The second-generation Genesis G80 is to its predecessor the way Pulp Fiction is to Reservoir Dogs: the follow-up smash hit to the groundbreaking first attempt. Interior design and materials are on point, and the driving experience is thoroughly improved. This is a luxury sedan that bypasses the American and Japanese competition to truly go toe-to-toe with the German leaders in this class. However, a few missteps don't quite meet the standards set by top-tier rivals.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
Costs less than comparable luxury sedans in its class
Clean, attractive exterior design
Roomy interior features premium design cues and materials
Comfortable front seats
Cons
Not as smooth-riding as some competitors
Counterclockwise tachometer may be counterintuitive to some drivers
Cargo space is limited by a rear seat that won't fold flat
What's new
Fully electric version now available in certain states
Part of the second G80 generation introduced for 2021
Overview
The 2023 Genesis G80 is a midsize luxury sedan. With an attractive base price, lots of available features and an excellent warranty, the G80 is an impressive if not class-leading luxury car, and for 2023 it gets a significant update that few can match right now: an available all-electric powertrain. Dubbed the Electrified G80, this new electric car wasn't designed from the ground up to be an EV like its new sibling, the Genesis GV60. But it's still a compelling offering thanks to excellent real-world range and strong performance, in addition to the standard G80's already solid foundation.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Genesis G80 2.5T 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.10 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The Electrified G80, like the GV60, is capable of some very quick charging times. Genesis says that when connected to a high-power 350-kW DC fast charger, you can charge the battery pack from 10% to 80% capacity in just 22 minutes (assuming optimal conditions). The Electrified G80 performed well in our real-world range testing, driving more than 300 miles on a full charge. We found it to be quiet and comfortable on the road, with plenty of power and an excellent array of tech.
While there has been a shift away from sedans toward SUVs, the G80 — both electric and not — has a sizable and tough group of competitors to deal with. Midsize luxury car stalwarts like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series are all starting to show a bit of age, though the trio remain strong (if more expensive) competition for the G80. Genesis also has the G70 and G90 sedans, which are smaller and larger, respectively, than the G80.
Finding competition for the Electrified G80 is a little more difficult. It's more expensive and larger than an EV like the Tesla Model 3 but isn't nearly as powerful or as pricey as the Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQS or Porsche Taycan. Range, both real-world and EPA, is very good for the Electrified G80 but not headline-worthy for an EV these days. The Electrified G80 has a comfortable and handsome interior, solid range and loads of standard tech. That's a good combination in our books. Check out our full rating for the Genesis G80 below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
8.0/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The second-generation Genesis G80 is to its predecessor the way Pulp Fiction is to Reservoir Dogs: the follow-up smash hit to the groundbreaking first attempt. Interior design and materials are on point, and the driving experience is thoroughly improved. This is a luxury sedan that bypasses the American and Japanese competition to truly go toe-to-toe with the German leaders in this class. However, a few missteps don't quite meet the standards set by top-tier rivals.
How does the G80 drive? The redesigned G80 is a solid performer all around. The turbocharged V6, which is what we tested, has plenty of power whether you're hoofing it from a stop or need a squeeze of power on the highway. At our test track, our V6-equipped G80 test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That's a bit slower than six-cylinder German rivals but right in the running with the Cadillac CT5 V-Series. Other highlights include smooth and quick transmission shifts and an unobtrusive engine stop-start system.
The G80 3.5T comes standard with an adaptive suspension. (It's otherwise optional on the 2.5T.) Put the car in its Sport mode and the suspension firms up and does a good job of reducing body roll when you drive around turns.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the G80? The G80 is sport sedan adjacent, so it should be exceedingly comfortable, right? Yes. Mostly. The plush seats are wonderfully supportive and wide without making you feel like you're being swallowed by them. Other highlights include nicely sculpted rear outboard seats and quick heating for the seats and steering wheel.
Now for the "mostly" part. We expected more from the G80's trick road-scanning adaptive suspension. Overall tuning is on the soft side when you put the car in Normal mode. Pleasingly, there's no residual bounciness after traveling over bigger bumps. However, the ride can get overly brittle over cracked pavement. There's also some noticeable road noise, though wind and engine noise is sufficiently muted.
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How’s the interior? An agreeable ride height and narrow door sills make it easy to get in and out of the G80. The driver literally has the best seat in the house, with additional adjustments (including massage) that aren't available on the front passenger seat. The view outward, though not bunker-like, is hampered slightly by thick front and rear pillars and a tall decklid. Certain features included on our test vehicle — including surround-view and blind-spot cameras — definitely help.
Once inside, tall folks might notice their hair brushing against the headliner in either row. Sub-6-footers should have no problem, however, and you can always slouch a little and take advantage of the prodigious amount of legroom.
The dashboard layout and design are attractive, with a pleasing selection of physical buttons for controls that you might use frequently. The touchpad/wheel infotainment controller presents an initial learning curve. Some of our drivers found it became second nature after some practice, but others never warmed up to it. The display is a short but ultra-wide touchscreen. Touching the right side of it from the driver's seat can be a stretch.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? The 21-speaker Lexicon audio system is mind-blowing. Throw on some hip-hop or electronica, and you'll feel the bass in your bones. Even at higher volumes, the speakers did not distort or get muddy. We've experienced inferior systems in Bentleys. The navigation system offers multiple input methods for easy destination search, and the maps display is bright and free of clutter. Using the touchpad/wheel can be distracting, and the voice recognition system returns hits as often as misses. Audi's MMI and Mercedes' MBUX are much better.
The driver aids are fine. The adaptive cruise control works well but the lane centering feature will sometimes ping-pong the vehicle to either side of the lane. That's not terribly unusual at this stage of automated technology development, but rivals are a little bit smarter. A larger dip in surface pavement caused the collision mitigation braking feature to trigger and momentarily pump the brakes. This is totally unacceptable on any vehicle.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? At 13.1 cubic feet, the G80's trunk is larger than the CT5's, the same as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' but a bit smaller than the BMW 5 Series'. It is quite deep, however, and there are pockets with nets behind each of the wheelwells. Interior storage space is more impressive, with numerous large bins and trays sprinkled throughout the cabin.
Got kids? It can be initially difficult to install a child safety seat because the lower car seat anchors are not as easily accessible as those in other luxury sedans. But once you've got that done, the large rear doors and expansive rear legroom make it easy to get infants in and out.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The V6-powered, all-wheel-drive G80 is rated at 19 mpg combined (16 city/25 highway). These numbers aren't stellar for the class, especially since the big three Germans all use mild hybrid powertrains that boost fuel economy. That said, we achieved 24.1 mpg on our mixed-driving 115-mile evaluation route, illustrating that the EPA's numbers should be easy to achieve in real-world driving.
Value
8.0/10
Is the G80 a good value? Value has always been a Genesis strong suit, and the G80 starts off thousands of dollars less than its German competition. However, our fully loaded test G80 cost more than $69,000, which is only slightly less expensive than similarly equipped top-tier rivals. Conclusion: The G80's best value is lower on the trim ladder.
Interior materials are a pleasant mix of leather, faux leather, open-pore wood and aluminum. The overall effect is simply stunning, especially when you compare this G80 against its predecessor. That said, our tester exhibited a popping noise after hitting a bump or turning the wheel full lock at low speeds, which really marred the luxury experience.
Genesis' warranty coverage can't be beat: five years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. Three years/unlimited miles for roadside assistance is a little stingy, but three years of complimentary maintenance is among the segment's best.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The G80 is supremely comfortable in most situations, whether you're stuck in traffic, puttering around town, or cruising on the highway. It's a little slower and less fun to toss around than Germany's best, but the G80 gives you 95% of what you'd expect from a midsize luxury sedan.
Genesis' new shield-like grille is an acquired taste, but you have to admit the G80 doesn't blend into the ether of parking lots anymore. The new cabin design is also hugely impressive compared to the previous model. While the first-generation G80 did a great job differentiating itself from its Hyundai roots, the second-gen model allows Genesis to forge its own distinct identity.
Which G80 does Edmunds recommend?
As there are no significant changes, we suggest going with the 2.5T AWD equipped with the Prestige package if you want a gas-powered model. The 3.5T is compelling, but it doesn't offer quite the value of the 2.5T AWD.
Genesis G80 models
The 2023 Genesis G80 is available in four variants: 2.5T RWD, 2.5T AWD, 3.5T Sport and Electrified. The 2.5T models use a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 311 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 3.5T Sport uses a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (375 hp, 391 lb-ft) and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Electrified G80 swaps that entire powertrain out for an 87.2-kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted at each axle (365 hp, 516 lb-ft), giving the all-electric G80 all-wheel drive.
G80 2.5T
Standard equipment with 2.5T trim includes:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED exterior lighting
Rain-sensing wipers
Auto-defogging windshield
Hands-free trunklid
Ambient interior lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable steering column
Simulated leather seating surfaces
Power-adjustable and heated front seats
Heated rear seats and steering wheel (with AWD)
14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Satellite radio
Navigation system
Genesis Connected Services
12-speaker audio system
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
The Genesis G80 also comes with many standard safety features, including:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Genesis and the car in front)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Genesis offers two option packages for the G80 2.5T:
Advanced package
19-inch wheels
Hands-free trunk closer
Ventilated front seats
Panoramic sunroof
Special wood trim
Power rear window sunshade (manual rear side window)
Three-zone automatic climate control
21-speaker Lexicon audio system
Prestige package
Digital key (turns your smartphone into a digital key to unlock and start the car)
Soft-close doors (automatically catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Leather upholstery
Additional power adjustments for the driver's seat
Heated rear seats and steering wheel (for rear-wheel-drive 2.5T)
Rear seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)
Wireless device charger
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the G80 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Blind-spot camera (displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate a turn signal)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Remote automated parking system (pulls in or out of a parking spot via remote control from the key fob)
G80 3.5T Sport
Compared to the base 2.5T, the 3.5T has the more powerful V6, standard all-wheel drive and this equipment:
Sport appearance bumpers, grille and trim
Sport-design 19-inch wheels
Sport steering wheel
Aluminum interior trim
Metal pedal covers
Upgraded front brakes
Adaptive suspension
Selected contents of the Advanced package
Hands-free trunk closer
Ventilated front seats
Panoramic sunroof
Power rear window sunshade (manual rear side window)
Three-zone automatic climate control
21-speaker Lexicon audio system
Selected contents of the Prestige package
Digital key (turns your smartphone into a digital key to unlock and start the car)
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Leather upholstery
Additional power adjustments for the driver's seat
Heated rear seats and steering wheel
Rear seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)
Wireless device charger
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the G80 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Blind-spot camera (displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate a turn signal)
One package is available for the G80 3.5T Sport:
Prestige package
20-inch alloy wheels
Sport-tuned stability control
Rear-wheel steering (improves low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability)
Upgraded leather upholstery
Microfiber suede headliner
Carbon-fiber interior trim
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Remote automated parking system (pulls in or out of a parking spot via remote control from the key fob)
Active noise control (with optional summer performance tires)
Electrified
The new Electrified G80 comes fully loaded. Standard equipment basically mirrors the 3.5T Sport (though it's not available with a panoramic glass roof), and there are no options. The Electrified G80 also comes with some features found in the Prestige package, including:
Upgraded leather upholstery
Microfiber suede headliner
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Remote automated parking system (pulls in or out of a parking spot via remote control from the key fob)
Well, OK then. I'd been driving the Electrified G80 for nearly a week before testing it, so I expected it to be pretty quick. Still, I was impressed with the 4.5-second zero to 60 run, even more so given that all you have to do is point the wheel straight and mash the throttle. There's no launch control, no need to put it in Sport mode (which it does have) or switch off the stability or traction control. In fact, all disabling the stability or traction control will do is light up the tires when you floor it. With everything on, the Electrified G80 moves off the line with no real drama. It's not neck-snapping performance like some more powerful and more expensive EVs, but it's still dang quick. Power delivery is smooth and linear until about 80 mph, tapering off at the top end.
Braking:
A pretty good result for something so large and heavy wearing all-season and not summer performance tires. Same goes for the braking consistency, which was relatively even over several successive runs. Heavy cars with all-season tires tend to have longer stopping distances once the brakes and tires get hot, but there wasn't a notable drop-off. Like most electric vehicles, the Electrified G80 uses a brake-by-wire system. There's not much in the way of brake feel (you feel absolutely zero pulsing through the pedal from the antilock braking) and initial bite is a bit soft, but for the most part the car performed well. The pedal is firm at the bottom, and the lack of fade gave me good confidence in the car.
Handling:
This is no sport sedan. This might have the power of a performance car, but it doesn't handle like one. That's not to say it's bad; it's just tuned more for comfort than performance. Still, a 0.91 g figure on the skidpad is respectable given its size and weight. There's a mild amount of body roll, but the Electrified G80 feels controlled and not floppy. There's mild push at the limit, but you can just hold the wheel steady and tuck the nose in by backing off the throttle. Small inputs go a long way. The steering itself is light on feedback and not as quick as the steering in some other EVs. Again, it's not bad, but it doesn't feel nimble or sporty. It's got the power, so I'd love to see this car with stiffer suspension and better tires.
How do we test?
The instrumented testing at our test track is only one part of the Edmunds Rating process. Learn more
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2023 Genesis G80.
2.5T 4dr Sedan AWD w/Prod. End 02/22 (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Compared a ton before buying. Perfect amount of room for my 6’ 3 frame. I measured noise and ride quality of 7 cars. This was third best behind G90 and BMW 7. Haven’t had a stiff or sore back since driving this for 3 weeks. I’m surpassing mpg estimates (29.5) in the 2100 mi so far. The 4 cyl feels like a V6. Only complaint is no ergo motion seat for passenger.
2/5 stars, Decent vehicle, terrible service
Eileen M. ,
3.5T Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Purchased a new 2022 G80 in April. The Genesis G80 is a decent vehicle but mine had a few issues. I live in the desert and the biggest problem happened when running the navigation. It caused the back of the display (facing the front windshield) to get very hot. So hot I could burn my hand by touching it. I'm guessing that was what caused the display to shut off. I had to pull off of the … freeway, wait until the display cooled off then turn it back on. I wasn't able to verify this because I couldn't reach the service department of the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. The dealership was the biggest negative of owning the vehicle. It shared space and staff with Hyundai. If Genesis is going to claim to be a luxury brand, their dealerships need to catch up and treat their customers like BMW, Mercedes, and other luxury brands do. Answering phones, responding to emails, having loaner vehicles available after being reserved, and greeting customers politely would be a start. I was so fed up with the treatment by their service department that in November I traded the G80 in for an established brand that understands the needs of their customer base.
5/5 stars, Excellent comfort ride
Mike L.,
3.5T 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Had a test drive and fall in love with this car. Comfort oriented suspension with great handling, accurate shifting 8 speed transmission, with strong V6 engine with more than enough low end torque. My highway average gas mileage has been about 27-28 mpg on summer blend gas. It is a must test drive car for those who want a reliable luxury smooth riding sedan.
5/5 stars, Love this car
Jake,
2.5T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The new2021 Genesis G80 is a work of art. Styling awesome, features exceptional, ride quiet, comfortable, good handling and acceleration. While early in ownership, this car is exceptional for price. Warranty is better than competitors, service included, list goes on. This is impressive.
The E-Class is getting up there in age, but regular updates have kept Mercedes' midsizer competitive. The E-Class is smaller inside than the G80, but it's comfortable and very well appointed. Mercedes offers some great in-car tech and driver aids, too. As you might expect, the G80 undercuts the Mercedes on price and offers a better warranty.
There's a lot to like with the Audi A6. It's comfortable, quiet and well appointed, though it's not quite as spacious as the Genesis inside. Like the G80, the A6 is available with a wide array of in-car tech and driver aids and a variety of powertrains (though none are electric). Like most rivals, the A6 costs more than the G80 and can't match its warranty.
Unlike the Electrified G80, the GV60 was designed from the ground up to be an EV. It's smaller inside than the G80, but its more crossover-like shape offers better cargo space. It doesn't offer as much range as the G80, though the GV60 did outperform its EPA estimate in our testing.
Sedans might be dwindling in popularity, but the G80 is a strong contender in a segment that's managed to stave off the relentless march of the SUV. Midsize luxury sport sedans are still going strong, and Genesis' contender can certainly mix it up with the best from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Genesis added a new Sport trim to the G80 lineup for 2022, and it did exactly what you'd expect: It made the G80 more sporty to drive. For 2023, however, we don't foresee that much in the way of change coming to the G80.
Genesis is adding an all-new variant of the G80 called the G80 Electrified to the lineup, but that G80-based EV will be covered in its own review. As for the versions of the G80 that are powered by gasoline, expect little to no changes for 2023. It's possible that Genesis might juggle features among trim levels or make something that was formerly optional a standard piece of equipment, but that will likely be as much as the automaker changes. Check back here because we'll be sure to outline any updates once they become official.
Edmunds says
For now, just know the Genesis G80 is a great option in a crowded field of midsize luxury sedans.
FAQ
Is the Genesis G80 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 G80 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 G80 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 20 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the G80 has 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Genesis G80. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Genesis G80?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Genesis G80:
Fully electric version now available in certain states
Part of the second G80 generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Genesis G80 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the G80. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the G80's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Genesis G80 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Genesis G80 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 G80 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 G80 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 20 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 G80 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Genesis G80?
The least-expensive 2023 Genesis G80 is the 2023 Genesis G80 2.5T 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $50,000.
Other versions include:
2.5T 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $50,000
2.5T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $53,150
3.5T Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $65,750
If you're interested in the Genesis G80, the next question is, which G80 model is right for you? G80 variants include 2.5T 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 2.5T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 3.5T Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of G80 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
