most drivers.

As well as more thrust, standard all-wheel drive, and bigger brake discs, the 3.5T adds a sport-tuned adaptive suspension for a bit of extra poise. Also, this model offers the option of rear-wheel steering, raising its agility game and improving low-speed maneuverability at the same time.

Regardless of the model, the array of driver assistance features provides a lot of confidence and reassurance.

Even the simulated leather seating surfaces in the entry-level 2.5T look and feel pretty good. Along with the soft-touch plastics, quiet cabin, technology, and well-considered dashboard design, the 2023 G80 has the right luxury qualifications.

The standard central touchscreen measures 14.5 inches on the diagonal, which is one of the larger examples of its kind. The infotainment system can be controlled by voice commands or a newly redesigned convex controller.

An 8-inch instrument LCD cluster with analog gauges is standard, but the 3.5T has the option of a 12.3-inch all-digital version with graphics simulating a three-dimensional look.

A recent addition to the 3.5T (optional in the 2.5T) is the Ergo Motion driver’s seat, with seven interior air cells providing optimum comfort and support. On the subject of comfort, rear passengers have 38.7 inches of legroom, more than any German competitor.

Trunk space of 13.1 cubic feet is a match for the E-Class, but not quite as good as the Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series.

The Genesis G80 wears the brand’s corporate design language well. It has a unique look with bold body lines, attractive wheel designs, and a distinctive crest grille with a “G-Matrix” pattern flanked by stylish two-line LED headlights.

The new 3.5T AWD Sport has its own front- and rear-end treatments while offering a few model-specific exterior paint choices like Cavendish Red and Siberian Ice (a kind of muted white) and a selection of wheel designs with 19-inch and 20-inch diameters.

As for sizing, the Genesis G80 is in line with the midsize luxury sedan segment. It’s about the same size as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6.

Remote Smart Parking
Drivers can be outside their new G80 and let the car inch into a parking space (parallel or perpendicular) automatically just by pressing a button on the key fob. Or they can do it all from the comfort of their car seat. This is an option in both 2023 G80 models.

Lexicon Surround Sound
Among the 21 speakers in this 1,050-watt set are two subwoofers, one under each front seat. So occupants can feel the bass as well as hear it. But Lexicon is a well-respected name in recording studios where any kind of music is being made. It’s optional in the 2.5T and standard in the 3.5T. Give it a good listen before finalizing the deal. You’ll probably want it.

Full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming side mirrors with puddle lamps, keyless entry/ignition, heated/12-way power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable/leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, ambient cabin lighting, hands-free trunk opening… these are just some of the standard features in the 2023 G80 2.5T.

The infotainment system is based on a 14.5-inch touchscreen with satellite radio, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, over-the-air updates, and a 12-speaker audio setup.

Driver assistance features include forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking plus pedestrian and cyclist detection, evasive steering assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

The 3.5T AWD Sport brings a bigger engine and all-wheel drive as standard, along with 19-inch alloys, powered panoramic roof, power-closing doors, real leather seating surfaces, heated/ventilated front seats, Ergo Motion driver’s seat, 3-zone automatic climate control (replacing the dual-zone version in the 2.5T), heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, rear occupant alert, wireless charging, 360-degree camera system, and the 21-speaker/1,050-watt Lexicon audio system.

An Advanced package for the 2023 G80 2.5T includes 19-inch alloy wheels, wood trim, heated/ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, 3-zone climate control, panoramic roof, and the Lexicon audio system.

Genesis has created two Sport Prestige packages for the 3.5T AWD Sport model. Both have Nappa leather seating surfaces, remote parking assistance, head-up display, 12.3-inch 3D driver information display, rear-wheel steering, 20-inch alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim. But one has all-season tires, while the other has summer tires and active noise cancellation.

There’s a new Sport Prestige package available for the 2.5T model if you want the sporty look and luxurious features with the base engine. It adds a sporty appearance package with 19-inch wheels, a digital gauge cluster, alloy pedals, leather seating with an Ergo Motion driver’s seat, remote smart parking assist, and a wireless charging pad.

It’s acceptable for a luxury midsize sedan to have a 4-cylinder engine these days, thanks to the popularity of turbochargers that maximize power without incurring a significant penalty in fuel economy. The 2023 G80 has a 2.5-liter unit making more-than-adequate power and torque.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, and an 8-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties.

As the name of the 3.5T AWD Sport suggests, this more muscular model has all-wheel drive as standard. The engine here is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 developing noticeably more power and torque than the base unit. Once again, an 8-speed automatic transmission is installed.

Both engines require premium gasoline and have a stop/restart function when idling.

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
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 engine
375 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg