Used 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a brand-new vehicle and the first crossover SUV from Hyundai’s luxury brand. Most versions of the GV80 have two rows and seating for five, though one model can be had with seating for seven via a small, optional third row. This makes the GV80 a rival to luxury midsize crossovers such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Lincoln Aviator.

Like Genesis’ other vehicles, the GV80 brings a lot for the money. It comes loaded with a full safety suite, and higher-trim models can be had with everything from massaging seats and 21-speaker Lexicon audio to the ability for the GV80 to pull in and out of a tight parking spot while the driver stands outside the vehicle.

The Genesis GV80 offers the choice of a 300-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. This new luxury SUV promises road manners on the athletic end of the spectrum, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup that’s standard in 4-cylinder models. All-wheel drive is standard with the V6, optional on the 4-cylinder.

The new Genesis GV80 appeals to those seeking a competent and capable crossover SUV that is both luxurious and sensible. Its sub-$49,000 starting price is lower than most rivals, and its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in the business. If you regularly need to carry more than five passengers, however, you’ll want to look to an SUV that offers a larger third row.

Unlike many crossover SUVs that are based on a front-wheel-drive architecture, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive by nature. This means it has the driving characteristics more associated with a sports sedan. This is also the setup used by German luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, which puts the GV80 in good company.

As with the Mercedes, the GV80’s base engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but the one in the Genesis is more powerful. Boasting 300 horsepower, even a base 2021 Genesis GV80 has plenty of power and provides brisk acceleration. If you’re a fan of rear-wheel drive, this will also be the engine to get (all-wheel drive is optional with it). In our test of a GV80 with the 2.5-liter engine and RWD, this SUV felt athletic and lithe. It was quick off the line and had plenty of power for passing.

Those seeking even more gratifying oomph should look to the optional twin-turbo V6 in the 3.5T models. This stellar engine puts out 375 horsepower and has AWD standard. Our time behind the wheel of one of these models proved to be an even quicker and invigorating experience. This is also a solid engine that provides absolutely effortless acceleration. It’s a great choice for the power-hungry, but even the base 2.5T is so good that it should satisfy the majority of buyers.

All models use an 8-speed automatic transmission that worked smoothly and flawlessly with either powertrain.

The Genesis GV80’s manners can be tailored to your preferences via a drive-mode selector. The vehicle can be optimized for comfort, sporty handling, efficiency, or a customized setup that lets you tweak individual parameters to your personal preference.

Kudos also go to the Genesis GV80’s semi-autonomous abilities. We’ve found the latest Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system by Hyundai/Genesis to be among the best of its kind. When using the standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, this system greatly reduces stress in long, tedious commutes on freeways and highways.

For the most part, the GV80 has a 2-row/5-passenger setup. There is an optional 3-row/7-passenger setup, but it’s only available on one well-equipped V6 model. That third row is very tight, and when raised leaves little room for cargo behind the seat. We’d recommend using it only for the smallest of children or in a pinch.

As a traditional 5-passenger SUV, the Genesis GV80’s cabin is a nice place to be. The front seating area is roomy and separated by a wide center console. The design is clean and non-cluttered. A few classy dials in the console control functions such as climate, audio and drive modes. Even the transmission control to put the vehicle in Drive, Reverse, etc. is dial instead of a traditional lever.

A wide-screen 14.5-inch display sits atop the dash. It is also controlled via a dial, and features a pad with handwriting-recognition capability. There is a learning curve, with any sophisticated infotainment system, but we were happy to see several redundant controls. For example, clearly marked and easily reached buttons can take you immediately to media source or navigation, and the center screen also works by touch.

Upholstery ranges from leatherette to diamond-quilted Nappa leather. The models we tested were further blessed with massaging function, and it’s a treat we think is worth the nominal extra cost.

The new GV80 luxury SUV marks a fresh design direction for the Genesis brand. Distinctive elements include a classy diamond-mesh grille, twin headlight and taillight slats on each side, and an elongated rearmost window and D-pillar. Our eyes think the design is handsome and rather understated. At 194.7 inches, the GV80’s length is nearly identical to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5.

DIGITAL KEY
This feature enables you to use your Android-based phone to enter and use the GV80. If you have, say, an iPhone, you can still use the system via a hotel-like key card.

SUSPENSION WITH ROAD PREVIEW
The GV80 offers not just an electronic suspension system that can adjust to conditions with lightning-quick reflexes, but one that “reads” the road ahead and anticipates what adjustments need to be made.

A boon for buyers of the first Genesis SUV is that they will get a well-equipped vehicle no matter which trim they choose. Starting with the 2.5T Standard, the GV80 includes heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free power tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.

The standard infotainment system is robust, bundling a 14.5-inch screen, 12-speaker premium audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and four USB ports. The GV80’s standard safety suite is also impressive. It includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision assist, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

In addition to an excellent warranty that includes 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain, the GV80 includes 3 years/36,000 miles free maintenance, valet service, and a subscription to the suite of digital, remote, and in-car benefits of Genesis Connected Services.

All-wheel drive is optional on 2.5-liter GV80 models and standard on the 3.5. In all, there are 10 trims to choose from when including AWD 2.5T variants.

Climbing trims adds yet more desirable features. For example, stepping up just one trim to the 2.5T Advanced gets you a panoramic roof, wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel, the Digital Key (see Favorite Features), and a superb-sounding 21-speaker Lexicon audio system. We think it’s a particularly great value.

Continuing to climb trims gets more amenities like genuine leather seating, a surround-view camera, a live-feed blind-spot monitor, wood trim, and the Remote Self Parking Assistant. The GV80 3.5T trims include the more powerful twin-turbo V6. If you want a 7-passenger Genesis GV80 with the small third row, you’ll have to choose the 3.5T Advanced+ trim.

At the top, the Genesis GV80 Prestige model is loaded with active noise cancellation, massaging front seats, head-up display, and the electronically controlled suspension with road preview.

The new GV80 offers a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower in 2.5T models, or a twin-turbo V6 making 375 horsepower in 3.5T variants. The 2.5T comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard or all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. AWD is standard on 3.5T models. Both engines are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
311 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/25 mpg

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
375 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg