It’s hard to stand out in the crowded field of midsize luxury SUVs, but the Genesis GV80 does just that. It turns heads with its distinct styling that’s not quite like anything else while delivering the performance and luxury we expect in this class.
The Genesis GV80 just received some updates for the 2025 model year, including slightly tweaked styling, a new steering wheel, and a gorgeous new 27-inch OLED display. We’ve been consistently impressed with this SUV and got to drive the refreshed 2025 model on the roads of North Texas to see if it’s still got it.
What’s So Good About the Genesis GV80?
When you thought everyone’s needs and wants were already served by the diverse midsize luxury SUV segment, Genesis found a new niche with the GV80. In recent history, Japanese and American luxury brands have been on the more affordable and practical side of this class. Meanwhile, European brands (primarily German ones) have been fancier and sportier but at a higher cost.
The Genesis GV80 offers a little bit of all of the above with little compromise. Its performance and price tag are between the Lexus RX and BMW X5, and it has the best warranty coverage in its class. Its 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are as good as its Hyundai and Kia kin and by far the best in the luxury car world. That adds a lot of peace of mind to choosing a relatively new luxury brand rather than one of its century-old rivals.
Driving the Genesis GV80
The GV80 I drove was the top trim, the Prestige model with a 375-horsepower turbocharged V6 under the hood. When you include the $1,350 destination charge, the starting price of the V6-powered GV80 Prestige is $80,650. However, the base model with the turbo 4-cylinder engine begins at $60,050.
The good news is that a loaded Genesis GV80 feels and drives like an $80,000 luxury SUV.
The engine options carry over with the 2025 refresh, which isn’t bad. The smooth and robust turbo V6 delivers healthy acceleration and plenty of passing power on the highway. It delivers a relaxed ride in the standard driving mode, where the transmission prioritizes comfort and efficiency. Switch to Sport mode, and the V6 in this Genesis takes you from zero to 60 mph faster than Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden. It’s an excellent match for this SUV, and even the base 4-cylinder is rated at a respectable 300 hp, making it one of the more potent base engines in this segment. In the spirit of offering a well-rounded driving experience, this SUV’s handling, steering, and braking are satisfyingly sporty while remaining comfortable.
The seats may be too firm for some, but I thought they had excellent comfort and support. I’m a big fan of Genesis’ Ergo Motion seat, which can adjust the bolstering when you change the drive mode and make minor adjustments based on curves in the road. The interior materials are of unimpeachable quality at this trim level, and it even has some adventurous interior colors available, like the Earth Brown/Smoky Green cabin in my tester. The Genesis GV80 has a luxurious second row of seats with available power adjustment, and I wish I could tell you what the third row is like, but that only comes in the 3.5T Advanced model.
One thing that takes a little getting used to is the multiple rotary knobs by the center console. The rotary shifter is similar to the knob that navigates the infotainment system. I admit that I accidentally scrolled through some menus on the screen while trying to shift the car once or twice. However, one detail that I love about the infotainment knob is the touchpad on top that lets you draw numbers with your finger to tune to your favorite station. I went to the SiriusXM menu, drew the number “78” with my finger, and enjoyed Brahms through the rich Bang & Olufsen audio system, which is a new option for 2025.
The Genesis GV80’s ride quality is smooth and comfy, and the road noise levels were reasonable. However, if a peaceful cabin is a priority, we recommend getting the Standard or Advanced trim with its 20-inch wheels. The 22-inch wheels on the Prestige models look great, but you pay for the extra dose of style with a slightly harsher and louder ride.
Highway Driving Assist 2 remains one of the best hands-on semi-autonomous driving systems available. It delivers natural-feeling assistance in braking, lane centering, and curve management.
Conclusion
There are a couple of ways to look at the Genesis GV80. You could say it’s a jack of all trades and a master of none, i.e., it has neither the value factor of a Lexus nor the thrills of a BMW. However, this is a car with no glaring faults and is arguably the most well-rounded luxury SUV in its competitive class.
